Posts Tagged ‘laser surgery’

Lasik laser eye correction gives patients a whole new outlook on life without the need, or little need, for prescription glasses or contact lenses. The majority of individuals that undergo the procedure go from completely relying on glasses to see clear to obtaining almost ideal sight in just a few minutes. However, all procedures come with risks and Lasik is no different.

The use of a specialized cold beam laser to reshape the cornea of the eye providing clear vision is involved in the Lasik laser vision correction procedure. Patients should be aware of the side effects that may accompany this procedure.  

The most common side effect is that the dependency on corrective lenses is still there, even after the surgery. Lenses may sometimes be required while driving or reading or, in a few cases, permanently after the procedure. Although additional lenses may be needed, they are often of a weaker prescription than what was used prior to the surgery. While additional treatments can be done, they may not be able to totally eliminate this effect.  

Individuals that are nearsighted or farsighted have a greater risk of requiring extra corrective lens support post-procedure than individuals with general or insignificant vision issues. An understanding of realistic expectations for the procedure prior to agreeing to Lasik laser vision correction is a must for all patients.  

A person should consider all the possible negative repercussions of Lasik laser vision correction. Some patients may experience halos, glares, or even double vision after having the surgery done. This occurs frequently after daylight hours while driving at night.

One of the risks with Lasik laser vision correction is dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as KCS.   During the Lasik procedure, the laser severs some of the nerves in the eye as it repairs the shape of the cornea. Nerves generally fix themselves throughout time, nevertheless, for a few, permanent injury can happen, ending with dry eye since the nerves can’t transmit info which results in the tear ducts making tears when an eye is dry. Vision may be impaired due to the irritation and dryness of the eye but this condition can be controlled with the long term use of medicated drops.

There is always the slight but very real risk of infection as a result of Lasik eye correction surgery. Controlling this is simple with the help from ointments and occurs very seldomly. For example, a Northern California office offers pre-op appointments with a Lasik surgeon in Stockton for eye surgery in Stockton so the customer is informed week’s before scheduling the procedure.

After surgery, the most common side effect is smoky vision. Smoky vision often diminishes several hours after Lasik surgery has been performed. Minor irritation is a result as well and is often described as having a grain of sand in the eye. This is also temporary and will resolve itself in a few days.

Candidates will make an educated decision on Lasik eye correction by understanding the risks first. Additional dangers and side effects will be discussed with the eye care professional and laser surgeon during counseling prior to having Lasik performed. Assessing these risks may help determine if indeed an individual is a candidate for Lasik laser vision correction.

Laser eye surgery unlike other surgical procedures are normally almost a painless experience. You are awake and aware of what is going on during the procedure. The procedures itself normally takes only around 10 to 15 minutes.

Nevertheless there are still some simple do it yourself eye care treatment that you have to follow. Also there are some action that could be dangerous to your eyes that you have to avoid.

Here are 10 basic rules of what you should and should not do after the surgery.

1) First and foremost do not skip your follow up treatment with your eye doctor. Follow up appointment is very important to check up your eyes and make sure that the surgery was successful and also to detect if there is any negative side effects.

2) Use the medicated eye drops that was prescribed by your eye doctor. Follow the direction as to how often and how long you should use them.

3) If your doctor prescribed you with medication such as antibiotic or anti inflammatory, do take them according to your doctors instructions.

4) Keep your hands away from your eyes. No excessive touching or rubbing. Use your eye drops to relief your eyes from itchiness.

5) When taking a bath make sure that no soap or water will enter your eyes. Avoid swimming or bath tub shower or any other activities that expose water to your eyes.

6) Plan to look like a secret service for some time. Always keep a pair of dark sunglasses with you. You may need it at any time when you are outdoors. Your eyes are still very sensitive to sunlight and you want to avoid your eyes from Ultra Violet Light exposure. Also keep your eyes from any bright light.

7) For ladies, try not to apply any facial makeup for some time. Chemical ingredients in your makeup could irritate skin around your eyes and may lead to eye infections.

Avoid any games or activities that require rough physical contact. Your eyes still need some time to be well adjusted.

9) Make sure to wear eye goggles when you go to sleep. Your eyes need to be protected from any unintentional harm or injury while sleeping.

10) Avoid watching television, doing work on the computer or reading during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Spend more time lying down relax and close your eyes.

Normally you could be back to work within one to three days after the surgery. Again it depends on the case by case basis, since every surgery is different so does every patients.

The above recommendations are the basic precautions that everyone should take after eye laser surgery in order to avoid any complications that might occur and also for fast recovery.

As recent as in the last few years, laser eye surgery has become a very popular alternative to people who has been dependent on their eye glasses or contact lenses all their lives.

In a rush to leave their glasses and contact lenses behind people are rushing for this new treatment. Likewise wee see lasik eye surgery treatment centers and private clinics mushrooming in every cities.

What many people are unaware of is that there is risk involved in the surgery procedures. A laser surgery is not for everyone.

The procedure is not suitable to some people due to their health and medical condition. The eye surgeon would normally advise the patient during consultation if they are the right candidate for the surgery.

Laser eye surgery complications does exist to a certain degrees. Although the percentage is very very small and almost negligible.

May be most people might have thought of complications in terms of serious consequences such as blindness or serious infections.

The fact is that the most common complications or rather side effects is called regression. Regression refers to your vision in the same condition before the surgery.

This includes blurred vision again or your eyes might become very sensitive to lights and also another problem is dry eyes that could become painful at times.

So mistakes do happen sometimes due to eye doctors misjudgment or patients willingness to take risk despite chances of higher risk in some people.

The bottom line is to get yourself educated with all the fact and figures before jumping into the surgery room. Find the eye doctor with the right credential and experience to work with.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clear any doubt that you have during the screening process. This is very important in order to determine the right surgery procedures that you need.

Majority of people have a great success with laser eye surgery. The failure rate is far too small to outweight the success stories.