The success rate of lasik eye surgery and laser eye surgery in general has made the procedure a household name. Lasik is an abbreviation for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A microkeratome, or knife, is used by doctors to create a flap in your cornea. This is then folded back, and an excimer laser is used to "shave" the area. There are many factors to consider before deciding if laser eye surgery is right for you.
Lasik and other forms of laser eye surgery have become so common and effective that many health plans across the country are likely to start covering them as acceptable forms of eye surgery in the near future. If they don't already, they should. The success rate of lasik eye surgery and laser eye surgery in general has made the procedure a household name while also making it more affordable, allowing many more people to consider the procedure.
However, no matter how many people have lasik or laser eye surgery, you may still have reservations. After all, they're slicing a white-hot laser into your eyes, two of the most important organs you have. So, don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have, and do as much research as you need to feel at ease with the procedure. With this article - and the answers to the seven most frequently asked questions about laser eye surgery - we hope to get you off to a good start.
#1: Exactly what is laser eye surgery? Lasik is a type of laser eye surgery whose sole purpose is to remove your reliance on glasses or contacts. Lasik is an abbreviation for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
#2: How does lasik vision correction work? Are you certain you want to know the answer to this? Aside from that, laser eye surgery works because it alters the shape of your cornea, or the clear lens of your eye that allows light to enter. A microkeratome, or knife, is used by doctors to create a flap in your cornea. This is then folded back, and an excimer laser is used to "shave" the cornea until it is the correct shape. Of course, there are other types of laser eye surgery, some of which you may have heard of, such as intralase surgery.
#3: How do I know if lasik is the right procedure for me? There are numerous factors to consider before undergoing laser eye surgery. First, consider whether you can afford the procedure or whether it will be covered by your work and health insurance.
#4: Are there any other medical conditions that could cause the surgery to fail? Yes, you should be aware of any medications that may be slowing your healing, such as steroids. You should check to see if you have a condition that could slow your healing, such as an autoimmune disorder.
#5: Is it possible to "shave" all eyes? No, some eyes, particularly those with other conditions like dry eye, thin corneas, or pupil disorders, are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. If your prescription is still in flux – if you've changed prescriptions in the last year or two – you should probably avoid lasik eye surgery as well.
#6: Is laser eye surgery completely effective? No, the results are not always permanent. In that case, additional procedures may be required in the future. You may also experience side effects such as dry eyes, contrast sensitivity, or blindness.
#7: How do I locate a doctor? Consult your friends, family, coworkers, and other doctors. The best laser eye surgery doctors should be experienced, have cutting-edge equipment, be able to thoroughly explain the procedure, and provide follow-up care.
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