Healing from Lasik Surgery

The Lasik eye procedure healing process is quite fast and simple. Fast healing is the real perk of Lasik eye treatments. Quick healing from Lasik lets the patient resume their regular life immediately. The level of Lasik eye surgery methods and the craft of the doctor provide a very minimum healing period.

Lasik eye surgery healing takes only a short period because of the special method of the process. The eye surgery will take only about 10 minutes usually. Lasik mostly utilizes a new laser technology. The laser burns the tissue at the very interior part of the stroma within the eye itself. Unlike other eye procedures, little cutting of delicate eye tissue is used. This method doesn’t call for a protracted healing period, since the tissues are not actually "wounded" in the usual sense of the term.

Lasik eye surgery healing periods are typically 48 hours. However, individuals are frequently advised to rest for at least two additional rest days. They often wear a special shield over the eyes to reduce infection possibility. Itching must be totally avoided within the period. Possible side effects of the eye surgery could include vision halo, glare and other complications. They'll be quite resolved within several months. No eye medications are needed curing the process.

It is typical that after surgery, you may face issues, such as visions, irregular astigmatism, and a diminishing in the clarity for a very short period. Over a lengthier period of time, from 3 weeks to 6, these special complications will diminish largely. In certain cases, you may need further procedures before recovering fully from Lasik. If these complications go on beyond six total months, these are likely permanent effects.

You may also need operations additionally to correct certain anomalies. It's so imperative that individuals adhere to their eye doctor’s instructions following Lasik surgery. LASIK eye healing time totally depend on the eye care you will take with your enhanced eyes.

Lasik healing is typically quite hassle free, especially when required precautions are followed. The new person has to completely avoid a strenuous activity in the first following days. Use of lotions items must be totally prohibited for a couple of days. Baths and hot tubes- resumed just after a period of several weeks. The client should make a cautionary measure when first joining in events such as boxing to prevent direct blows to the eye.

Remember, Lasik eye surgery healing and your life after Lasik surgery are quite common concerns for most individuals interested in Lasik. Lasik is definitely better understood currently, and thousands of successful operations have been accomplished.

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Locate additional info on Lasik : Lasik Eye Surgeons

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Is Conductive Keratoplasty A Safe Procedure ?

However, in these days of highly-technological procedures, there are solutions to vision problems that are minimally invasive and which can deliver excellent results. Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is one of those corrective eye surgery procedures.

CK is a fairly new kind of laser eye surgery in practice today. It utilizes a mild heat that is generated from radio waves. These waves are used to reduce the size of the connective tissues. These tissues are a glue-like collagen, found in the periphery of the cornea and which can cause vision distortions.

A conductive keratoplasty procedure actually steepens the shape of the cornea. The result of this reshaping is that far-sighted patients who have presbyopia end up with improved near and distance vision. For those who only have presbyopia, their near vision is enhanced.

CK is not considered to be an appropriate treatment if you are nearsighted, and Lasik eye surgery would be recommended as a better procedure for people who are either nearsighted or have an astigmatism. CK is also currently being studied for its effectiveness with correcting astigmatisms, and while early indications are that it might be effective, it is not yet being widely used to correct that type of vision problem.

When CK was first introduced, there were some problems reported with the stability of the vision corrections and instances where the cornea actually reverted back to it's original condition before the corrective eye surgery was done. However, in recent years there have been many improvements in laser eye surgery techniques utilized in CK, and clinical studies in more recent years have shown that the procedure is delivering more stable results consistently.

In April of 2002, the FDA of the United States approved conductive keratoplasty for use with patients over the age of 40 who had mild conditions of farsightedness. Later, in 2004, the FDA expanded its approval to include presbyopia, which is a very common condition that typically effects people as they reach middle age. Presbyopia is a natural side-effect of the aging process and it causes the lens of the eye to stiffen, making it more difficult to focus at different distances at the same time.

As a result of these improvements, CK has been gaining a much greater level of acceptance among laser eye surgeons and potential patients are becoming more interested in this procedure. Ultimately, it will still be some years before long-term data on the success or failure of CK will be available, in order to make a comprehensive comparison between this type of corrective eye surgery and other procedures, such as Lasik vision surgery.

Unlike Lasik laser eye surgery, conductive keratoplasty does not involve any type of cutting into the surface of the ocular tissue and no type of external instrument is inserted into the eye. Because of this, it is almost unheard of for CK to have any serious complications or infections of any kind, and the main issue is with the lasting effect of the procedure.

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A free report awaits you at our laser eye surgeryportal site, where you can enrich your knowldege further about conductive keratoplasty. Your comment is much appreciated at our laser vision correction blog.

Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery In US and Canada

Lasik eye surgery continues to gain popularity in the US and Canada because it is effective and affordable. Still the average cost of Lasik eye surgery is variable and it can be high depending on the your eyes' condition and the post operative care involved. Today corrective laser eye surgery is the most preferred solution to get rid of your glasses, thanks to reduced costs of the surgery. Earlier it was not that easy for the average person to afford such a procedure.

The cost of laser eye surgery depends a lot on various factors and it varies from place to place. The cost in America is different from that in Canada. Again in America the cost varies from state to state and from provider to provider. In Canada LASIK MD is the biggest provider and every year almost 40-50% of the laser eye surgery taking place in Canada is conducted by this company. The laser eye surgery cost in Canada too depends on the same factors which determine the cost in the US. So what are these factors which determine the costs of Lasik eye surgery? Let us find out and see how rates vary.

The universal standard to determine the costs of corrective eye surgery is that the price of laser surgery is quoted per eye. That is, one Lasik surgery procedure equals one eye and the price of the quote increases if you intend to correct both your eyes. The Lasik eye surgeons may also add extra charges for new technologies that they use in the surgery. The main cost of the surgery is due to the high cost of equipment. The price at the same time depends on the proficiency of the doctor and the location. That is the price in California varies from that in Maryland. Another factor which determines the cost of is the gravity of your sight problem. Let me give you an idea of the average costs of Lasik surgery in United States and Canada. There'll be some difference but that won't be too much.

