Laser eye surgery, also called LASIK surgery can correct less than normal vision. In most cases the surgery is successful and the individual can see well without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. This type of surgery was developed in 1990 and has become increasingly popular.
Laser surgery is possible for those that have certain eye problems. Those with near sightedness and far sightedness are in luck because they qualify. When the eyes work correctly light pours through the lens of the eye and on to the retina where the light bends or refracts. The retina is what makes things focus within the sight system. People that have problems with vision have a problem with the light refracting on the retina. For many reasons the light does not get that far or goes too far. When you wear corrective lenses it causes the light to once again fall on the retina to focus.
A person that cannot see far has an issue with the light falling short of the retina and instead it falls on the cornea. All laser surgery requires is that the cornea be reshaped so that the light can refract on the retina. In the case above the laser removes material in the middle of the cornea, which becomes thinner and no longer stops the light from getting to the retina. Those having the opposite problem of not being able to see up close also has part of the cornea removed with the laser Instead of the middle material the laser cuts away from the edge of the cornea so that the light no longer over shoots the retina.
A patient is given a painkiller that is applied to the cornea of the eye before surgery. The eyelids are taped open and a metal tool called a speculum is applied to keep the eyelids apart. The surgeon makes a small makes a small cut on the cornea that creates a flap. The laser then removes the material from the cornea that makes it impossible for the light to focus in the correct area. The flap is put back where it belongs and stitched back into place. The procedure does not take long and though there may be some discomfort there is not any extreme pain involved. The laser is pre programmed and automated so there is little chance that there can be any mistakes.
The people that are most likely to have this surgery are those whose vision has not changed much, which limits the surgery and discounts young patients. Having a cornea that is relatively thin may prevent a patient from having the surgery. Material cannot be removed if there is not much there to be removed. This happens when a person has serious loss of eyesight. Those that have the age related presbyopia or have astigmatism are candidates for the surgery.
Health insurance usually will not pay for laser surgery. There are those doctors that will accept payments but most want to be paid the entire amount before surgery commences. Make sure to find a doctor that has done many surgeries. Do not go to a doctor that advertises a cheap rate and has not done many surgeries. Laser surgery will cost about USD $1500 at the least and $3500 at the most so watch out for added expenses after surgery by a doctor charging less.
This is considered major surgery and be prepared to have to do certain things before and after surgery. Those that wear contacts have to stop wearing them for a period of time and those that have hard lenses may have to wait a few months. Eye makeup must not be worn several days prior and a week or so after surgery. Eye drops will have to be taken after surgery and an antibiotic must be taken as well to stop any infection that may develop. There is a special guard to put over the eye when sleeping in order to protect it. The good news is that 90% of those that have the procedure can live the rest of their life being able to see perfectly without wearing corrective lenses.
Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. Lasik is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. You should check out the lasik institute where you should be able to find a reputable lasik doctor. You will make a good start by checking out the useful, free information on our website.