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is one of the oldest forms of eye surgery available. It has been around for well over 25 years now and has undergone some major developments. Like any surgery, there still are risks involved, but compared to other forms of surgery, the LASIK procedure is a relatively simple and complication-free process. Healing from the procedure generally takes only 1-3 days.
How it works
LASIK is a 2-step process. A flap in the cornea of the eye is cut open (a process called keratomileusis); then the cornea is shaped with an ultraviolet excimer laser, correcting any myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Who's a good candidate?
As long as your eye(s) are fully developed and your immune system is strong, there's no reason that LASIK couldn't help you. This typically means you must be at least 18 years old and have not had any changes in their eye's refraction.
What will I go through?
With today's technology, the actual LASIK procedure only takes 15-40 seconds to complete per eye. It is done with the patient awake, but you are given a mild sedative as well as anesthesia in your eye, so it is generally painless. During the first step, when a flap of your cornea is lifted, your vision will become very blurry and you'll see very bright light, which may be slightly disorienting. To hold the eye during the procedure, a corneal suction ring is used. This occasionally causes blood vessels in the eye to burst, but it is harmless and will resolve to normal within weeks. In the second step, with the corneal flap lifted, a computer controlled excimer laser shapes the eye and then the flap is refitted. The flap adheres naturally to the eye until it's fully healed.
Complications
Only 3-6% of LASIK patients undergo any lasting complications. Of the 6% that do experience complications, they are generally mild and consist of eye dryness, light sensitivity, or double vision. Some of the more common complications, such as a slipped flap, will generally heal on their own. Though, with today's ease and speed of the operation, this is becoming less of a problem.
How will my vision change?
Out of several surveys, patients who've undergone LASIK have shown to be 92-98% satisfied with their vision after the surgery. In recent years, there has been an increase in claims involving different types of laser eye surgery, but many believe that this is due to patient's unrealistic view of LASIK, rather than unsuccessful or faulty operation.
For those of you that don't know Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In Lasik the surgeon cuts a small flap in the cornea and uses a laser to reshape the inner area of the cornea. Problems with the cornea can be related to many vision troubles such as; Hyperopia or farsightedness and Myopia or nearsightedness). Also problems like Astigmatism can also be caused. The good news is that eye surgery and lasik in particular resolve many of these eye defects.
The sheer number of different of surgical procedures for correcting vison problems can leave you uncertain of the best one for you. However, whatever may be your procedure of choice, attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery, and hence it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience.
If you are thinking of going in for lasik eye surgery then this is what you can expect. Before getting lasik you will be examined by a qualified eye doctor or ophthalmologist. During this examination standard eye tests and computer images of the cornea will be taken to build up a picture of the eye and ascertain what corrections need should made. In addition your overall health is also considered when deciding if you will be a good lasik patient. Any conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, may affect your ability to get this type of eye surgery, but in these cases other treatment may be available.
You will be able to go home on the same day as you eye surgery and should have recovered within just a few days. Minor irritations may take up to a month to disappear. The vast majority of people who undertake this surgery will be able to see much more clearly straight after surgery and this improves still further over the next few days.
Some people may experience some side effects like light sensitivity or night time vision problems. In even more rare cases other difficulties like infections can also occur, but most often, if you follow your doctors orders these things can be avoided or cured quickly with eye drops of medication. Other side effects are more long term. These can occur for 6 months or longer. These are: dry eyes, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, glares, and vision fluctuations. If you cannot handle any of this, then this eye surgery is not for you. Attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. Lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery for many, and so it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience and who is using the best medical equipment available.
This type eye surgery has been big news over resent years as the changes to peoples vision and quality of life can be astounding. People who could not see without glasses are getting almost 20./20 vision and word of mouth about these 'miracles' spreads fast.. With many people flocking to have the procedure done it has become one of the most popular eye surgeries. However, before committing to the surgery you should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision in general and your sight in particular.
Before committing yourself ask to speak to people who have had the operation with the organisation you are thinking of using yourself. Ask about the good and bad points of both the operation and the company itself.
As lasik is a fairly new medical procedure the long term risks are not known and it is not possible currently to cure the need for reading glasses as this is problem is more connected with the weakening of the eye muscles over time rather then the corner. As a potential candidate for lasik you must discuss all your concerns and expectations with your surgeon before the procedure is carried out to ensure you completely understand the process and outcome possibilities for you as an individual.
Finally, many people can't even think about anyone touching their eyes, never mind someone pointing a laser into them. If you are reading this article and are feeling a bit squeamish then perhaps lasik is not for you!