Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is a procedure done using a laser to reshape the cornea or fix irregularities of the eye to help improve vision. There are a few different variations of laser eye surgery. You can have PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASIK using wavefront technology or blade-free LASIk utilizing IntraLase lasers. When most people think laser eye surgery they think LASIK, and this is because it has quickly become a popular option. In fact, since its development in 1990, LASIK laser eye surgery has successfully improved the vision of people worldwide, and helped end or reduce dependency on glasses, contacts or corrective lenses. It has such a high success rate, that people now consider the term LASIK and laser eye surgery to by one in the same.

LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery, although it is important to note that there are other laser options for surgery as well. However, due to the popularity and the propensity most doctors have to lean toward using LASIK, the majority of this information will be about LASIK.

LASIK is one of the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedures. It is a relatively simple procedure, and the surgery itself takes less than a few minutes to perform. In fact, put simply, all the doctor does is cut a flap in the top layer of the eye, fold it back, then use the laser to send light pulses to the areas of the eye that are irregular to evaporate them, and make the cornea shape appropriate for refracting light properly so that you can see the way you are supposed to. The actual laser part is done by a surgeon sending signals through a computer. Once the irregularities are fixed, the flap is folded back into place and the eye is given time to heal. It is a same day surgery, as is PRK, and they are essentially done the same way, the biggest difference being that LASIK uses newer technology and a different laser type.

LASIK laser eye surgery has opened up the option of laser eye surgery to far more candidates. In the past the results were not as good if you did not meet certain criteria, today, there are far more acceptable candidates for this type of surgery, and the various technological advancements have added to the ease, comfort, and accessibility of laser eye surgery, today you can get custom LASIK using Wavefront technology and blade-free LASIK utilizing an IntraLase laser.

The cost of laser eye surgery is variable based on where you get it done, what technology is used, and how much experience the surgeon has. Whether you get PRK or LASIK however does not make much of a difference in cost. When you are looking at the price of getting laser eye surgery you need to think about the benefits of paying for more high priced care, and better service. Basically cost should not be as big of a factor as deciding what surgeon you want to use, what equipment and quality of the laser system will be used, and the quality of care given to each patient. In addition to that, if your eyes are really poor, meaning your vision prescription is powerful, you may need to pay more than you would for a laser eye surgery for a weak prescription or easier irregularity to correct.

When it comes to laser eye surgery, the most important decision you will make is that of choosing the eye surgeon that will perform the surgery. Although risks are relatively low, and there is a high success rate, it is your vision you are putting on the line. Thus, choosing an experienced doctor with a good reputation will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome and successful surgery. You are going to want to talk to your primary eye doctor and ask them for suggestions for an ophthalmologist, but in addition to that, you should do some research into which eye surgeons are the best in your region.

Too often when people are told they should consider laser eye surgery they immediately think of the discount centers that advertise on big billboards and signs, as well as the radio and television. Do not base your choice of surgeon or center on price alone as you might just get what you payf for-a discount quality surgery.

Before you get laser eye surgery you will go in for an eye examination and a topographic map of your eye will be made so that your eye surgeon can see where your irregularities are, and what needs to be done to fix them. Obviously no two eyes are the same, and thus each surgery will be slightly different. Some people are simply not good candidates because of the specific things with their eyes. Thus, your doctor will examine your eyes and tell you if you are a good candidate for conventional laser eye surgery, custom laser eye surgery, or other forms.

Laser eye surgery is usually for individuals with refractive errors, but there are some people who are not good candidates for the procedure based on the severity of their refractive error, or uniqueness of their situation. It is important that you understand that while laser eye surgery is great for many, if you are not a good candidate you won't have a good outcome, and thus you surgeon will not be likely to perform the surgery.

The factors considered include the following:

Age: Even though many children have refractive vision problems, they do not usually make good candidates for laser eye surgery because the eye changes as you grow, and will change too much until growth is complete. Most experts believe that an individual's vision should be stable for at least a year before laser eye surgery is performed. Thus, until the early to mid twenties you will not be considered a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The hormones your body produces can affect your eyes, and their recovery, thus women who are pregnant or nursing will need to wait until hormone levels return to normal and the eyes stabilize before having laser eye surgery. If they have surgery before this happens it can put their vision at significantly higher risk, and most surgeons are unwilling to risk it.

Eye conditions: there are simply some eye conditions that make people unsuitable candidates for laser eye surgery, no matter what type. For example, if a patient suffers from severe dry eyes, their corneas are too thin, or if their corneas are too steep, then they may not qualify for specific surgery types. For example, people with thin cornea would do better to have a PRK than a LASIK surgery. So, eye condition plays a part in what kind of laser surgery is best as well as whether or not you can even get laser eye surgery.

Autoimmune disease: If you are considering laser eye surgery your whole medical history will be considered, and in some cases you will be found unsuitable for laser surgery because of other medical conditions. For example, the presence of an autoimmune disease may result in an unexpected or undesirable response to eye surgery, and can lead to poor healing. Thus the FDA has listed autoimmune conditions as a contraindication for laser eye surgery, meaning it is not approved or advised. If a doctor feels it is medically appropriate an autoimmune disease may be overlooked, but this is rare, and will be determined on an individual basis as your health, and vision can be put at risk.

Laser eye surgery, while considered a safe procedure, and while it only takes a few minutes to perform, is still major medical surgery, and thus the proper research and precautions should be taken before deciding to go ahead and have laser eye surgery. For the most part, laser eye surgery is considered an elective procedure, as corrective lenses can be used to treat the problem. While the goal of laser eye surgery is to help restore vision, it does have risks, and in some cases those risks are inappropriate, thus glasses, contacts, or corrective lenses are a better option.

Prospective patients should become informed about the various laser eye surgery procedures, and should carefully weigh the options, benefits, risks and complications, based on their personal scale of priorities. For some people risking vision is unacceptable, and thus to them it is not worth it. To others the high success rate may outweigh the risks. This is a personal decision, but should be made only after you become well aware of, and informed about your options. The decision to undergo laser eye surgery involves choosing the best procedure, finding a qualified doctor, and determining if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. While there is a lot of potential, it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. So, take the time to look at your options, talk to your doctor, and make the best decision for you!