Learning About LASIK:


LASIK is a surgical procedure for reducing or removing a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Infact LASIK is the vision correction surgery, (i.e. eye surgeries for improving vision, refractive surgery)
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea. A knife microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. A laser is used to reshape the cornea to alter the way light rays enter the eye for achieving focus.
There are many variations of laser based eye operation. Remember that basic procedure Is same. Other variations are given below:

LASIK, which requires more corneal tissue for success. It is a relatively new procedure;

Epi-LASIK is like LASEK in that the flap is cut only in the epithelium, the surgeon only uses an epikeratome, a separator that creates an epithelial sheet. patients feel less pain than alcohol procedures.

All Laser LASIK An additional laser instead of a bladed instrument is used to create the flap in the front of the eye.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) an excimer laser is used to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea. This removal results in a new shape, ans reduces vision problem. PRK takes less than one minute per eye. No flap is cut as occurs with LASIK.


Cost of LASIK and Other Corrective Eye Surgery

Cost affects the decision of a person about any operation, specially if you are in New York. In last 4-5 years , New York cost of Lasik Is increased by 50-70%.only three percent of LASIK procedures are performed for less than $1,000 per eye. In the first quarter of 2006 it was $2,052. )In 2002 it was $1,500 – $1,600. In 2003 it had risen to $1,700; and at the end of 2004, it was a little over $1,800; and in 2005 it was $2000.
average price for LASIK is approximately $2,000.This is a fair estimate. But before
lasik, always Read the fine print for possible hidden costs.Infact Florida's Attorney General has announced a settlement with Lasik Vision Institute about actual cost of eye surgeries as given in the company's advertisements.

How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon

Generally there are some fixed questions which you can ask to your surgeon. This will roughly give you an idea about surgeon accuracy as well as operation suitability. Please Read them carefully:
A) he or she is associated with an academic medical center, such as a teaching hospital or one that is well-known for advanced technology. are more likely to keep up with current information, new procedures .
B) Choose a doctor who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
C) Ask for a referral from your regular eye care practitioner, whether an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
D) Call refractive surgery centers in your area; In New york you'll find them in the Yellow Pages.

Now after choosing a surgeon, it’s time for a little interview of your surgeon. You should ask following questions:
A) How with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, has he performed many refractive procedures?
B) Has he done more than 500 Procedures?
C) Has he performing refractive surgery procedures more than three years.
D) Can he provide the contact information of at least ten previous patients?
E) Have you ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied?
F) Have you been convicted of a felony?
H) License to perform refractive surgery revoked(should not be suspended or restricted)?
I) what percentage achieved 20/20 or better?



How long does LASIK take?

The laser treatment itself usually takes less than a minute, while the entire procedure takes around 15 minutes per eye.



Can I have both eyes done at the same time?

Yes, most surgeons perform the procedure on both eyes at the same time; however, some patients prefer to wait a week between eyes.

Are LASIK safe?

difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3% to 5%, while the risk of serious incidents such as lost vision is thought to be less than 1%. At least in New york There are no known cases of blindness from LASIK or PRK.

Are there any side effects?

Dry eye, starbursts or halos around lights this effect disappears over time in 98% cases.

Safe Lasik:

There is a myth around people that due to a minor mistake, you can be blind.That the way people think because shape of the cornea is changed permanently. but do you know that the laser treats your eye in a fraction of a second. So that You can't move your head during that duration. Laser reaches its correct destination.If you believe on past records then certainly you should not be any doubt why It is so popular in entire U.S.A. .

Lasik:A Painless Surgical Procedure

Often it is seen that most of the people avoids operation because it may cause them pain.But infact these are old days stories.Today most of us well knows that a wide range of drugs are avilable which makes our mind senseless about pain.In Lasik Anaesthetic eye drops are used.No injection at all dear.Some may report lash rubbing the eye but for some hours only.Next day it will be alright.
Even it is seen that sometimes patient ask doctor "Has operation really finished?"So at least pain is no reason for you to avoid lasik surgery.


Does age Matter?

The question is - can I have lasik surgery in any age or it has any rules. If you are under 18 then i will definitely not suggest you for this surgery. Please use other options until you are at least 18 years old. But better if you go for it after 21-22.But why? Because the shape of the cornea and other internal eye parts changes during adolescence. If you get a successful operation during adolescence and get corrected your vision problem then most probably you will face it in again after some years. And no doubt, no Ophthalmologist will suggest you to go for this again. Then what to do? A simple answer is waiting and use other alternative like contact lenses. Well, believe me, that is not too bad.