Over the years there has been a breakthrough in vision correction. It has turned from wearing the traditional eye glasses or contacts, to LASIK eye surgery. Lasik is the most sought after treatment for those looking to improve their vision.

At first it was a very expensive process. Now, the price has dropped sharply and has become far more affordable for consumers. In fact, there have been quotes $300 for both eyes! When laser vision was first available to consumers, this kind of surgery would cost an excess of $2000 per eye!

The thought of having perfect vision for such a low price is something we all want. There are many that will do what is necessary to eliminate the burden and prolonged cost of contacts and eye glasses. These people have, or will, contemplate the question “should I have this surgery done?” The surgery may sound tempting, but before you decide to have it done, you should go get an eye exam.

Most eye doctors will do complete eye surgery screenings. This means they will perform an eye exam on you. The doctor will look at all areas of the eye, especially at those areas that will be changed during the surgery. The doctor can then assess what type of surgery is best for you to have (and there are many). There are different types of lasers and each one has its own advantages.

These effects can be reduction in vision over time or a scratchy dry feeling of the eyes for a long period after surgery, just to name a few. With so many lasik surgery procedures available, it is best to start with an eye exam. It will allow you to make the best choice for your eyes, and provide you information that can be used for a successful surgery. You want to enjoy your new vision, not complain about the side effects.

Before the Operation

A reliable Lasik surgeon will not simply accept any individual who wants to undergo the operation. You need to be a good candidate by passing all the eye exams provided prior to approval. Some types of eyes or eye characteristics may render a person unfit for the surgery. Vision may become worse or not improve as much depending on the factors present making one an unsuccessful candidate. First, search for competent doctors online or from referrals.

You will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses and switch to your glasses completely before your baseline evaluation. The shape of your cornea changes with contact lenses due to minimal pressure and can alter the results of the eye exams so time is required for your cornea to assume its natural shape. Soft contact lenses should be removed 2 weeks, RGP or rigid gas permeable or toric soft lenses 3 weeks and hard lenses 4 weeks before initial evaluation since shape changes can lead to retained poor vision post-surgery due to inaccurate baseline data.

It is important to tell your Lasik surgeon about past and present eye conditions and diseases. You may be asked when you started using glasses or noticing vision changes. Indicate all medications you have used for your eyes as well as those which you are allergic to. Be honest during the eye exams especially when reading Snellen’s chart and identifying colors. It is important also to discuss the possible benefits, risks, alternatives and expectations during and after the surgery. Once you are verified eligible, you will be provided with the operation details and consent.

During the Operation

Lasik surgery usually takes only about 5 minutes. The Lasik surgeon initially asks you to lie on a reclining chair then puts anesthetic drops in your eye. You will then be led through the entire process verbally so that you know what to expect as well as understand the equipment used and steps taken. One eye is treated then the other if both eyes are involved. After everything is done, you will be transferred to a waiting area to rest for a few minutes before being allowed to leave the clinic. Special anti-glare glasses are usually provided to shield your eyes.

After the Operation

You will be required to wear the special glasses for about 1 month to keep your eyes protected. Once you leave the clinic, you will not immediately be able to clearly see things and images will most likely still be blurred. Good vision will manifest in the next 24 to 48 hours with minor fluctuations in the next 3 months. Your Lasik surgeon will ask you to return to the clinic the next day for them to assess whether or not your vision has improved and by how much. You will also be provided with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial eye drops. Listen and follow recommendations well such as steering clear of eye makeup and getting water in your eyes during the first week.

Precautions in Lasik Clinics

Primarily, you need to visit a Lasik clinic to determine whether or not you are eligible for the operation. There are a number of requirements and tests that you need to have and pass. It is never a good option to cheat or lie about your past eye history and underlying ailments since these could adversely alter the results. Ask about the procedure and find out about the associated risks.

You should be ready for the risks involved such as worse eyesight, blurred vision, etc. Not all patients end up having 20/20 visions and an unsuccessful refractive surgery could end your career. Ask the clinic for an estimate regarding the price and maintenance costs.

A number of patients are cautioned not to proceed with Lasik surgery due to disqualifying factors. Those who were required to alter their eye glasses or contact lens prescription during the past year may still have unstable eyesight wherein the post-operation results of the operation can still change later on in life.

The same goes for patients under 21 years of age since eyesight is known to stabilize only during adulthood. Patients with fluctuating hormones may also experience pressure changes inside the eye such as in the case of those with diabetes mellitus, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals taking drugs like steroids, autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency conditions.