Beware of some ads like '$500 per eye'. Very few people can get laser surgery at that price because their eye sight might not degenerated too much. An extensive laser eye correction would cost much more. A recent study shows that the average cost of Lasik surgery is now less than $1,000. But these surgeries are done by inexpensive conventional excimer lasers or bladed microkeratomes not wavefront technologies. Modern wavefront technologies would cost you between $1,000 to $2,500.

Previously the cost of Lasik eye surgery was high but from 2006 the price has stabilized to an affordable level. In December 2007 it was found that the average cost of laser eye surgery has dropped down a little lower than 2006 costs.

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For more on cost of Lasik eye surgery at preferred providers in US and Canada, and 20 questions you need to ask your eye surgeon, go to http://www.lasikeyefacts.com

Nutrients Can Provide An Oasis of Moisture Relief For Chronic Dry Eye Sufferers

If you are under 40 you may be thinking this information does not pertain to you. Keep in mind however, you could possibly develop symptoms of this very common, and highly irritating, eye condition at some point in your life. And, it may happen to you sooner than you think.

Dry eye is one of the most common, although not serious, eye conditions of middle aged people. It greatly interferes with the quality of life for approximately 14 percent of people over the of age 40. About 21 million people in the United States, it is realistically estimated that figure is probably more like 60 million, reported experiencing chronic dry eye symptoms. Out of those numbers, the condition is more prevalent in women because, it is believed, they experience more hormonal shifts. In both sexes, regardless, the condition usually worsens with age.

Here is a rather short and simplified version of why this eye condition begins to happen.

The surface of the eye needs tears to support the delicate living cells that covers the surface of the eye. Instead of using a blood supply or oxygen, the eye surface uses a thin, watery layer called 'tears'. This layer of water is so important, that the eyelids produce a layer of oil just to help protect tears from evaporating. When the eye surface first starts to become dry, tears have lost water, and have become too salty. This causes symptoms such as:

1.burning and stinging 2.dryness 3.itching 4.redness 5.blurred vision

When the eyes become really dry, it has been described as feeling like there is dirt in the eye, or a sandy grit irritation.

Many who experience this type of uncomfortable eye condition, often times, opt to quickly treat it with an over-the-counter or prescription eye drop solution. Unfortunately, most eye drops will only provide temporary relief, at best.

The problem with artificial tears is, if the solution being used does not biologically match the substances naturally found in normal tears produced by the eye, eye drops will actually starve the surface of necessary electrolytes the eye surface needs. The result will be a lack of lubrication quality. Certainly, this is a no-win, or long-term, solution that will ever get to the real root of the problem.

When quality tear production ceases, it is also possible to notice a decrease in corneal sensation, thus affecting clear vision. There are several risk factors that may potentially increase your odds of, eventually, suffering from dry eye. They are:

1.Long-term use of hard contact lenses 2.Having had 'Lasik' eye surgery 3.Certain viral infections of the cornea 4.Diabetes 5.Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

And finally, another area that is often not considered, at all, is prescription drug use. Medications such as antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants and many others can cause dry eye symptoms. You might be wondering, how prescription drugs could be affecting normal tear production. Here is one educated professionals clinical experience, and observations, with prescription drugs.

In Dr. F. Batmanghelidj's brilliantly researched, medical breakthrough self-help book to the public titled, "Your Body's Many Cries For Water", page 162, states," I would like to inform you that a vast majority of very frequently used medications are either directly or indirectly strong antihistamines. The strongest variety are used in the discipline of psychiatry and for patients with depression".

And, in his reference to severe dehydration problems common in the vast population of the world, on page 14, he says, "The regulating neurotransmitter systems (histamine and its subordinate agents) become increasingly active during the regulation of water requirements of the body. Their action should not be continuously blocked by the use of medications. Their purpose should be understood and satisfied by drinking more water".

And, there is more promising news on how you can reduce, or even possibly eliminate, this irritating eye condition with dietary relief interventions. Three separate dietary studies conducted, so far, have linked dry eye to a low omega-3 essential fatty acid intake. Eating more cold water, oily fish, or by supplementing with a high quality fish oil, can produce long-term relief rather quickly. Most eye doctors have no idea that most cases of dry eye problems can be cleared up, naturally, with simple dietary measures.

Dry eye syndrome should never be ignored. It could, eventually, turn into more than just an uncomfortable eye nuisance. After all, the cornea is responsible for two-thirds of our vision power. When it dries out, it is like trying to look at your world through a dirty windshield. This eye condition is also closely related to another common eye problem called 'age-related macular degeneration'. Both, of which, respond rather well to increased water, omega-3, and antioxidant (found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables) consumption.

Eating more omega-3's, raw fruits and vegetables, and increasing your water intake, all three, are very doable strategies you can use to, realistically, attack this annoying eye condition.

About the Author
Brenda Skidmore has spent over the last five years actively researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to the many positive results natural practical cures and preventive strategies bring to human health. Along with the many medical professionals whose public works she has studied, it is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit: http://www.mywater4life.com

Are Eye Braces Safer Than Laser Eye Surgery?

A long time ago, back in the 1960's, two California doctors when getting feedback from their patients who wore contact lenses, kept hearing the same type of story over and over again. Many times their patients would leave their home, drive to work and then halfway through the day notice that they were not wearing their contact lenses. And they were seeing perfectly well. It appeared that the constant wearing of the contact caused a gradual reshaping of their cornea, improving their ability to see. This chance discovery eventually led to experimentations and studies on shaping the eyes using contact lenses.

Corrective eye braces or CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy) lenses as they are formally known, are hard contact lenses that act much like a retainer or braces do on your teeth. You put them on at night just before you go to bed. During the night, while you sleep, they reshape the cornea of your eye. When you wake up in the morning, your blurred vision is gone. You can see the pictures on your wall, the buttons on your clothes, and the alarm clock on your dresser. You have 20/20 vision.

