Archive for December, 2008

It still seems that even though laser eye surgery is becoming more of a common thing, there are a lot of misconceptions about the entire procedure and its risk factors. Some people seem to think that there is absolutely nothing at all to worry about and that there is never a need for concern about the surgery. Other people tend to think the worst and are too fearful of the surgery to even begin researching it to see if it is right for them. The fact is though, that yes, there is a risk of laser eye surgery not ending up perfect and having side effects. This is no reason though to not have the procedure done though because risks come with just about everything in life anymore.

The risk of laser eye surgery is there but it is not as bad as most people tend to think. A common myth is that the slightest error will cause a person to go blind. Now, while that may be something that could happen, this is not generally considered a true risk of laser eye surgery as most complications are rather subtle then anything else. The biggest problem that seems to be experienced is that of regression and this is more a hit to the wallet then to the health of the individual.

More Side Effects

There are more things that could go wrong of course such as infection, under correction, over correction, or even flap damage. But these side effects should not scare someone away from learning about having the procedure done as the cases of these mishaps are very far and few between. The most important thing anyone could do is to seek out laser eye surgery information so that they are properly informed. This is the only way to make sure that they are making the right decision for themselves. The risk of laser eye surgery will never completely go away because it is a surgery and all surgeries, no matter the type will have risk factors involved.

So do your research on the risk of laser eye surgery because the only person that can protect you is you. Read some books on the procedure, search the Internet for articles and websites dedicated to the risk of laser eye surgery, and try talking to someone who has already gone through it before. Sometimes, getting a first hand account of how it all goes is the best way to learn some facts and to clam some fears. In the end, you will be glad that you took the time to educate yourself on laser eye surgery and the risks that may or may not come along with it.

Those who visit lasik eye surgery centers are often amazed at the type of equipment they see there as well as the knowledge and experience of the staff. What may have started out as a one or two-person office, quickly turned into a surgical center conducting several operations a day, with a knowledgeable and understanding staff that knows what the patient feels. Those with questions about the procedure are usually welcome at any of the lasik eye surgery centers to learn what they can expect and well as any lasik eye surgery risk to which they may be prone.

When a person first walks into lasik eye surgery centers they will be evaluated on whether or not the procedure will help them. It must also be determined if they are healthy enough to undergo the operation. While lasik surgery is considered safe under most surgical guidelines, there are still patients that will not be good candidates for the procedure.

Those who have constantly changing vision correction requirements for example, may not be candidates for the procedure. Having this explained at lasik eye surgery centers may be disappointing, but they will not want to take the person’s money and perform a procedure that will not result in success.

Choosing The Center For Assured Success

Once a person has visited one or more lasik eye surgery centers to determine their eligibility, they should being to research the different locations and choose the best one for this procedure. The decision they make will affect their vision in the future and although very few operations go wrong, having an experienced surgeon as well as an understanding staff should be important to everyone considering the operation.

The type of laser equipment being used may be important to some, but more importantly is the experience of the surgeon in using that equipment. Following the operation patients will probably have limited contact with the surgeon and the staff at the lasik eye surgery centers will become an important part of their visual future. Having a staff that is willing to take their calls and answer any questions during the recovery period will be desired by all patients.

All of the lasik eye surgery centers should be available to answer questions as well as respond to any emergencies that may arise after the surgery. If possible, talking to others who have undergone the surgery at different lasik eye surgery centers will help the potential patient make a better decision.

Usually if we need our vision corrected we wear graded eyeglasses or contact lenses. These would work great and oftentimes solve our vision problems. But would it be great if there is some other way to see clearer. Eyeglasses tend to be awkward to use especially when you are engaged in physical activity. On the other hand, contact lenses are very troublesome to wear. You really need to maintain it a lot and if you are not careful this might irritate your eyes. Now there is a medical procedure that could improve you vision without going through the ordeals of having eyeglasses or contact lenses; this is the Lasik Eye surgery.

Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keartomileusis) is a type of lasik eye surgery used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.  This technique was developed in the 1950’s by Dr Jose Barraquer of Spain. He is the one who developed the first microkeratome which is used to cut thin flaps on the cornea. In 1958 Dr. Mani Lal Bhaumik and some group of scientist developed the excimer laser. These discoveries lead to the enhancement of Lasik surgery which we know today.

This procedure could both benefit near-sighted and far-sighted people. For near-sightedness the corneas are usually flatten. For far-sighted people the goal is to make the cornea contour steeper. It could also smoothen out irregular corneas, which is the case for persons with astigmatism.

Before undergoing the procedure, patients with contact lenses are advised to stop wearing them for 5 to 7 days before surgery. Doctors then will  determine the thickness of your cornea by using a pachymeter. Using a topographer, the doctors will make a topographic map of your corneas. This will enable them to see the exact shape and contour of the cornea. It is needed so the doctor could determine the exact location and amount of the corneal tissue that will be removed.

The operation is performed in a clinical setting with a patient wide awake. A patient could be given a mild sedative (like valium) or some anesthetic eye drops.

The first thing that the doctor will do is to make a flap in the cornea. A corneal ring is applied to the eye so that it will be immobilized. Once immobilized a flap is created by using a mechanical microkeratome with a metal blade. A hinge must be left at the edge of the flap so that it could be folded back; this procedure could be irritating. Once it is folded back it will reveal the middle section of the cornea which is the stroma.

The second part is where the excimer laser will cut off excess tissue of the stroma. Removal of tissue is done is microns and no heat is generated during this procedure.

Finally the flap is returned back again to its original position. The flap does not need to be sutured back into place as it will heal and adhere naturally

After all this the patient could continue back to his or her normal life with an assurance of a much clearer vision ahead.