More Checks and the New Technique

You may be screened in the Lasik clinic for presence of conditions like herpes, glaucoma, eye diseases, dry eyes, eye injuries or surgeries and keratoconus. Some types of jobs also have increased risk for eye injury such as professional athletes. Young patients and those taking medications may have dilated pupils even in dim rooms. Glares, halos, ghost images, double visions and starbursts can result after surgery.

Some individuals have increased risk due to the structural design of their eyes such as having thin corneas. It becomes harder for surgeons to reshape the cornea and remove certain tissues if it is too thin and can lead to drastic complications like blindness. For patients who have already undergone refractive surgery in the past such as PRK and RK, they may no longer be candidates for Lasik clinics since the condition can be aggravated. They should undergo eye exams and assessment first before being approved.

There is a new procedure available in Lasik clinics known as Monovision which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA. Also called, Advanced Custom Vue Monovision, it allows individuals to see certain distances in each eye which means that one eye is able to see close images while the other is able to see distant images. This is a highly unique approach that is still considered by many patients as effective. They still however, need to practice and adjust to the visual changes at first to experience the benefits of better vision.

Your doctor told you to have a cataract surgery in order to remove the cataract. You know what it is and so you agree on the doctor’s recommendation. But afterwards your doctor questioned you of choosing what type of intraocular lens (IOL) you’re going to use. Now you have problems choosing because you don’t know what the different types of IOL are and what benefits you can get from them. So your doctor explains it for you.

Standard IOL

This type of IOL has proven itself effective and safe for the past 20 years. However, it has one limitation because it will only provide one power per eye, which means that patient, can either see near or far objects and not both.

You can choose from two alternatives. The first option uses an IOL for distance vision and so you need glasses for near activities. While the second choice uses an IOL that provides one eye with a distance vision and the other eye with a near vision. It is also known as “monovision.

Multifocal IOL

Multifocal IOLs offered distance and either intermediate or near vision in a single eye. The ReZoom IOL provides the intermediate and distance vision while the ReStore IOL provide the near and distance vision. It has rings of differing power, which allows you to see various areas of space. However, one complication include halo or glare around lights especially while driving at night.

Accommodative IOL

This type of IOL has no rings of differing power, but it can move forward and backward in the eye to cause change in its power. The shifting is not felt by the patient. It is for intermediate and distance vision only and don’t have any glare or halo issue.

Good Things to Know

Surgery Lasik can treat nearsightedness or myopia, farsightedness or hyperopia and astigmatism which are problems associated with irregular corneal shape. The term “Lasik” itself refers to the process of reshaping the cornea by vaporizing parts of the stroma which is found at the center part in order to better focus images perceived within the eye. “In situ” is the Greek term which means “being of normal or natural state”, “Kerato” is the Greek term for cornea and “mileusis” is the Greek word for shape.

The procedure was first performed in clinical trials in the United States in 1995. However, ophthalmologists have already been reshaping the cornea for more than 50 years. The creation of protective tissue layers on the eyes have been in existence for more than 35 years. The excimer laser in PRK surgeries has been around for more than 25 years. refractive surgery has a very long history.

Surgery Lasik started officially in 1998 which combines the excimer laser’s precision with the corneal flap technique. Some of the advantages that Lasik have over PRK include greater precision, faster recovery period for patients, less required post-operative medications and eye drops, a more comfortable process and fewer complications.

People who are eligible for the surgical procedure can expect to become less dependent on glasses and corrective lenses. However, not everyone can have 20/20 vision after. Pre-operative evaluation through a series of eye exams is done to determine whether or not a person is a candidate for Lasik. Some individuals just do not the right eye structure or characteristics to go on with the operation while others have pre-existing conditions that may result to complications after. There are risks involved which are why pre-evaluation practices are required as well.

Lasik Results and Additional Info

Lasik improves visual capacity significantly. There are many who have successfully attained 20/20 vision or better while more than 90% reach at least 20/40 vision. There are no guarantees of perfect eyesight and those with high myopia should have lower expectations.

Surgery Lasik effects are permanent and do not wear off over time. However, internal structures and conditions of the eye can still change thus affecting vision later on. It is recommended to undergo the procedure only after major changes in the eye have already occurred unlike children whose visual capacity is still constantly developing. Ideally, patients should be at least 18 years old.