Unlike laser eye surgery, the changes are not permanent. The changes to the cornea will last only a day on some people. On others, it has lasted up to a week.

So who are the most likely candidates for these eye braces?

Young teenagers for one. Many good eye surgeons will not operate on a teenager or a person under 18 or 21 because the body, including the eyes. may still be growing and changing. At those ages, they doctor may legitimately determine that the risk is not worth it and rule out corrective eye surgery altogether. In this case, eye braces, may be a good alternative.

The eyes are one of our most important senses and many people are leery of making any type of permanent change to them. Add to that the growing number of malpractice lawsuits involving refractive surgery, and some people, especially those already wary of surgical operations, begin to look for alternative ways of improving their vision. For them, eye braces are a good compromise between permanent contact lenses and laser eye surgery.

Those looking for a bargain will also like eye braces. The cost of CRT lenses is much less than the cost of laser eye surgery.

The news is not all good, however. The braces have to be hard, in order to reshape the cornea. This can make them uncomfortable to wear. And although most people will get used to them, some find they can't adjust.

Also, although relatively infrequent, the wearing of contact lenses, does increase the risk of microbial infections of the eye.

And thirdly, there have been no long term studies of the effect of wearing eye braces on a nightly basis for an extended period of time.

So if you want CRT lenses how do you get them? You can't just go into an eye doctor's office and order them. A CRT lens has to be prescribed by a doctor who has been certified in CRT lenses.

About the Author
Dana Siconolfi is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to custom eye laser surgery as well as other health related topics. Visit her site at http://www.lasereyesurgeryupdate.com.

Boulder LASIK

Lasik eye surgery is a very common and effective treatment for many vision problems. Doctors all over the country perform hundreds and even thousands of these operations each year. As a result, this is a very safe and quick outpatient procedure. Boulder lasik offers one of the most affordable options in Colorado.

Boulder lasik surgery is the process of correcting one's vision through the use of a laser procedure. It is used mainly for people who are nearsighted, far sighted, or have astigmatism. The surgeon will make an incision around the cornea of the eye, making a flap. Then they will use a laser to correct the vision abnormality. The cornea flap is then replaced and the eye will heal itself within several days.

Boulder lasik surgery is highly effective with relatively few complications or side effects. The first few days after undergoing Boulder lasik surgery you will feel mild irritation in your eyes. Many patients describe this as an itching or feeling as if there were a grain of sand in their eye. This discomfort should subside within a couple of days after your Boulder lasik surgery. Patients also report symptoms of dry eye, which can be readily treated with moisturizing eye drops, and lights or a halo around the edge of their vision. These symptoms usually go away with time. Less than one percent of Boulder lasik patients report that their vision worsens after the treatment.

Boulder lasik patients enjoy a very short recovery time. Within a few days, your vision should clear and you can resume normal activities as soon as this occurs. For some Boulder lasik customers, this occurs within a few hours after the treatment. You should not drive yourself home from the surgery since your vision will be blurred for a while. Make arrangements for a friend to pick you up or plan on taking public transportation.

Choosing a reputable Boulder lasik doctor is very important. You want to find someone who has extensive experience performing these types of procedures. In general, the more experience the doctor has, the better your Boulder lasik experience will be. This is not an area where you want to choose a practitioner based solely on price. That is not to say, however, that you cannot get a great Boulder lasik surgeon at a great price. Just make sure you are choosing quality over price.

A good way to find a great Boulder lasik doctor is to ask friends and family for recommendations. If they are willing to refer you, you can be fairly confident of a good experience. If you don't know anyone to ask, you do have other options. Check a prospective Boulder lasik doctor out with the Better Business Bureau or the AMA. Also, ask any prospects for recommendations and be sure to actually call them. Ask lots of questions and be sure you are comfortable with your Boulder lasik doctor.

Boulder lasik surgery is a great option. There are many qualified Boulder lasik doctors who do great work. Just make sure that you are comfortable with your choice and that they address all of your needs.

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Going for any LASIK operation? Need more help? Now get more FREE information about LASIK Surgery today by visiting our website at http://www.eyes4lasik.com/ and read more on LASIK Eye Surgery

What To Expect From A Lasik Clinic

If you said that you were going to a lasik clinic twenty years ago, you would have gotten some strange looks. When the basic lasik procedure first became available in the early 1990's it was only available at a few prominent medical centers. The equipment necessary to perform the corrective laser eye surgery had not yet been developed on a mass scale and was not available, or affordable, for many eye surgeons. The popularity of the procedure has given birth to a completely new genre of medical clinics though. Now, there is a lasik clinic in every major town, and the number just keeps growing.

For those choosing to have corrective eye surgery, unique surgical opportunities are provided by a specialized lasik clinic. Patients will receive specialized care in these clinics, dedicated exclusively to corrective laser eye surgery. Comprehensive training in this special optic medical branch is required for staff, as the facilities are devoted to and specifically designed for lasik procedures. As laser eye surgery techniques and types increase, consumers will be able to shop around. This in turn, will compel the lasik clinics to keep moving forward in order to stay on the cutting edge of this medical branch.

Choosing a lasik clinic may seem complicated due to the numerous choices available. A bit of study and investigation should be performed, as with any high-dollar expense. You can find most medical clinics on the internet. Visiting their web site and reading customer reviews is well worth the time spent. Recommendations are also available on medical discussion boards. Your insurance carrier may provide a service that can give recommendations. If you are looking for a doctor to perform your lasik eye surgery, consider speaking with a friend that has been through the process with good results. Their good experience may bode well for you also.

Feel free to visit a lasik clinic and get a feel for the practice before you make the decision to use them. Most eye surgeons will require a consultative visit before performing the corrective laser eye surgery anyway, so you can feel free to keep shopping around if you are not comfortable with your initial visit. Sometimes doctors forget that people are their customers, and you should never commit yourself to a lasik surgeon who doesn't seem to have your best interests at heart. Remember, you are paying them to make you happy.

