LASIK eye surgery has gained popularity in recent years. The procedure is performed in the doctor's office, and patients return to normal activity after the surgery is done on the same day. The procedure has helped correct many people's vision. Celebrities and athletes like former NFL player Tiki Barber have had LASIK to correct their vision.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is the precise removal of the corneal tissue by a special laser that changes the focal power of the eye. The cornea is responsible for bending light in the eye and creating an image on the retina. The light bending and focus is called refraction, and the imperfections of the eyes' focal ability are called refractive errors. LASIK is used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (cloudy vision). It is not uncommon to find any given combination of these refractive errors that need LASIK to correct vision.
Brief Descriotion of the Operation
The cornea is sliced with a device called the microkeratome. This creates a flap on the eyeball. The doctor employs extreme caution and precision in creating a perfect flap. The flap is then rolled back to expose the inner layer of the cornea. The necessary refractive corrections are made on the cornea's inner level using the excimer laser. When the treatment is finished, the flap is returned to its original position. It is interesting to note that the eye has an extraordinary suction ability to hold the flap in place. This enables the doctor to take great care in making sure the flaps fit perfectly when the corrective measures have been completed.
LASIK FAQ
How much does LASIK surgery cost? According to allaboutvision.com, the average cost of the basic surgery in 2009 is $2,140 per eye. Special circumstances or procedures could add a few hundred dollars.
Is LASIK covered by my insurance? LASIK is considered an elective surgery by most insurance companies. It is best to check with your provider to see if the service is covered entirely.
Is there an age limit? There is no age limit in performing the surgery. The only limitation is that the patient must have no cataracts.
Will I go blind? According to recent data no one has lost their sight.
What are the side effects? Reported side effects are sensitivity to light, dry eye, inability to discern objects in low light, as well as lack of visual clarity in the first few months after the surgery.
Is there any long-term risk involved? In the 15 years since the surgery's inception, there have been no reported long-term or progressive side effects.
Is LASIK safe? When performed by a qualified surgeon, LASIK treatments are very safe. Although no operation is performed without risks, they are very minimal with this procedure.
What happens if the surgery isn't successful? Most people walk away from the surgery with sharper vision. LASIK surgery has a high success rate.
How much will my vision improve? Patients walk the surgery with 20/40 vision, an 85 percent improvement in sight.
Questions for the Doctor
Tough questions have to be asked while researching the right doctor to perform the surgery.
How many LASIK procedures have you performed in past 12 months?
What percentage of your patients receive 20/20 vision after the surgery?
What percentage of unresolved complications have you had in past 6 months?
How many operations have you performed that are similar to mine and with what kind of equipment?
What was the worst refractive surgery mishap you've experienced? How was it handled?
Good Candidates for LASIK
Your eyes must be examined every 2 years by an ophthalmologist. Candidates must be afflicted with myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia for at least a year. The ideal age for eye maturity is 18 years, and the patient must not have had any eye infections in the past year. Individuals with dry eye syndrome are not good candidates for LASIK .
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