"I am 50 yrs old, have been wearing eyeglasses since I was 7 yrs. old for myopia. I now also have bifocals. I've also been told I have severe astigmatism and also congenital cataracts. Could I possilby be a candidate for lasik surgery?"
|
|
LASIK Eye Surgery Wilmington, North Carolina Eye Associates of Wilmington, |
|
|
LASIK Eye Surgery Boulder, Colorado Beyer Laser Center, |
|
|
LASIK Eye Surgery Wichita, Kansas Ochsner Eye Center, |
|
LASIK Eye Surgery Murrells Inlet, South Carolina Atlantic Eye Associates, |
|
|
|
LASIK Eye Surgery Beverly Hills, California Alan Berg, MD |

LASIK is the most well-known refractive eye surgery procedure, offering near-perfect vision correction for thousands of people suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (misshapen cornea). LASIK laser eye surgery has been performed in the United States since 1993, and today’s technologies make it easier than ever to achieve clear vision. If you’re one of the millions of people that wears contact lenses or glasses, LASIK eye surgery can correct your vision and eliminate your dependency on synthetic lenses for life.
LASIK laser eye surgery is performed under a mild anesthetic and your doctor may also administer some numbing eye drops to reduce discomfort. If you wear contact lenses, you will be required to discontinue use at least 4 weeks prior to surgery; this reduces any inflammation in the sensitive eye area, and also allows the cornea to resume its natural shape. After the anesthetic sets in, a small device known as a microkeratome is placed on the eye.
A small blade is used to cut a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, and this is then folded back to explose the tissue known as the stroma. The stroma must be clear of any debris or dirt before the laser can be administered. After the LASIK surgeon has cleaned the area, a laser will be administered to cut and remove the corneal tissue that is causing the vision problems.
This entire process occurs within minutes, and the flap is repositioned on the eye so that it can heal. You may be required to wear an eye patch to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of scratching or irritating the eyes.
LASIK technology has become more accurate and precise in recent years, and more doctors are turning to technologies such as the Wavefront Laser and excimer lasers that provide more control during the excision process. Learning about different technologies and options will be part of the consultation process with your LASIK doctor.
Other eye surgery procedures include:
Most people experience a marked improvement in vision immediately after surgery, and this will get better the following day. Vision is typically blurry for the first few days, and you may experience tearing or watering for a few hours after the procedure. Most doctors recommend refraining from swimming and strenuous sports for at least two months after surgery, as these activities can interfere with the healing process. Complete healing typically occurs up to six months after surgery, and any discomfort from the treatment will disappear within a few days.
LASIK continues to be one of the safest and most effective vision correction procedures available, but still poses some health risks. If the laser beam is not targeted to the right area, or if too much corneal tissue is removed, you may experience blurry night vision, the inability to focus, or you may see halos around lights. Some people also develop irregular astigmatism, especially if the eye does not heal properly, or they have excess scar tissue.
LASIK isn’t the best procedure for all people with vision problems. You may be a good candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery if you:
The total cost of LASIK laser eye surgery varies by state, doctor and type of technology used. Since laser eye surgery is considered an elective surgery, you may need to obtain patient financing to manage the total costs involved. The average cost of LASIK per eye ranges from $1,300 to $2,570. These fees may not include doctor’s fees, follow-up care and any drug therapy associated with the procedure. (Source: Marketscope 2007 Comprehensive Report on the Global Refractive Market)
Consulting with a LASIK professional can determine if you are a good fit for LASIK or laser eye surgery and they can guide you through the treatment process. Find out if you’re ready for LASIK surgery by consulting with a laser eye surgeon in your area.
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Related Subjects and Keywords: lasik lasek laser eye surgery lasik laser procedures vision correction lasik costs lasek costs lasik eye surgery
Dissatisfied with our Health Articles? Have a health article suggestion?
Tell us how we can improve.
| Surgery Guides | Cosmetic Procedures | Find A Doctor | Patient Resources | Site Navigation |