With new clinics opening up everyday, you should be able to combine your observations to make a good decision concerning which lasik clinic you want to use. Process your own personal experience with the information that you find from others to find the place that best suits you. In some cases, your insurance provider may tell you which eye surgeons you have to pick from, but in the majority of cases, it is entirely up to you.

About the Author
Heather Gurzell is a nurse in California. Like many she got tired of dealing with glasses and did her homework for the best Lasik Sacramento clinic. She highly recommends the Pacific Laser Eye Center with five convenient Northern California area locations such as their Oakland Lasik clinic.

Misconceptions About LASIK Eye Surgery

Many people don't fully understand the details of LASIK eye surgery, even people who are undergoing the procedure! Don't be someone who waits until after your surgery to discover the things you should have known beforehand. The following are the real truths behind the two most common misconceptions about LASIK eye surgery.

1. After LASIK eye surgery I'll Never Need Glasses/Contacts Again

Depending on your age and the issues with your vision, you may or may not need corrective lenses of some kind immediately after LASIK eye surgery or later on, as you age. The vast majority of patients who undergo LASIK refractive surgery report significant improvements in their vision, which generally allow them to drive without glasses within days of their surgery. A small percentage of LASIK patients require "enhancement" surgery, which is a second LASIK eye surgery, conducted to fix any over- or under-correction of your vision resulting from the initial LASIK surgery.

Also, many people, as they age (generally between the ages of 40 and 50), develop poor vision for reading (called presbyopia). If you had LASIK surgery prior to developing presbyopia, you could still need reading glasses as you get older. Presbyopia is sometimes treated with Monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for distance vision and the other eye for close vision.

However, patients with Monovision are still counseled to keep glasses on hand for those times when perfect distance or close vision or good depth perception (which requires both eyes) is necessary. For most people, LASIK eye surgery reduces their use of glasses to only very specific situations and specialty vision needs.

2. LASIK eye surgery wouldn't be so common if it was risky.

LASIK is surgery and all surgery comes with certain risks. More than one million people had LASIK eye surgery in the United States in 2006, and less than 1% of those patients experienced significant complications. This means that statistically, your chances of having a LASIK eye surgery without significant complications are very good.

However, given that this is surgery on your eyes, and your eyes play a vital role in your everyday life, the risks of LASIK are something you want to be aware of and take into consideration when deciding whether LASIK is right for you. The possible complications can range from minor (and temporary) increases in dry eye symptoms, to visually debilitating and permanent dry eye symptoms. A small percentage of patients lose vision at specific distances, which cannot be fixed after surgery with any kinds of corrective lenses or follow-up surgery. Another small percentage of patients develop glare, halos, or double vision. For some these problems are temporary, but for others they're permanent and especially noticeable in challenging visual situations, such as at night or in fog. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, LASIK eye surgery is safe and effective for most corrections. (The worse your vision is prior to surgery, the less likely LASIK is right for you.) Many ophthalmologists believe

that the risks of long-term contact lens use may exceed the risk of LASIK, although the fact that LASIK has only been around for just over 10 years means that the long-term effects of LASIK can not yet be known.

Conclusion

In general, the thing to keep in mind is that all but statistically few LASIK patients end up with improved vision and good results. However, those who experience complications from LASIK eye surgery tend to be VERY unhappy (and vocal) about it. You don't get your money back whether your vision is better or worse after LASIK eye surgery.

You shouldn't let a vocal unhappy minority convince you that LASIK eye surgery is terrible any more than you should let slick marketing campaigns convince you that it's risk-free and perfect. Carefully discuss the visual situations you hope to correct, your various expectations, and all potential risks and complications with your LASIK surgeon in a (often free) consultation prior to surgery. And, as with any major medical procedure, it's wise to get a second opinion.

About the Author
Did you find these tips on LASIK eye surgery useful? You can learn a lot more about LASIK that can help you do what's right for YOUR eyes by clicking here. Cambria Reid researches and writes in-depth articles on LASIK laser eye surgery, its risks, costs, FAQs, benefits, and more for the popular http://www.Likely-LASIK.com.

Searching For Lasik Orange County Facilities

Lasik is the non-invasive surgical vision correction procedure that has taken the country, and the world, by storm. Why, people ask, should they have to deal with eyeglasses and contact lenses when Lasik procedures can correct such common vision problems as near and far sightedness and astigmatism, as well as other acuity and depth perception vision problems?

Finding a doctor or facility that performs Lasik procedures isn't difficult if you live in a city or on the east or west coast of the United States. Some of the more popular cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco, as well as facilities in Orange County, provide more than enough competition on the west coast to offer patients the best in pricing and experience. When seeking the right Lasik procedure or facility to take care of your vision problems, however, there are several things to keep in mind.

There are more than one type of Lasik surgeries performed in places like Orange County, such as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. Such procedures can be found in offices scattered throughout Orange County, California, such as Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest, just to name a few. Keep in mind that there are different procedures, as well as experts, with each of those procedures. Whenever possible, try to get two or three different opinions from Lasik proficient surgeons before you settle on one or the other to make sure they have the experience that you need, at a cost that you can afford.

While any type of Lasik eye surgery isn't cheap, prices can be competitive, especially in large cities, so you may find deals that seem alarming, if not downright suspicious, in these areas. Usually, Lasik procedures cost roughly $1500 per eye, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the type of procedure you're having, as well as the severity of your vision problems, but if prices dip below $750 an eye, you may want to start asking yourself why. While it's hard to turn down a bargain, remember that you're talking eyesight here, which cannot be replaced.

The same goes for the reputation of your eye surgeon. Just because he's the biggest or most well known name in your community doesn't mean he has adequate experience in the type of Lasik procedure you need, so you have to balance cost with reputation and find a common middle ground. Always check out the credentials of any surgeon you intend to visit, and make sure that they are trained and proficient in the newest Lasik laser equipment and procedures possible.

