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.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
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 .
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 .
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
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.
About the Author
Click here for more information on LASIK.
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.
About the Author
Click here for more information on LASIK.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
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.
About the Author
Is Wavefront Lasik the right solution for you? Find out more at http://LasikRevealed.com .
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.
About the Author
Is Wavefront Lasik the right solution for you? Find out more at http://LasikRevealed.com .
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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.
About the Author
Learn more about LASIK Eye Surgery for FREE today with Joseph. You can also learn how to Improve Your Eyesight at our website too.
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.
About the Author
Learn more about LASIK Eye Surgery for FREE today with Joseph. You can also learn how to Improve Your Eyesight at our website too.
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