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Medical advancement has improved the precision and safety of traditional Lasik. It has also made room for other forms of Lasik. Patients who find they do not meet the ideal standards as a candidate for Lasik have other options. Lasik eye surgery can now accommodate a variety of needs for vision correction. Learn about how to improve your night vision with Lasik.
Traditional Lasik
Lasik is the preferred procedure for many Americans with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. An outpatient procedure that usually takes about 15 minutes, Lasik is performed with a microkeratome blade. The laser eye surgeon creates a flap in the outermost corneal layer. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is then replaced as a natural bandage.
Low Order Aberrations Vs. High Order Aberrations
Lasik is a simple procedure, but many patients have vision correction needs that traditional Lasik is not designed to address. Traditional Lasik is most beneficial to patients with low-order aberrations. Refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism are low-order aberrations that can be corrected with traditional Lasik.
Improve Night Vision With Custom Lasik Surgery
Custom Lasik addresses not only low-order aberrations, but also more complex, difficult-to-detect aberrations. Patients with large pupils, low contrast sensitivity and thin corneas may be able to improve night vision through Custom Lasik. Low-contrast sensitivity is a high order aberration which makes it difficult to see an object against a low-contrast background. People with large pupils are not only prone to poor night vision, but traditional Lasik can also worsen the aberration.
Custom Lasik, Custom Results
Custom Lasik uses wavefront technology to pinpoint refractive errors that are undetectable through traditional Lasik. Wavefront technology creates three-dimensional chart of the cornea, measuring how your eye focuses light. Custom Lasik corrects visual acuity, as well as, visual quality. Lasers guided through wavefront technology are more precise and individualized for each patient.
Custom Lasik may also be the best option for patients with previous laser eye surgery. Custom Lasik can be the answer for correcting past laser eye surgery, with unsuccessful results. Patients who experience complications from traditional Lasik, such as light sensitivity, night glare and halos, may find relief through Custom Lasik.
Lasik Cost
The cost of Lasik surgery can range anywhere from $499 to $2,500. Cost is determined based on the type of Lasik surgery and the condition of your eyes. When making a decision about which type of laser eye surgery will work best with your needs and budget, keep in mind any conditions that may increase the risk of postoperative complications associated with traditional Lasik. Custom Lasik is the most expensive for of Lasik surgery, but may also prevent the need for additional surgeries. If you're looking specifically to improve night vision, Custom Lasik may be the best route to take.
Because Lasik is considered an elective procedure, most insurance companies will not cover the cost. However, there are many financing options available. Your Lasik surgeon may provide a payment plan. He or she may also work with a few financial institutions. In this case, you may be able to take care of the application process directly at the doctor's office.
While LASIK eye surgery is a popular option to improve vision, many people are surprised to learn that this popular laser eye surgery can also be used to treat problems with night vision. Night vision problems can be caused by a number of things, including vitamin deficiencies, degenerative eye diseases and inherited conditions. Fortunately, as new technologies and techniques continue to emerge, LASIK has become an effective way to combat such problems. Consider your needs and talk to your doctor before deciding if you are a good candidate for this type of corrective procedure.
How Does LASIK Work?
Traditionally, LASIK eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea of the eye. People with nearsightedness have corneas that are too steep, causing incoming light rays to be focused before the retina. The LASIK procedure allows surgeons to flatten the cornea so that the light rays can be focused properly directly on the retina. People with farsightedness have corneas that are too flat, causing incoming light rays to be focused behind the retina. In this case, the LASIK procedure works by steepening the angle of the cornea so that the light can be focused on the retina.
Using LASIK to Improve Night Vision
One of the biggest concerns about LASIK in the past was the possibility of experience night vision problems as a result of the procedure. Some patients reported experiencing side effects such as glare, light halos and generally poor night vision. Extensive research and innovative technologies have led to breakthrough techniques devised to correct this problem. Wavefront guided laser treatments and Intralase LASIK methods are the two cutting edge treatments that can help patients improve both their day and night vision.
The Benefits of LASIK
There are many reasons to choose LASIK surgery, but it is important to consider the potential benefits before making a decision. Night vision problems can be a major problem, especially for anyone who needs to drive at night. In some cases, night vision can become so impaired that night driving is simply impossible. Utilizing LASIK to improve night vision can reduce or even eliminate this problem entirely.
There are, of course, many other reasons to opt for LASIK eye surgery. Anyone who struggles with glasses and contacts knows how inconvenient and cumbersome corrective eyewear can be. Laser eye surgery can minimize or even completely do away with the need for glasses and contacts. Sports and exercise activities are much more convenient without needing to worry about dropping your glasses, while sports such as swimming and diving are easier without the concern of losing your contacts in the water.