A consultation will be your first step toward Lasik eye surgery, and again, it's a good idea to get more than one opinion on your vision problem, and suggestions by the eye doctor over which Lasik procedure is right for you. Finding a listing of qualified refractive surgeons anywhere in Orange County is as easy as looking in the phone book or on the internet, though take care to always check with the BBB or the California State Medical Association for complaints or lawsuits filed against any doctor on your list of possibilities.

About the Author
For the latest information on Lasik Orange County facilities, check out http://LasikRevealed.com .

IntraLase Offers Blade

LASIK is a surgical procedure that has changed the lives of many people in need of vision correction. LASIK actually stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and permanently changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of the eye. LASIK, in the past, used a surgical blade called a microkeratome to cut the flap in the cornea. But with advanced technology, the procedure has changed quite drastically, and now there is blade-free LASIK surgery.

Choosing to have LASIK surgery for vision correction is not the same as it was ten years ago. At that time, the options for LASIK surgery were not very extensive. There was really only way LASIK was performed and that involved a small mechanical blade called a microkeratome being used to create a flap on the cornea, after which a conventional excimer laser was used to reshape the tissue underneath so that the cornea would be able to focus light directly on the retina. Now, technology is much more advanced, and options for vision correction surgery are more numerous.

IntraLase Method of Vision Correction

The IntraLase Method of LASIK surgery is becoming very popular with patients and eye care professionals alike. The IntraLase Method is also known as "All laser LASIK" because instead of using the microkeratome to create the corneal flap, the eye care professional uses the IntraLase laser.

The Procedure

The first step in any LASIK procedure is creating the corneal flap. Correcting your vision actually involves working with the corneal tissue that's just beneath the surface of the cornea. Access to this tissue is created by making a surface flap and folding it back. Creation of the flap is crucial to the success of your surgery. The flap must be the exact correct thickness and in the exact right place. After the LASIK procedure is finished, the flap is folded back into its position and acts as a bandage of the surgical area.

Complications during LASIK are very rare, but when there is a complication, it frequently results from a poorly created corneal flap. Using the IntraLase Laser instead of the microkeratome reduces the chance of any complications.

The IntraLase laser works by emitting quick little bursts of light that shine through the eyes' surface to a predetermined microscopic depth. Each pulse of light creates a bubble below the surface, and the bubbles accumulate to cover the entire treatment area. Your surgeon will separate the corneal tissue and fold the flap back out so your LASIK treatment can be finished.

IntraLase Advantages

Patients and eye care professionals have found the advantages to IntraLase Laser surgery to be numerous:

· IntraLase creates a very smooth surface for the laser to work on whereas the microkeratome moving back and forth creates a roughened surface.
· The blade-free approach allows for more precise customizing of the corneal flap, which allows you to achieve the desired LASIK result.
· People with thin corneas are not good candidates for traditional LASIK surgery. The IntraLase laser is more precise than the microkeratome.
· After IntraLase laser surgery, the corneal flap settles back into position more smoothly and typically heals with no wrinkles or other complications.
· IntraLasik allows more people to achieve 20/20 vision than previous methods.
· Patients experience less trouble seeing in dim lighting conditions with IntraLase Laser.

More than 600,000 procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Laser Method. The process is not painful and the results are excellent. In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using a microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other eye, the vision in the IntraLase eye was preferred 3-to-1.

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Click here for more information on LASIK.

The Eyes Have It With Wavefront Lasik

Most people around the world today are familiar with the term Lasik (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and know that it is some kind of vision correction surgery. However, many people don't know that this specialized method of correcting vision with the use of a laser light uses different methods to achieve those goals.

For example, there is a method called Lasik, Epi-Lasik and Wavefront Lasik. While they all employ the use of the laser light beam to correct curvature of the cornea to improve eyesight, many people don't understand the difference. Wavefront Lasik is also known as custom Lasik. It utilizes the use of three-dimensional measurements that show doctors how your individual eye processes images. Those measurements are imported into a computer system that guides the laser to reshape the front of your eye, or cornea.

The Wavefront Lasik method uses the three-dimensional map that is created to seek out and find every little nuance that makes your eyesight what it is. While you may be farsighted, another person who is farsighted may have different degrees of the condition than you, as well as accompanying factors. Wavefront Lasik enables each individual to receive specialized surgery to correct unique vision problems that are independent of everyone else's.

This surgical method offers an increase in not only how much a person can see, but how well you can see, taking into consideration depth, peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity and contrast details as well. This surgery reduces the effect of post-operative halos and sensitivity to glare as well as increasing night vision acuity.

Wavefront is a new method of Lasik surgery that allows surgeons to provide extremely precise improvements to the shape of the cornea, which allows your eyes to better adjust and see near and far objects as well as improving depth and clarity. Such beneficial outcomes are not possible with the traditional use of eyeglasses or contact lenses, nor original forms of Lasik eye surgery.

Wavefront Lasik is recommended for people with astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia in degrees ranging from mild to moderate. While traditional vision correction methods such as eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct some problems, additional irregularities sometimes prevent optimal vision correction by these methods. Wavefront Lasik is able to not only perform the basic corrections, but also to enhance visual acuity, without cutting into the surface of the eye or requiring lengthy recovery time.

If you're looking for a Lasik procedure, wait until you visit your eye doctor to discuss which method of Lasik he or she suggests for your vision correction problems. While Wavefront is capable of treating multiple vision issues, since the surgery is so individualized, you may have one or even several options open to you. Any kind of Lasik eye surgery is expensive, so make sure you get more than one professional consultation if possible to determine which course of treatment is best for your situation. Plan on spending at least $1,500 per eye for any kind of Lasik treatment, and ask if your vision insurance plan will help pick up a portion of the tab.

