Are You a LASIK Surgery Candidate?

You should prepare for LASIK surgery the same way you would prepare for any surgery – by being careful, thoughtful and fully informed. The first thing you should expect is that your surgeon will educate you about the procedure and its effect on both body and mind.

Among the most important considerations in any medical procedure are what are called “contraindications” – conditions that would make you a poor candidate for the procedure. For LASIK surgery, you should be a minimum of 18 years old (even 21 for some lasers), since the eyes and the vision of people under 18 are still developing. In addition, you should not be pregnant or nursing.

After checking your overall condition, you can also expect the doctor and his staff to review other, specific criteria before operating. They need to know what prescription drugs you take, confirm that your eyes are generally healthy, establish that your prescription is stable and ensure that you are in good overall health.

You can then expect to discuss all the known risks and benefits of the LASIK procedure with your eye doctor. The procedure may not be recommended for certain patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye or cataracts. You will discuss every prior and existing medical condition with your surgical team and, if your doctor doesn’t think the Lasik procedure is best for you, you can always get a second opinion.

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

As with any procedure, you will sign an “informed consent form” after going over the risks, benefits and available alternatives. Of course, you will also have to hear about any possible complications and risks associated with the recovery period as well.

You may need to stop wearing your contact lenses for a certain amount of time before the surgery. Contacts can temporarily and unpredictably change the cornea (eyeball) shape, and it is essential that your cornea be in its natural shape for the surgery. For both male and female patients, your doctor may also ask you to go without makeup and perfume for several days before the operation. Certain ingredients in these products can possibly interfere with the laser or increase the risks of post-operative infection.

The LASIK operation is done as an outpatient surgical procedure for which the only anesthetic is an eye drop that numbs the surface. The surgery usually takes 15 minutes or so for each eye, but surgeons commonly wait to check the results of the first eye procedure before moving on to do the second one. If you want to know more precisely what happens in this kind of eye surgery,DocShop.com has thorough and completely up-to-date information for you.

LASIK Surgery Recovery Expectations

Although healing is relatively speedy, you will want to arrange a few days off following your surgery. You can expect to experience a mild burning or similar sensation for several hours after surgery, but do not rub your eye(s). If you need it, your doctor can prescribe a mild painkiller to lessen the itching or discomfort. Also, you will be counseled not to drive until your vision has improved and to forgo swimming pools and hot tubs for 10-14 days after eye surgery.

Your vision will most likely be at least somewhat blurry after the LASIK surgery, but it will improve dramatically by the time you return for a follow-up exam in a day or two. Most patients will return to normal activity levels within the week. When calculating your LASIK surgery costs, remember to figure in your “prep” time, recovery time, and your doctor visits. Luckily, since it is an outpatient procedure and patients usually recover rapidly the cost stays very manageable.

Monica Keller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-to-expect-before-your-lasik-surgery-preparation-tips-133466.html

For people with myopic eyesight, the mere prospect of having a perfect vision is certainly a dream come true. People with short sightedness problems would have probably at some time or other wondered about the benefits of having a lasik laser eye surgery to correct their vision.

Since the advent of lasik laser eye surgery, this dream is now a reality for millions of people all over the developed world. This article raises some dangers and side effects of this surgical procedure.

In the original version of the laser eye surgical procedure, the PRK, which is an acronym for photorefractive keratectomy, involves the complete removal of the cornea’s outer layer to operate underneath it and later let it to grow back on its own.

However, with the lasik surgical procedure or laser in situ keratomileusis, eye surgeons can now peel back the cornea surface to operate underneath it and then return the cornea to its original position.

Now, the bad news about the surgery is that there can be some side effects and complications just like in any other surgeries. Some people who have had lasik eye surgery done have found that not only did their vision had not improved, but are seriously damaged by the eye surgery.

The surgery permanently changes the physiology and optics of the eyes. Therefore potential eye surgery patients should always be aware of the risk-benefit ratio and whether is it worth to risk the dangers and side effects to the eyes. The benefits are that you can do away with glasses or contact lenses, probably permanently. However, the risk of permanent damage to your vision can be palpable and alarming.

In a ‘Review of Optometry’ report, up to one in six patients who undergo Lasik laser eye surgery end up with complications and side effects. This ratio is indeed alarming.

Complications and side effects arising from the lasik eye surgery include distortion of vision, such as irregular astigmatism, which cannot be corrected by eye glasses. Others experienced deterioration in the quality of their vision or very bad dry-eye side effects. Some very unfortunate patients have reported having double vision or even triple vision arising from a lasik laser eye surgery.

For patients who do not suffer any side effects, it is certainly an undoubted positive life changing experience. For example, Richard Branson of the Virgin fame or notoriety, is a huge fan of lasik laser eye surgery as the surgery has transformed him from being ‘blind as a bat’ to having an almost perfect vision. Till this day, he is still gushing praises on lasik laser eye surgery.

