April 2010 Archives

Many many people need to wear glasses or contacts to correct their vision. Lasik can be a way to negate the need for corrective lenses. Lasik is an anagram for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A laser permanently changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision.

This surgery is not appropriate for all people. There are risks involved in any surgical procedure. It is also something to keep in mind that most medical insurance policies do not cover the procedure. Although the price has been coming down, it is still not a cheap operation.

Vision needs to be stable for at least a year before the procedure is done. If your prescription keeps changing, it means that the eye is still curving. Surgery done at this time will not be effective.

Before deciding on any medical procedure many factors need to be taken into account. Comparison is a must. Different surgeons, centers, and equipment will give different results. The number of procedures the doctor has done will also make a difference.

While cost is a major factor, it should not be the only consideration. In the long term and cost difference will be minimized. Remember that the procedure lasts for years and years. The first eye center and doctor that you research may not be the best.

Make sure to play your part and educate yourself. Read all the information your doctor gives you, and ask questions. You are paying for a service, so be sure you are getting what you are paying for. Any doctor you choose should be willing to talk about everything, including past successes and complications.

Before and after the procedure there are things that you are responsible for. Getting a baseline eye exam is the first step. This exam is essential for measuring the baseline curve of the eye and determining if you are a suitable candidate for surgery.

Contact lenses must be removed before the initial exam. Since contacts change the curvature of the eye, the baseline measurement won’t be accurate until the eye settles back to its normal curvature. The whole idea of the surgery is to reshape the eye. If the baseline measurement isn’t correct, the surgery won’t be correct.

If soft contacts are worn they should be removed 2 weeks before surgery. Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed at least 3 weeks before surgery. Hard lenses should be removed at least 4 weeks before the procedure. Sometimes eye measurements need to be made more than once before the procedure especially if hard lenses are worn. Switch to glasses while the contacts are out.

The day before surgery stop using all lotions, creams, makeup and perfumes. These products can increase the likelihood of infection. Debris along eyelashes can also cause problems, so your doctor may have you scrub along the eyelashes before the operation.

On the day of the operation be sure you have arranged for transportation to and from the procedure. The surgery itself should only take about thirty minutes. You will be lying on your back. A numbing drop is placed in the eye and the eye is held open. You will be asked to stare at a light to hold the eye in place. Once the eye is in position, the laser cuts off part of the eye to correct the vision. After the procedure a shield will be placed over the eye since stitches are not used.

After surgery there should be regular visits with your doctor within the first 6 months. It may take up to six months for vision to stabilize after the surgery. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery. Hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 8 weeks after the procedure.

According to surveys 92-98% of patients are satisfied with their Lasik. Sometimes retreatment is needed, but most people still find it worth it.

We hope the provided details concerning LASIK is helpful. Chick this web page for Coral Springs Florida lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about LASIK in Grand Prairie Texas.

categories: LASIK,laser eye surgery,vision,glasses,eye care