Wavefront Lasik is capable of increasing and improving eyesight in most candidates for the surgery, but always remember that your eyes are irreplaceable and care and caution must be practiced to ensure that you find the best Lasik method to suit your needs.

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Is Wavefront Lasik the right solution for you? Find out more at http://LasikRevealed.com .

Dealing with LASIK Cost

LASIK surgery is an alternative to wearing corrective lens for people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK surgery, however, unlike corrective lenses is not covered by most insurance. That means a person has to find their own way to finance their LASIK procedure.

There are many companies out there who specialize in providing financing for LASIK surgery. These companies offer you a line of credit, much like a bank loan. It comes with an interest rate and you must make monthly payments towards your loan.

Before choosing a financing company, though, it is smart to speak with your surgeon. Some surgeons will only work with select financing companies. Additionally, your surgeon may offer financing that could end up being cheaper or he may have suggestions on where else to go for financing.

You may also be able to locate financing online through a search for "LASIK financing". You may be able to find more competitive interest rates and varied financing options through this method.

If you are looking to get financed you should still try to come up with an initial down payment. It helps to have as much of a down payment as possible. Having a large down payment will reduce the amount you need funded. Additionally, you will end up paying less if you can come up with more money down because you will pay less interest.

You can get the down payment money from your savings or you if you have a flexible spending account then you can use that. You should try to come up with the money without having to borrow it since that would defeat the purpose of having a down payment.

You have to keep in mind that getting financed for LASIK surgery is going to be like getting financing for anything else. If you have bad credit or no credit it may be difficult to find a company willing to finance you. This is a risky finance since there is no collateral for the company to collect should you default on the loan. By having a good sized down payment, you may be able to still get financed even if your credit is less then stellar.

When it comes to financing LASIK surgery it is really in your hands. The insurance companies have yet to see it as being a good alternative to financing corrective lenses, so they won't pay. Until they see that helping people get LASIK can actually save them money in the long run, it is unlikely that insurance will be the answer to LASIK costs. Until then it is up to you to find a way to get your LASIK surgery financed.

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Learn more about LASIK Eye Surgery for FREE today with Joseph. You can also learn how to Improve Your Eyesight at our website too.

Symptoms of dry eye and recurrent erosion syndrome after refractive surgery

To determine the incidence and severity of patient complaints typical of dry eye and recurrent erosion syndrome after excimer laser refractive surgery and to compare the incidence of these symptoms after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Outpatient university practice.

METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 1731 patients who had had primary myopic PRK or LASIK at least 6 months previously. Questions were designed to determine the incidence and character of ocular dryness and recurrent erosion symptoms and their impact on patient satisfaction and willingness to have surgery again. Responses from PRK and LASIK patients were compared.
RESULTS: Responses from 231 PRK patients and 550 LASIK patients revealed an incidence of dryness symptoms in 43% and 48%, respectively (P >.05). Soreness of the eye to touch was reported by 26.8% and 6.7%, respectively (P <.0001). Sharp pains occurred in 20.4% of PRK patients and 8.0% of LASIK patients (P =.0001). Complaints of the eyelid sticking to the eyeball occurred in 14.7% and 5.6%, respectively (P =.0001). All symptoms occurred predominantly on waking. Frequency of eyelid sticking (P <.0005) and sharp pain (P <.005) symptoms, as well as severity of sharp pain symptoms (P <.0001), were significantly greater in PRK patients than in LASIK patients. On a scale of 0 to 10 (10 high), median overall patient satisfaction with surgery was 9 in both groups. Soreness of the eyelid to touch occurred significantly more frequently among patients with symptoms of sharp pains on waking (P <.001) and the sensation of the eyelid sticking to the eyeball (P <.001). Patients with 1 or more symptoms were twice as likely as asymptomatic patients to have a satisfaction score of less than 8 (P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Ocular dryness symptoms occurred commonly after PRK and LASIK. Symptoms suggestive of mild recurrent erosions included sharp pains, the sensation of the eyelid sticking to the eyeball, and soreness of the eyelid to touch, a previously unrecognized symptom of this condition. These symptoms occurred commonly after excimer laser procedures but were significantly more common, more severe, and more prolonged after PRK. The presence of these symptoms had a significant effect on patient satisfaction.

Colorado Lasik Vision Correction

The cost of Lasik surgery can vary wildly depending on where you have the procedure, and Colorado Lasik vision correction is subject to the same market forces as everywhere else. You'd think that a surgery like Lasik, one that's done so often and on so many people, would run pretty much the same price no matter where you go. But there are a lot of variables - how expert the doctor is who'll perform the procedure, for example, and what sort of a facility you go to for your Lasik procedure. The eye centers at hospitals use a different fee structure than a private practice doctor, for example, and private physicians have different levels of overhead costs, which drive the prices they charge patients. Feesd are also based on your prescription, too - the more work that the doctor needs to do to correct your vision, the more it may cost.

Taking a look at Colorado lasik vision correction, for instance, you'll find that fees vary from a low of about $500 per eye to over $2,500. That's huge range of fees, isn't it? The good news is that the price usually includes all of your pre-surgery and post-surgery care, including office visits. Often, the cost of the procedure is driven by the amount of money that the individual doctor's office has invested in the equipment to perform the surgery. New techniques like Wavefront Lasik creates a three-dimensional computerized "map" of the surface of your eye, and the procedure is far more precise than previous methods of laser corrective surgery.

This equipment is pricey - over $100,000 - and the physician also pays a fee of around $200 to the manufacturer each time they use the equipment, much like musicians pay a royalty fee when they use someone else's songs. Whether the eye doctor is in Denver - where rents for office space are quite high compared to other cities in Colorado - or in a less metropolitan area, if you add in the cost of gowns, masks and other accoutrements plus overhead like rent on the office and utilities, insurance and salaries for staff, and you can not only see why the procedure is expensive, but why the price varies from eye doctor to eye doctor.