However, on the other hand, Margaret Dolan from Ireland is a victim of the surgical procedure went wrong. After her surgery, her eyes developed a complication known as Post-Lasik Dry Eye.

Margaret Dolan needs to add artificial tears to her eyes many times a day and throughout the night just to keep the eyes moist. Patients who suffer from this dry eye syndrome usually have the symptoms for about two to three months after their surgeries and then the symptoms will disappear.

However, for some very unfortunate people, their conditions do not improve with time and they need to drop artificial tears on their eyes for the rest of their lives. This can be very frustrating and distressing for the unfortunate victims.

So if you are considering a lasik laser eye surgery, do discuss the possible risks and complications that may arise from of the surgical procedure thoroughly with your eye surgeon and get as much information as you can before you reach a decision.

Chris Chew
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-laser-eye-surgery-side-effects-133105.html

As people begin to start looking for possibly the best eye laser surgeon in the state of Colorado, the metropolis of Denver would be a great place to begin their search. Icon, known as one of the better Colorado laser eye surgery providers, has eye laser surgeons that have done operations on over 60,000 patience in the state. This would be an excellent place to begin looking for a Colorado eye laser surgeon. With the affordability, and experienced eye laser surgeons, Icon is a very successful vision correction center in Denver and most likely the entire state.

What Would The Cost Of This Be?

These Colorado eye laser surgeons have set up this entire process to be as affordable as possible. First, Icon sets up a free Lasik consultation to make sure the potential patient will be comfortable with the whole process. Once a person decides to go through with the operation, it costs $499 per eye and there is no interest and no payments for 12 months.

Another way to save money is by getting the surgery schedule to coincide with family and friends. Icon does not want to make this procedure an operation that only a few people can afford. The eye laser surgeon’s mission is to provide the highest-quality surgery at a price where just about anyone can get it done. To them, everyone deserves the chance to get this operation performed by the best Colorado eye laser surgeons in Denver.

What Are Some Other Options That Icon Offers?

This company owns some of the most advanced lasers available to make the process painless and much more efficient. By utilizing this sort of equipment, Icon can guarantee that you will receive top results at an affordable price.

An Eye laser surgeon performing surgery is not the only service that this company specializes in. Icon also gets involved in procedures such as anti-aging skin care, acne skin care, and laser hair removal. The prices for something like laser hair removal vary depending on the situation.

By performing over 60,000 operations, these Colorado eye laser surgeons are glad to say that their results literally speak for themselves. Anyone with glasses or contacts should consider getting the lasik surgery done, especially athletes. According to Icon, getting eye laser surgery can result in better performance in a lot of athletic completive games. It can also enhance someone’s lifestyle and make them feel more confident.

Call this Colorado eye laser surgery facility soon if you want to take advantage of some of the best Colorado eye laser surgeon practitioners at a very affordable price. Due to the success rate that is reported about this clinic, it would be worth getting a free consultation and discovering whether or not lasik surgery is right for you.

John Stidolph
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-easy-is-it-to-locate-a-colorado-eye-laser-surgeon-123724.html

The costs associated with LASIK aren’t an arbitrary number decided on by the surgeons. They are actually calculated according to many factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and expenses. So how much does LASIK eye laser surgery cost, and how much of this cost is typically covered by insurance?

Typically, patients can expect to pay $500 to $2,500 per eye. Why does LASIK eye laser surgery cost so much? Because it costs money to perform surgery. At eye surgery centers, the final LASIK eye laser surgery cost depends on how much the surgeon has had to spend on surgical team fees, anesthesia, disposable surgical equipment, laser maintenance, malpractice insurance, and much more. Surgeons have to advertise to draw in business, so marketing costs are factored in as well. Also, patients should expect pre-surgical screenings and post-surgical check-ups for twelve months following their procedure. Their LASIK eye laser surgery cost will include these exams.

There are other factors that can increase the LASIK eye laser surgery cost. For example, patients with severe vision problems might need custom LASIK. This procedure makes a 3D map of the surface of the cornea, allowing the LASIK surgeon to provide customized reshaping for maximum effect. IntraLase, or bladeless LASIK, is also slightly more expensive than the traditional procedure.

Patients often wonder if the LASIK eye laser surgery cost varies by region. It does tend to be more expensive around large cities because of the higher cost of living associated with such areas. The surgeon’s level of skill and experience also affect the price of surgery. Doctors who are highly sought-after will charge more than their lesser-known counterparts. On the other hand, very low prices might indicate a new surgeon or an assembly-line approach to Lasik. Go with a reasonably priced center, but avoid bargain basement LASIK at all costs. You don’t want to sacrifice your vision in the name of frugality.