Eye exams before the procedure will confirm whether or not eye changes have ceased or still going on. Modification after surgery Lasik is still possible through enhancement procedures if necessary. Patients will be asked to return to the eye clinic regularly for a period of 1 year. Re-treatment is not uncommon and patients are advised to have their eyes checked regularly after the operation to determine underlying causes of possible visual changes. The price of the surgery varies depending on the condition of the patient as well as location. Average estimates would be anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.

Today, there has been a great deal of excitement around the latest development in laser eye surgery. But before you’ll be caught up from all the excitement of the promise of improved vision, you should take time first in selecting an eye surgery center that offers highly qualified eye surgeons and the best facilities available. And since, the operation causes permanent changes in the cornea then choosing a reputable center is indeed very important.

How to find a reputable center near you

In order to clear your doubts, you should schedule for an appointment with an eye doctor from any center near you. Eye centers are there in order to serve you and entertain your questions. They know exactly what you are seeking and they could recommend the best type of laser eye surgery, which is quick, with less discomfort and that suite you. You can find their contacts from local directory services like yellow pages.

Asking past patients

Consulting past patients who had undergone a laser eye surgery is an important tip in selecting an economical and credible eye center. You can ask them the services offered by the center. You can also inquire cheap and high-quality laser surgery centers they know or their friends know.

Other important points to consider

When choosing for a high-quality eye center, you should consider its overall cleanliness, how long the clinic has been in business, the aftercare program, the licensing, education, and years of experience of the surgeons and the experience and training of the support staff.

Check also with the local and state agencies that supervise such centers. If there were anomalies in the result of the eye surgery procedure, then these centers will probably received complaints.

Your Doctor May Ask You

A good Lasik eye surgery surgeon will not depend on his or her own observations. The decision to allow you to undergo the operation will greatly be based on the results of your previous eye checkups from other ophthalmologists, the current status of your eyes from initial eye exams, referrals and updated knowledge on the subject of refraction surgery. The surgeon will want to ensure that there are not underlying medical conditions and eye characteristics that will hinder the success of the procedure.

Your Lasik surgeon will most likely ask you your age, how long you’ve been wearing glasses or contact lenses, if you feel migraines or experience astigmatism and other medical history data. The doctor wants to make sure that your eyes are already stabilized for laser treatment since there are individuals especially those below 21 years of age, taking drugs or have certain conditions who may develop vision changes after the operation due to unstable eye development. It is recommended that you seek a Lasik eye surgery surgeon after your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription ceases to change for at least 1 year.

An effective surgeon will inform you about your patient rights as well as the possible risks and complications of Lasik. You will be provided with a detailed form of all procedures, tests and medications so that you know what you’re paying for. You will also be asked to sign an informed consent that you are fully aware of risks.

Other questions that your doctor may ask would be if you’re ready to have your current eye problem corrected, if you’re ready to face the responsibilities of a post-operative Lasik patient and if you’re ready to have less than favorable results, probably not as perfect or a 20/20 vision as you expected.

Operative and Post-Operative Care

Remember to listen and follow instructions carefully while the operation is going on although it will only last 5 minutes. There will be occasions which may feel uncomfortable such as temporarily dimming of sight, vision blurs and extreme brightness due to dilated pupils. These are all normal and your doctor should inform you about what to expect for the first few hours and days. Since Lasik is an outpatient procedure, you can readily walk out afterwards.

Go to checkups regularly after the operation so that your Lasik eye surgery surgeon will be able to assess how well your eyesight has improved. You will be asked to return the next day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the day of the surgery.

You will most likely be asked to attend annual checkups later on. Report any adverse effects or changes that you notice immediately so that post-operative complications can be treated by your doctor without much trouble or drastic differences in your eyes. Ask your doctor about symptoms to watch out for after Lasik treatment to ensure quick healing and avoid risks.

FDA-approved age group

This surgical procedure was FDA approved in 1998. Accordingly, FDA doesn’t allow children and teens under the age of 18 to undergo the procedure. Doctors even recommend patients to wait until they reach the age of 21 in order to have the surgery.

The reason why patient must be at least 18 years old is that the vision of a person normally changes significantly during the teenage years up to early adulthood. If you were to undergo the procedure and you experience major changes in your vision, your visual perception may decline considerably. Some doctors can manage to correct the problem but majority of patients may once again end up wearing contact lenses or corrective glasses.

Another reason to wait is for you to have a chance in selecting other eye surgery. It is important to note that Lasik is not the only surgical technique used to improve or fix your vision.