As with medical procedure, you should research different eye doctors and clinics for both their cost and their reputation, ask for referrals, and base your decision on a combination of factors. Don't automatically go for the least expensive Lasik surgeon in the Colorado White Pages - these are your eyes, after all, and you don't want to cut corners. But don't assume that the most expensive eye clinic is the best, either. Look for a doctor with plenty of up-to-date training, excellent patient references, and a price that doesn't break the bank for colorado lasik vision correction.

About the Author
Dean Iggo is the webmaster of discount contact lenses where you can find reviews and information on colored contact lenses, lasik eye surgery and more..

Eye Phobia For Lasik Surgery

Overcoming Eye Phobia For Lasik Surgery by Peter Rankin

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it could be that you are completely bored of putting them on every morning. It could be that you have started with another accessory - a chain round your neck for your glasses as you are in the habit of constantly misplacing them. The worst of all is when you are fed up of 'wearing your eyes' to see anything ! if you are in agreement with one or more of the statements mentioned here, it is high time that you tried an option which takes care of most of your problems. Do away with glasses or contact lenses. Go for Lasik surgery - a brand new technology which can repair your eyes surgically. There are many whose vision was restored to the 20/20 level. There are more who have had even better results.

But the sheer thought of a doctor focusing a laser beam into the eye and blinding it permanently is surely a scary thought. But getting properly educated on Lasik Surgery could eliminate many of the fears. One of the proven ways to overcome this phobia is to watch a Lasik surgery done on someone else. If this also does not help, contact your eye doctor who can refer you to a clinical psychologist, who can help.

Most doctors allow prospective patients to sit and watch a Lasik surgery done to another patient. Either it is video taped which you can watch or you may like to sit and watch the procedure live, of course with the patients' consent. Once you experience the simplicity, painlessness and the convenience of the whole surgical process, you may feel comforted. More over, you may ask the patient questions like, what it felt when the surgery was in progress, how it feels now or any other questions you may have.

Information is power. So true in this case. The more information you gather, the more you learn about the pros and cons of lasik surgery the more equipped you are to face the surgical procedure, when it happens to you. Intensive and extensive knowledge about lasik surgery can put you at ease and prepare you to face the situation. Watching it happen to others is a wonderful way to learn. With eyes open all the time, the procedure is carried out - yet you cant see a thing because your head and eyes are kept fixed in one position. If this is scary news to you, watch it happen to some one else. It will put you at ease.

In case witnessing a surgery done on some one else is not quite your cup of tea, you can try getting a psychological counseling. Professional psychologists can cure any phobia. Some try it with hypnosis, some with visual aids to get the fear out of your system. And they do this pretty fast. If you think a good psychologist is expensive, you could try another method to overcome fear. Try meditation.

Meditation helps in soothing and calming the mind and body. It can help you lose weight, give you relief from stress and anxieties and help you overcome phobias. Once you know enough about lasik surgery, you could do some research on meditation and see how meditation helps in soothing battered nerves. "Meditation for Dummies" is a good book which teaches you a lot about mediation, the techniques and also what you can expect from it.

While all these are good ways to get fear out of your system, it could well be that you need a combination of several of these. Only you can tell, what is good for you to get over your phobias. But if you overcome your phobias and get the surgery done, you will be the one who will have the last smile. Because you would have got a better quality of life post-surgery.

The most important thing to remember is that if you don't get over your fear you will be wearing glasses for ever (and keep on losing them also). Hopefully this should give you the right motivation to go ahead and kill that fear bug inside you.
About the Author

Peter Rankin is a staff writer at Vision Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Wellness Digest.

Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery

The risks involved in LASIK eye surgery is relatively small compared to other types of surgery. However, there is still a risk which is there because of the use of the blade that is used to cut the flap in the cornea. The use of this blade comes with the element of human error. This is because all human beings make mistake from time, although this risk is reduced the more highly trained someone is. However, this risk is still there.

Bladeless LASIK lowers that already small risk even further as it removes the need for a blade. This function is taken over by IntraLase lasers which are controlled by computers and can therefore provide a more precise cutting action. Because bladeless LASIK is so delicate that it can even be used on people who have thin corneas. These are people who usually not approved for other types of laser surgery.

Bladeless LASIK offer a number of advantages. The IntraLase laser used during bladeless LASIK allows for an increased curvature, hence lowering the margin of error even more. The fact that a laser is used instead of a blade leads to less infections and irritation. Not only that, bladeless LASIK only leads to a shorter recovery period compared to other types of LASIK eye surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK, many people who had surgeries had to come back for follow-ups or to redo a surgery that didn't go so well. There is also a great deal of irritation that follows other surgeries. However, with bladeless LASIK most of these are something of the past, because of a success rate that is very close to 100%.

So now you may wonder, why do we need an eye doctor for if the lasers are doing everything? Well even though many of the actions are controlled by lasers, these lasers still have to be directed. And to be able to do that you need to have the knowledge of both laser technology as well as eye surgery, which only a trained LASIK eye surgeon can give you. Surgeons who do bladeless LASIK now also need to know how to operate the computer that controls the InterLaser lasers.

Although bladeless LASIK may cost a bit more, many people think it is worth spending that extra money, considering the near perfect results you get. Not to mention the reduced irritation and shorter recovery time.
About the Author

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

Loss of Contrast Sensitivity After Lasik

Refractive surgery techniques are designed to change the eye's focus and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, there are other factors in the eye, which may affect vision quality, that are unrelated to eye focus. These factors can cause the quality of vision to vary greatly, even when a patient has 20/20 or better acuity. Contrast sensitivity measurement is the best method of quantifying the actual quality of a patients vision.

Immediately after LASIK refractive surgery, contrast sensitivity may be such that the patient's quality of vision is well below the normal range. After several weeks, or in some cases several months, the quality of vision and contrast sensitivity may recover to normal levels. For PRK refractive surgery, the amount of time required to recover to normal levels may be longer, up to six months.