How much of the LASIK eye laser surgery cost will be covered by insurance? Unfortunately, most American insurance companies consider LASIK to be “not medically necessary”. Therefore, the surgery isn’t usually covered by insurance. Some student plans, such as Aetna, have been known to cover the cost of LASIK for college students.

Even if your plan doesn’t cover the procedure, there are still some steps you can take to offset your LASIK eye laser surgery cost. For example, see if your employer will partner with a vision center to get discounted rates for their employees. If your job offers a health spending or flexible spending account, put money into it each month so that you can use it to fund your LASIK procedure. Finally, if you qualify, most LASIK clinics offer their own financing. You could get your surgery with no down payment and deferred interest, making it more affordable.

Though most Americans have to pay for their own LASIK surgery, they feel that the results are worth the expense. Should you decide to go forward with LASIK, budget $1,000 to $5,000 for both eyes and don’t depend on insurance coverage.

Jeff Kimball
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-eye-laser-surgery-costs-681916.html

It was recommended that I have laser surgery for my eyes, but I love the way I look in my glasses and do not mind wearing them. Is it silly of me to skip the surgery for vanity reasons?

I can’t quite believe some of the answers you are getting! No eyesight surgery is compulsory if your eyesight is corrected adequately using spectacles.

Interestingly, you are the polar opposite of what we see in the main: usually people want Lasik surgery because they are tired of wearing glasses or contacts, or they do not like their appearance in glasses…in your case, you are afraid of being too vain by NOT wearing glasses!

If you like the way you look in glasses, and they are correcting your eyesight, then my advice is to STICK WITH GLASSES. It makes no sense to pay for expensive surgery, that is not without it’s risks, if conservative measures are not only working, but preferred!

Good luck

I mean, like, you pay someone $1000 to shine a big scary laser into your eyes and hope you can see better afterwards. Am I missing something?

I don’t know whether or not you are short-sighted, but for those of us who are/were, it is really hard to convey just how inconvenient it can be. I used to be so short-sighted that I could only see clearly around 15cm in front of my face, everything further away being significantly blurred. I couldn’t function without glasses or contacts – they were the first thing I would have to reach for in the mornings and the last thing I removed before going to sleep.

So yes, anything that might mean I could go swimming or camping with something approaching more normal vision, is worth looking into. I had Lasik 4 months ago and am very pleased with the results – I still need glasses for driving as I was so short-sighted before, but it has made such a huge difference! It’s not for everyone though, and it is important if considering it to do sufficient research and be aware of all the potential complications – you can then weigh up whether you feel the benefits outweigh the risks for you.

I’ve been wanting Lasik eye surgery for a long while now coz I’m so sick of contacts and glasses. Is there monthly payments or payment in full? And will getting lasik get rid of astigmatism, or lazy eyes as well??

Mine was about $2K per eye. But it depends on the method of surgery, the extensiveness of corrective work needed, and the doctor you use.
Most places have financing available. I think it can help astigmatism, but I don’t know about lazy eye. Consultations are usually free of charge so be sure to visit a few doctors to find the one that’s best for you.

These are your eyes, you don’t want to bargain shop, and the price is worth it.

I originally had the procedure performed in 1999, and a re correction about 2 years later on my left eye. Now my vision has reverted back to being almost as bad as it was before the surgery, and I wear glasses for nearsighted. Can I have the Lasik again?

YES-they definitely can do it again to correct your vision if it changes or worsens throughout the years. My Lasik Dr. even had something in the agreement to correct anything for free if something is necessary for the first two years.

You might think about looking into a new Dr. as well.

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, take the time and expend the energy to become fully informed about the procedure. This means reading the literature, as well as asking questions of the surgeon, so that you have a realistic expectation of the results, a solid grasp of the surgical technique and an understanding of risks and possible complications.

As a LASIK patient, you should draw up a clear, definitive list of personal goals for the vision improvements you seek, including things you wish to do better, more comfortably and without glasses or contact lenses. You should also listen carefully as your doctor explains the kinds and levels of discomfort you may feel during and after the procedure, the amount of healing time needed and specific risks regarding the procedures. Don’t forget that you might have special considerations because of your diagnosis, age, recreational activities, job requirements or other individual factors.

As far as the main risks involved, post-operative infection is by far the most feared complication. However, it is now extremely rare and, as with any surgery, it is avoided with the use of proper surgical technique. It is also essential to avoid any contact with eye makeup, face creams, lotions, and the water in hot tubs and swimming pools, for at least the first post-operative week.

Your major defenses against infection, of course, are good general health and diet, proper use of the prescribed antibiotic drops and going to all of your follow up visits, even if you feel fine. You will likely be able to prevent infection by following all of your post-operative instructions. In the rare instances where it occurs, infection appears in the first 36 to 72 hours after surgery.

Because people are different, you may not respond in the usual way to the laser. This difference in physiological response is hardly noticeable, but sometimes it can result in either undercorrection or overcorrection of your vision problem. In rare instances this can be permanent, but it is normally temporary. Your LASIK surgeon will monitor you for this, as it takes up to three months after your LASIK procedure for the under- or overcorrection to show.

Although very unusual, it is possible for astigmatism to be “induced” following LASIK surgery, causing blurred vision. Rest assured, astigmatism can be corrected easily. If your new, corrected vision does not meet your expectations after the initial procedure, it may be due to overcorrection, undercorrection or induced astigmatism, and be corrected by what is called a LASIK “enhancement” procedure.

Another common risk is that you will experience a feeling of “gritty” or dry eyes following LASIK surgery. For the most part, this condition often clears up by itself within the first few months, although lubricating eye drops help your eyes heal and decrease these symptoms. Of course, if you have a history of dry eyes, you should tell your doctor so that he or she can make a thorough evaluation prior to the LASIK surgery.

At times, the Lasik surgery can cause a small corneal abrasion. Good surgical technique and moistened eyes generally prevent this, but it occurs in a small number of procedures because the surface cells of some people’s eyes may not adhere well. In very few cases, there may be ongoing “erosion” of the cornea necessitating further treatment, but long-term effects are rare.

There are other, less common risks and complications whose potential for occurring in your particular case depend on your unique medical history and physiology. These additional complications have any number of causes and effects, so your best defense is a thorough work-up in preparation for LASIK eye surgery and careful attention to any unique, pre-existing problems or conditions you may have. This means anything, big or small, that could affect the outcome of your LASIK procedure.

Monica Keller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/main-risks-involved-in-lasik-surgery-and-ways-to-avoid-these-risks-132257.html

For people with myopic or short-sighted, the prospect of having a perfect vision is certainly a dream come true. People with short sightedness problems would have probably at some time or other wondered about the benefits of having a lasik laser eye surgery to correct their vision.

Since the advent of lasik laser eye surgery, this dream is now a reality for millions of people all over the developed world. This article raises some dangers and side effects of this surgical procedure.

In the original version of the laser eye surgical procedure, the PRK, which is an acronym for photorefractive keratectomy, involves the complete removal of the cornea’s outer layer to operate underneath it and later let it to grow back on its own.

However, with the lasik surgical procedure or laser in situ keratomileusis, eye surgeons can now peel back the cornea surface to operate underneath it and then return the cornea to its original position.

Now, the bad news about the surgery is that there can be some side effects and complications just like in any other surgeries. Some people who have had lasik eye surgery done have found that not only did their vision had not improved, but are seriously damaged by the eye surgery.

The surgery permanently changes the physiology and optics of the eyes. Therefore potential eye surgery patients should always be aware of the risk-benefit ratio and whether is it worth to risk the dangers and side effects to the eyes. The benefits are that you can do away with glasses or contact lenses, probably permanently. However, the risk of permanent damage to your vision can be palpable and alarming.

In a ‘Review of Optometry’ report, up to one in six patients who undergo lasik laser eye surgery end up with complications and side effects. This ratio is indeed alarming.

Complications and side effects arising from the lasik eye surgery include distortion of vision, such as irregular astigmatism, which cannot be corrected by eye glasses. Others experienced deterioration in the quality of their vision or very bad dry-eye side effects. Some very unfortunate patients have reported having double vision or even triple vision arising from a lasik laser eye surgery.

For patients who do not suffer any side effects, it is certainly an undoubted positive life changing experience. For example, Richard Branson of the Virgin fame or notoriety, is a huge fan of Lasik laser eye surgery as the surgery has transformed him from being ‘blind as a bat’ to having an almost perfect vision. Till this day, he is still gushing praises on lasik laser eye surgery.

However, on the other hand, Margaret Dolan from Ireland is a victim of the surgical procedure went wrong. After her surgery, her eyes developed a complication known as Post-Lasik Dry Eye.

Margaret Dolan needs to add artificial tears to her eyes many times a day and throughout the night just to keep the eyes moist. Patients who suffer from this dry eye syndrome usually have the symptoms for about two to three months after their surgeries and then the symptoms will disappear.

However, for some very unfortunate people, their conditions do not improve with time and they need to drop artificial tears on their eyes for the rest of their lives. This can be very frustrating and distressing for the unfortunate victims.

So if you are considering a lasik laser eye surgery, do discuss the possible risks and complications that may arise from of the surgical procedure thoroughly with your eye surgeon and get as much information as you can before you reach a decision.

Chris Chew
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/laser-eye-surgery-side-effects-135356.html