There’s really no ideal age to undergo LASIK Eye Surgery but according to researches there are certain age groups that can benefit greatly from this surgery. Experts suggest that patients in their 40s, 50s and even 60s can get good results from the surgery as long as they have a realistic expectation and goal.

Am I too old for the surgery?

Believe it or not, there’s no maximum age for Lasik eye surgery. However, the health of your eye and your overall well being must first be assessed by an eye care specialist to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Assessment is very important to detect age-related cataracts, corneal thinning and glaucoma. If these conditions are present then there’s a possibility that this surgery may be difficult or impossible to perform.

It Started in 1950

Jose Barraquer, a Colombian-based Spanish ophthalmologist started the conquest towards Lasik surgical treatment in 1950 when he developed the very first microkeratome in his clinic in Bogota, Colombia. The microkeratome was used to cut thin flaps in and reshape the cornea. The process was then known as keratomileusis which “K” stands for in the term “Lasik”. The doctor explained how some parts of the cornea need to remain the same in order to stabilize focus and vision of the eye permanently. Stephan Schaller was Barraquer’s assistant in this endeavor.

Mani Lal Bhaumik and fellow scientists from the Northrup Corporation Research and Technology Center of the University of California in 1968 developed the excimer laser while working on a carbon-dioxide laser.

The excimer laser allows molecules that do not naturally exist during the excitation of argon, krypton and xenon gases to manifest. This became an important part in the evolution of Lasik eye surgery. The formal introduction of the excimer laser was in May 1973 during a Denver Optical Society of America meeting. Dr. Bhaumik patented the great discovery later on.

Svyatoslav Fyodorov from Russia during the 1970s developed the technical and procedural aspects of Lasik technology with the introduction and development of RK or radial keratotomy.A micrometer diamond knife which is not involved in today’s Lasik surgeries was used to make radial corneal cuts. Theo Seiler from Germany in the 1980s introduced and developed PRK or photorefractive keratectomy. During this time, common post-operative complications can result such as infection or dry eyes. These can be corrected easily through medical and laser treatment.

The Move to Modern

Rangaswamy Srinivasan discovered in 1980 that an ultraviolet excimer laser is able to precisely etch tissues in the human body without thermally damaging surrounding areas. The technique was then called Ablative Photodecomposition or APD. This proved to be a big step in letting lasers enter the realm of refractive operations. Dr. Gholam A. Peyman received the first patent for Lasik on June 20, 1989.

The U.S. Patent #4,840,175, “Method for Modifying Corneal Curvature” describes the surgery as the cutting of a flap in the cornea which is then pulled back to expose the corneal be. An excimer laser is used to reshape by ablating the exposed surface then finally replacing the flap. There are variations in methods and customizations as well.

Lucio Buratto from Italy and Ioannis Pallikaris from Greece continued to develop Lasik surgical procedure by merging keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Precision was increased while complications lessened. The first recorded official Lasik surgery was done in 1998.

At present, Lasik technology is painless, quick and effective and is the most commonly done refractive procedure worldwide. There are slight variations to the approaches, materials and techniques considering the various goals for the eye. Risk factors have also been reduced significantly through eye exams and initial assessments. Overall, it is still the result of theories, developments and designs made more than 50 years ago.

The benefits of laser eye surgery

A promise of better eyesight is the most obvious benefit a laser eye surgery can offer. You can just say goodbye to that blurry vision and hello to much sharper and clearer eyesight. Reading traffic signs from a long distance would not be difficult for you. Reading can be once again a pleasurable thing to do.

Another benefit is that you will be free from wearing any glasses or contact lenses. You don’t need to worry about falling asleep without taking them off. Packing things for a vacation would be easy because you don’t need to bring any cleaning solutions and cases. And you don’t have to change glasses and contact lenses from time to time.

Lastly, laser eye surgery can be done within one day and the recovery time is very fast. All you need to do is to have an appointment with your ophthalmologist, undergo the operation and you will have the vision you are looking for.

Minor drawbacks

In every procedure, there would also be the present of some drawbacks. In laser eye surgery, an extremely tiny minority of patients find that the operation is not compatible to them. Instead of a clear vision, some manifest complications such as multiple vision, irregular astigmatism, lack of color contrast and “dry-eye” syndrome.

Millions of Americans around the country has experience the benefits of laser eye surgery. As you can see, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. That is why if you dream of a clear eyesight then consider having a laser eye surgery now.