Hemorrhage After LASIK Surgery

Another small side effect of the blade free LASIK surgery, or Intralase, is the increased chance of having a hemorrhage in the eye. It sounds much worse than it is.

Because of the time needed (up to a minute) for the suction ring to be placed on the eye to create the eye flap during the Intralase procedure, there is an increased risk of bleeding. This bleeding is referred to as a hemorrhage.

a bilateral submacular hemorrhage after LASIK surgery in an extreme myo pic patient. A 31-year-old man underwent bilateral surgery for correction of -16.75+0.75270° and -16.50+0.50255°.

One day after surgery the patient's uncorrected visual acuity was in the 20/50 range OU and by 17 days after surgery his visual acuity had declined to 20/200 range. Fundus examination showed multifocal subretinal macular and posterior pole hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography showed some macular lesions compatible with lacquer cracks.

Preoperative and postoperative fundus examination is important to detect this phenomenon. Patients should be informed of this rare complication

How To Get the Best Results from Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik surgery is a dream come true for many people. It can restore their vision to 20/20 or better. Now let's get realistic. How effective is lasik eye surgery? Can it really repair everyone's eyes to perfect 20/20 vision or better? Can you really throw your glasses and contact lenses away, never to have to worry about them again? The answers to these questions may surprise you. The truth is that not everyone gets 20/20 vision when the surgery is complete. The sad thing is that no matter how much research you do, getting exact statistics is impossible. A statistical chart on www.corneatexas.com shows that they have a 96% success rate. According to www.aapecs.com only about 55% of people have 20/20 vision after surgery; however 92% have 20/40 vision. 20/40 is the minimum vision requirement in the United States to get a drivers license.

You can see that statistics can be easily manipulated to mean anything you want them to mean. You can not base your decision on having surgery simply based on the statistics that your doctor gives you. Remember that he is in business. You are a sale to him. He will tell you what you want to make a sale. Statistics should be considered, but not be the basis for your decision.

Everyone's eye is different. The decision to go ahead with surgery should be done after have a consultation with a competent doctor. Don't go to someone you don't know or trust, especially if they are going to be the one doing the surgery. They just want your money. If you have a regular doctor that you have been going to for years his/her opinion would be valuable. Over the years you have learned to trust this doctor and his consultation has a better chance of being unbiased.

Do not trust anyone who claims you can throw away your glasses forever or that they guarantee 20/20 vision or your money back. There are no guarantees in medicine. The truth is most people still need glasses when they are done with surgery. You may need a weaker prescription, but still you may need corrective lenses. You have to accept that risk before going into surgery.

Many people go into surgery not expecting or even knowing about any of the side effects or complications. You need to research and understand these complications before having the surgery. You also need to ask yourself, "What can I reasonably expect from this surgery." You also need to know what to expect after the surgery. Although the surgery may only take about 20 minutes, the recovery can take up to six months. No, you will not have patches on your eyes and you won't spend six months in pain waiting for your eyes to heal. But it will take about six months to know if the surgery truly worked. If it did not work, your eyes may go back to their original shape within those six months. Also within that six month window, some of the negative side effects may manifest themselves. The first six months is critical. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, report it to your doctor immediately. They key to repairing any potential damage is timing. Don't wait if you feel pressure behind your eyes, or extreme dry eye, or reduced vision, or glares, or anything that is not normal. Your doctor may still be able to fix these problems, but not if you don't tell him or wait too long to tell him.

The honest truth is that you may still need glasses or contacts when it's all said and done with. You need to know the risks involved and have realistic expectations. Going in prepared will help guide you through the entire process. "Knowledge is Power." The saying may sound cliché, but it has always held true. Do your homework first. Research the surgery. Research the side effects. Research your doctor. Ask questions, even if you think it is a stupid question. It never hurts to ask questions and educate your self. A competent doctor will answer you questions honestly and not just sell you on the miracles of not wearing glasses ever again. Then make an educated decision about having the surgery. Then you can walk into surgery with confidence.

About the Author
Isabelle Boulay also is author of articles on cataract symptoms and diagnosis and preparation for Lasik eye surgery at Medopedia.com

Demystifying Laser Eye Surgery

Over the last number of years the world has witnessed amazing advances in the field of medicine, especially with the advent of LASIK laser eye surgery. This revolutionary procedure has both given hope and excited those who experience problems with their eyesight.

But what exactly is LASIK eye surgery?

What happens during LASIK laser surgery is that the lasers correct refractive errors in the cornea. The laser perfectly controls the tearing of the corneal tissue, thereby reshaping the cornea and changing its focus. LASIK surgery follows a simple two step process:

1. A slight, thin flap of tissue is created on the outside layer of the eye or cornea. This flap encourages healing and provides comfort on the way to better vision.

2. The surgeon folds open the flap on the inner cornea to correct the eyesight. Once this is done, the flap is closed to its original position and sealed with stitches.

The word LASIK refers to Laser-Assisted In Sutu Keratomieusis, a process which is characterized by the reshaping of the cornea to refract light in the lens. While LASIK eye surgery is by no means perfect, it is a very viable and increasingly safe surgery.

Government regulations have led to improvements regarding the types of lasers to be used for LASIK laser surgery. If you or anyone you know are considering LASIK laser surgery I would advise you to carefully research the types of lasers used by your local doctors when performing LASIK.

New improvements coupled with the regulated costs of doctors mean that LASIK surgery has become more affordable, making it a possibility for some who could only dream of such improvement a few years back. Some surgeries are referred to as “bladeless” or “custom” LASIK, meaning they are more tailored towards the individual and are therefore more effective

Finally LASIK surgery is an exciting prospect to anyone who has suffered from vision problems in the past. However, just as when buying a car or house, you need to carefully consider all your options before embarking on LASIK.

The author L Jimmy Roos writes widely, offering solutions on various topics that affect the human condition.For more information on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit now