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The LASIK Directory Blog

Welcome to the LASIK Blog, a resource for people interested in LASIK surgery. This consumer-friendly blog is intended to be used as a central resource to answer common questions about LASIK and to point you in the right direction.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Eye Health Neccessary Before LASIK

Today, many people can experience improved vision with LASIK. Although most people are candidates for the vision correction surgery, certain eye conditions may require treatment before you can be considered a LASIK candidate. Such eye conditions include:

· Conjunctivitis

· Cataracts

· Glaucoma

· Chronic dry eyes

· Eye injury

· Diseases of the retina

These eye conditions can increase the risk of LASIK complications, which are otherwise uncommon. Certain eye conditions interfere with the ability of your body to heal and recover after LASIK.

An ophthalmologist can successfully treat most ocular health problems. Once proper eye health is restored, you can revisit LASIK as a vision correction option. Certain eye problems, such as cataracts, may mean LASIK is not right for you. Oftentimes, patients with cataracts benefit from an alternative eye surgery procedure replacing the eye lens.

Regardless of your existing eye conditions, the only way to know if LASIK is right for you is to consult an experienced eye surgeon. Modern ophthalmology offers a wide range of refractive procedures, including surgical approaches tailored to patients who do not qualify for LASIK.

To find out if LASIK may be right for you, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Common LASIK Myths

Many people do not consider LASIK as an option because of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the vision correction procedure.

Myth: LASIK surgery is dangerous.

Fact: Risk is inherent in any surgical procedure. Although there are rare cases of LASIK surgeries gone wrong, most LASIK procedures (when performed by a qualified and experienced LASIK surgeon) do not end with irreparable eye damage.

By choosing a LASIK surgeon who has received excellent training and has had extensive experience, you decrease the risks associated with the procedure. You should also choose a surgeon who uses state-of-the-art technology and approved lasers.

Myth: LASIK is too new to know much about the risks.

Fact: The procedure was approved by the FDA in 1999, but the principles regarding refractive vision correction had been studied since the 1900s and earlier.

Today, LASIK surgeons have a good understanding of the risks associated with LASIK as well as the most common side effects, including dry eye.

Myth: LASIK is only temporary and requires repeat surgeries.

Fact: About 10 percent of LASIK patients need a “touch-up” surgery. LASIK permanently changes the structure of your eye, and the majority of repeat procedures are required to fine tune vision results.

Myth: You will never need glasses again after LASIK.

Fact: LASIK will not prevent presbyopia, a normal aging of the eyes that all people experience in their 40s and beyond. You will most likely need to wear reading glasses as a result of this condition. Also, LASIK is not a guaranteed way to provide 20/20 vision. Some LASIK patients find that they still benefit from wearing glasses some of the time (at night, for instance).

There are many myths regarding LASIK. To learn more about the procedure or find a LASIK surgeon near you, please contact the LASIK Directory today.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Fear the Reaper, Not LASIK

In a scene that aspires to do for LASIK procedures what Psycho did for showers and Jaws did for the ocean, the upcoming horror film Final Destination 5 features death by laser corrective eye surgery.

Not only does the movie manage an entire scene about the use of a surgical laser as an instrument of annihilation, the studio marketing types were so confident in the primal terror stirred by LASIK—you know, the fear of clear vision—that they built the movie’s trailer around it.

The preview begins with a menacing close-up of … wait for it … an eye surgery laser. The camera pushes closer to accentuate its chilling, finely polished, antiseptic sheen. Fright, thy name is excimer laser.

Cut to a nervous woman (who frankly looks a bit young for LASIK; patients should be at least in their late teens to early 20s, after the eyes have fully matured) being prepped for surgery.

“When we’re done, you’ll have perfect vision,” says the ophthalmologist before exiting, leaving the woman in the surgical chair facing the laser.

Even someone suffering from advanced myopia could see what’s coming from a mile away.

Perhaps more distressing than the fact that this franchise is on its fifth installment—despite the irony that each episode is deemed “final”—is that its creators have resorted to surgical procedures with a success rate of more than 95 percent as a means of soliciting scares and making mincemeat out of the obligatory nubile victims. Final Destination 5 also contains death by acupuncture, leaving perhaps only slaughter by Swedish massage and execution via tongue depressor for the inevitable Final Destination 6.

If you’re considering laser vision correction, choosing the right LASIK surgeon can help allay your fears. But don’t let an ophthalmologist be your final destination for a LASIK recommendation; just ask any of the nearly 20 million people who have had their vision corrected with laser eye surgery.

To learn more about vision correction with LASIK surgery and to find an ophthalmologist near you, please contact The LASIK Directory.

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Monday, April 18, 2011

Eye on the Ball: Glasses Sparked Player to Late Career Surge

If LASIK had been around when Eddie Joost played baseball, the soft-hitting but defensively polished infielder—who died April 12 at the age of 94—might be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Joost began his professional baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1936. A slick fielder, Joost split time between second base, shortstop and third base while carrying a batting average that frequently dipped below the Mendoza line and never mustering more than six home runs and 41 RBI in a season.

Although he was the everyday shortstop for the World Series-winning Reds in 1940, his defensive prowess compensated less and less for his poor performance at the plate. By 1944, Joost was out of baseball and working in a meat-packing plant.

After a brief shot with the Boston Braves in 1945, Joost spent the 1946 season toiling in the minor leagues. Then, in 1947, approaching 31 years old, Joost got a second chance.

The Philadelphia Athletics—now the Oakland A’s—were in desperate need of a shortstop and picked up Joost. His woes at the plate continued, but Joost finally acknowledged their cause: astigmatism.

At the time, there was pervasive prejudice against players wearing glasses. In 1947, only one player—St. Louis Browns third baseman Bob Dillinger—wore glasses on the field.

Knowing his window of opportunity was closing fast and tired of seeing “two balls coming at me,” as he once described his vision problem, Joost got glasses. His turnaround was eye opening.

In 1948, Joost hit .250 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI. The following year, he hit .263 with 23 home runs and 81 RBI. In his early 30s, when most players begin to decline, Joost surged.

He decreased his strikeouts from a high of 110 in 1947 to 68 in 1950, more than doubled the average number of walks from his stint with the Reds, significantly raised his on-base percentage, and became a two-time American League All-Star. From 1948 until 1952—his final full season—Joost averaged 19 home runs and 120 walks per season; he still holds the record for most walks by a shortstop with 149, set in 1949.

One can only speculate about the arc Joost’s career might have taken had he chosen to treat his vision problem sooner. Regardless, Joost attributed his late success to his eyewear. Well, the glasses and a tip from Ted Williams, who seemingly never had a problem seeing the ball.

“He told me I got out in front too much,” Joost told Baseball Digest in 2002. “He was right.”

To learn more about astigmatism and LASIK treatment options, please contact a qualified ophthalmologist near you.

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Monday, April 11, 2011

Another Reason to Play Outside: Vitamin D May Lessen Myopia Risk

It should come as no surprise that myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea) can affect the learning abilities of children who have the conditions. Both can cause headaches, blurred vision and trouble reading at various distances.

Myopia and astigmatism are also the most common eye problems among children, according to the National Eye Institute. While both conditions are thought to be largely hereditary, there is growing documentation that factors including eye stress (such as that caused by spending long hours in front of a computer monitor) and health problems (such as diabetes) can contribute to myopia.

There is new evidence, however, that indicates spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of developing myopia. The key is thought to be vitamin D, which numerous studies in recent years have shown most American children already aren’t getting enough of.

According to a study reported in the Feb. 25 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, researchers at The Ohio State University College of Optometry found a connection between myopia and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor. SNPs are common genetic mutations that, in conjunction with one another, can increase the risk for a wide range of health conditions including cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

The Ohio State University study revealed an association between a specific SNP within the vitamin D receptor and low to moderate myopia. Although the study was conducted with Caucasian adults ages 21 to 69 with a median age of 47, the research suggests that people with myopia may not process vitamin D efficiently or may not receive enough vitamin D.

Sunlight accelerates your body’s ability to naturally produce vitamin D, and further studies are underway to hone in on the connection between vitamin D and better eyesight. One such recently launched research effort is in Singapore, where the National University Health System is conducting a one-year study to determine if spending more time outdoors—and increasing vitamin D—will prevent the onset of myopia in children between the ages of 6 and 10.

Although myopia is treatable with eyeglasses, contact lenses and LASIK surgery, a global increase in instances of myopia in children has spurred greater attention to the causes of and methods for combating nearsightedness. Untreated, myopia can contribute to glaucoma, cataracts, retinal tears and macular degeneration.

To learn more about treatment options for myopia, please contact the LASIK directory.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Are Phakic IOLs Better than LASIK?

Although LASIK is the most popular refractive surgery, far more popular than the use of phakic IOLs, sometimes described as implantable contact lenses, there are some questions about whether it is the best refractive surgery for many different kinds of visual problems, including high myopia. Obviously, phakic IOLs offer many of the same benefits as LASIK: long-term vision correction, the freedom to see without using glasses or contacts, and the potential for even better vision correction than offered by traditional methods. Therefore, phakic IOLs are a natural competitor to LASIK surgery. But which one gives the best results?

Over the last few years, a number of studies have suggested that the crown for best results may go to phakic IOLs. At least two published studies and a conference lecture in the last few years suggest that phakic IOLs may give slightly better visual quality. One 2009 study looked at 46 eyes receiving STAAR's Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and 47 eyes that underwent custom LASIK for high myopia (<= -6 diopters), comparing pre-surgical and post-surgical higher-order-aberrations and contrast sensitivity. The study showed that phakic IOLs produced significantly fewer higher-order aberrations, and improved contrast sensitivity, whereas LASIK actually reduced contrast sensitivity. Another 2009 study looking at 45 patients (20 with two different phakic IOLs and 25 with LASIK) showed that one month after surgery, phakic IOL patients had recovered much more of their visual acuity than LASIK patients.

Additional support was given to phakic IOLs by a lecture given by Dr. Pablo Artal of the Optical Laboratory of the University of Murcia in Spain. Though his research was only suggestive and had not been formulated for publication, it suggested that LASIK may increase spherical aberrations as the degree of myopia increased, while phakic IOLs maintain or reduce spherical aberrations as myopia increases. However, the actual difference in visual outcomes was not as great as would be predicted by the measured refractive errors.

If you are looking for a long-term vision correction option for high myopia, you should talk to a local ophthalmologist today to learn more about your options and which one might be right for you.

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Monday, October 25, 2010

Which Laser Vision Correction Procedure Is Right for You?

Both Epi-LASIK and LASIK are procedures for corrective eye surgery. The Epi-Lasik procedure was developed in response to certain complications resulting from the PRK and LASIK techniques. The good news, as you consider which procedure is best for you, is that there are options. Your LASIK surgeon will work with you to determine the best procedure for your needs.

Understanding the differences between the procedures can help you as you discuss your corrective surgery options with your surgeon:

  • LASIK – Laser vision correction is made to the underlying layer of the cornea after a hinged flap has been created. No stitches are required since the flap seals itself naturally following the procedure. Recovery time seems fairly quick and you should see almost immediate improvement in your vision. However, healing continues and should not be considered complete for several months after your procedure.
  • PRK – Laser vision correction is made on the surface of the eye. A thin outer layer of the eye is completely removed but will grow back naturally over time. Initial recovery time is longer than with LASIK and may take several weeks before you get the clear vision you desire.
  • Epi-LASIK – Laser vision correction is also made to the underlying layer of the cornea but the hinged flap is much thinner. Following the procedure, contacts are worn to protect the eye during the healing process. Initial results will be evident quicker than with PRK, but like other refractive procedures will actually be complete in several months.

Each type of laser vision correction is designed for specific reasons. For example, if you have thin corneas, or work in a job where your eye may be hit or bumped, Epi-LASIK might be best for you. Being an informed consumer is an essential ingredient to receive the outcome you're looking for from your corrective eye surgery.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area.

PNW

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Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Minimum Age for LASIK Candidates

Jordanian researchers recently conducted a retrospective study at a single outpatient clinic in Amman. The study evaluated the refractive errors of 46,384 consecutive patients. The patients, ages 3 to 82, were separated into four groups based on refractive error:

  • Emmetropia
  • Low to moderate myopia
  • High myopia
  • Hyperopia

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that the minimum age of patients undergoing LASIK for a correction of less than -3.00 diopters of myopia can be safely lowered. It was concluded that lowering the age from 20 to 18 years provided little risk of progression of myopia after surgery.

Eighteen is the minimum age for most LASIK applications. The chronological age of the patient is not the primary concern. In all cases, the eyes must be stable having no change for at least two years. The FDA has approved the excimer laser for patients over the age of 18. Patients under age 18 may have the surgery if their doctor determines that LASIK would be appropriate.

Patients of any age considering laser vision correction should be educated about the risks and complications of LASIK prior to the surgery including the risk of progression of refractive error.

At any age, choosing a Lasik doctor with a proven track record is the key to the outcome you desire. To find a doctor in your area, please contact us today.


pnw


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Thursday, September 09, 2010

LASIK Alternatives

While LASIK is the most popular type of vision correction surgery, it is not the ideal procedure for everyone. Depending on your refractive error, overall eye health and unique corneal condition, you may be a more suitable candidate for one of the LASIK alternative procedures.

At your initial consultation, your laser eye surgeon will evaluate the condition of your eyes and recommend the appropriate procedure to meet your needs. Some of the most common alternatives to LASIK include:

  • Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) – this procedure employs radio waves to correct refractive errors associated with hyperopia and presbyopia
  • Implantable contact lenses – used to correct myopia by inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) in front of your eye's natural lens
  • LASEK – a common alternative used when your corneal shape or thickness rules you out as a LASIK candidate
  • Epi-LASIK – corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism for patients with very thin corneas, large pupils, or dry eyes
  • Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) – like LASIK, PRK uses an excimer laser to reshape your cornea; however, there is no corneal flap created during the PRK procedure

By opting for the appropriate procedure for your unique needs, you will minimize the risk of complications and increase your chances of receiving the best possible outcome.

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Friday, June 04, 2010

LASIK vs. Epi-LASIK

Advances in refractive surgery technology have resulted in a variety of options to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Two of the most common options available today are LASIK and Epi-LASIK. It is important to understand some of the differences in these procedures so that you choose the right one for your unique vision correction needs.

LASIK and Epi-LASIK are very similar procedures. Both use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea so that light focuses properly on your retina. However, there is a difference in the way each of these procedures access the underlying layers of corneal tissue. In Epi-LASIK, only the epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) is separated from the underlying corneal tissue. In LASIK, a thicker corneal flap is required to access the deeper layers of the cornea.

These varying techniques have several important implications for patients:

  • LASIK generally results in a quicker recovery time; however, there is also a higher rate of flap complications
  • Epi-LASIK will have a longer recovery time which requires special bandage contact lenses to be worn to promote proper healing; in general, it may take as long as six months to notice the full results of the procedure

The thickness of your cornea will generally determine whether you are a better candidate for LASIK or Epi-LASIK. In general, people with thin corneas may experience better results with Epi-LASIK. At your initial consultation, your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes to determine the ideal procedure for you.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Getting LASIK on a Small Budget

There are thousands of people all across the United States who are choosing not to have LASIK performed because they feel that the procedure is too expensive and they can't afford it. The fact is you can probably have the LASIK eye surgery you've always wanted and fit the cost comfortably into your budget.

No matter what budget you have, the best thing you can do if you are considering LASIK surgery is to schedule an initial consultation with a LASIK doctor. During your initial consultation, your LASIK doctor will review your vision goals and determine if LASIK is right for you.

After working with you, your LASIK doctor can find a LASIK financing option that best fits your needs. Many LASIK doctors offer a variety of financing options so that you can make small, monthly payments for your LASIK procedure over the course of three, six, 12, or even 24 months.

For many people, financing their LASIK procedure allows them to achieve the vision they want without breaking the bank. Not only can you receive financing for LASIK procedures, you can also finance many other refractive procedures such as PRK, LASEK, or Epi-LASIK.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon near you.

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Friday, May 01, 2009

LASIK Alternatives

While LASIK surgery has enabled millions of people across the world to improve refractive errors and get rid of glasses and contact lenses, the procedure is not for everyone. For various reasons, including thin corneas, abnormally shaped corneas, and being too nearsighted, there are many people who are not ideal candidates for LASIK.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to LASIK available. It is important to consult an eye surgeon who has experience with many different procedures and can recommend the right one for your needs.

Some common alternatives to LASIK include:

  • PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure where a laser reshapes the surface of your cornea. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap cut into your cornea, which may cut down on the risk of dry eye associated with LASIK.
  • CK (conductive keratoplasty) uses radiofrequency waves to correct refractive errors such as farsightedness or astigmatism. The radiofrequency waves are applied to the edge of your cornea to correct your vision problems.
  • Implantable contact lenses provide patients whose nearsightedness is too severe for LASIK or PRK an excellent option for vision correction. An incision is made in the eye so that a hard, plastic lens can be inserted in front of your eye's natural lens.
  • Refractive lens exchange replaces your eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It very similar to cataract surgery and is an excellent option for patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Implantable Contact Lenses

Implantable contact lenses offer patients another option to correct refractive errors in their vision. The procedure is very safe and has been around for more than 15 years, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved it for use in the United States a few years ago.

There are many people who are not ideal candidates for LASIK surgery due to overly thin corneas, abnormally shaped corneas, or having too strong of a prescription. Implantable contact lenses provide patients who cannot undergo LASIK with an ability to correct their vision and get rid of their glasses or contacts once and for all.

Implantable contact lenses are made from an organic collagen-based protein material called Collamer. They are thin, pliable, and undetectable to others once placed in your eye. Since they are permanently implanted in your eye, they reduce the risk of infection commonly associated with regular contact lenses.

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is similar to cataract surgery, except you will not have your natural lens removed. Patients are awake throughout the entire procedure and are given a topical anesthetic to numb the eye. Your ophthalmologist will make an incision three millimeters wide in your cornea. The implantable contact lens will then be inserted into your eye. It is placed behind the iris and in front of your eye's natural lens.

The healing process takes about a month. Patients generally see an improvement in their vision within a few hours. You will not require stitches for the incision, and you will be able to return to work the next day. You will need to use eye drops for approximately three weeks after having surgery.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Braves Catcher May Need Second LASIK Procedure

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann may require a second LASIK procedure to correct his vision issues. He currently suffers from blurry vision and dryness in his left eye. He has an appointment with his ophthalmologist today to determine whether he will require additional laser eye surgery to repair the condition.

McCann went for LASIK surgery after the 2007 season and experienced no vision problems throughout the 2008 season. If he needs additional surgery, he will most likely spend some time on the disabled list while his eyes heal. McCann has been taking antibiotic ointment drops to help with his condition. He is currently mired in a 1-for-20 slump.

Before doctors recommend a second LASIK procedure for McCann, they will try to determine the exact cause of the problem. Doctors are currently uncertain whether the problem stems from dryness, an irritant, or a tear-duct tissue.

If doctors do decide to go forward with additional LASIK, it will most likely be a minor operation to correct issues stemming from his first surgery.

McCain is not the only prominent baseball player considering LASIK at the moment. Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was supposed to have LASIK performed last month, but decided to put the procedure off until the end of the season.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Is LASIK Right for You?

As a result of the many rapid advances in LASIK technology, laser eye surgery has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Many people across the country have opted for LASIK surgery as an alternative to the hassles of dealing with contact lenses or eye glasses on a daily basis.

But how do you know if the surgery is right for you?

An ideal candidate for LASIK is over the age of 18 with a moderate refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism). Results are not always as consistent for people with very strong prescriptions. Furthermore, your vision must be stable for one to two years in order to undergo laser eye surgery.

There are a few other factors that will affect whether or not LASIK is right for you. If you have an irregularly shaped cornea or an overly thin cornea, you will run a greater risk of complications. Also, if you are prone to dry eyes before having LASIK, you will most likely experience severe dry eyes after your surgery. You may want to think carefully about this before opting for the procedure.

Overall, LASIK has become very routine and safe and yields a very high percentage of successful procedures. The satisfaction rate among LASIK patients is one of the highest for any elective surgery procedure. So if you are sick and tired of wearing contacts or glasses every day, you may want to consult your ophthalmologist to see if LASIK is right for you.

You can use the links at the bottom of the page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Friday, April 03, 2009

Studies Reveal LASIK Procedures Have High Satisfaction Rate

Recently, 19 separate studies on patient satisfaction have revealed that almost all LASIK patients are happy with the results of their surgery. These studies analyzed data spanning almost 20 years. According to the findings, approximately 95% of patients were satisfied with the results of their LASIK surgery.

This data indicates that LASIK compares very favorably with other elective surgery procedures. In fact, it has one of the highest success and satisfaction rates of any elective procedure.

The studies conducted analyzed data from LASIK patients in Egypt, France, India, Iran, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the U.A.E., Great Britain, and the United States. The satisfaction rates were relatively consistent for each country studied.

In the studies focusing on myopia, 95.3% of the 1,901 patients surveyed indicated that they were satisfied with their results. In the studies focusing on hyperopia procedures, 96.3% of the 297 patients questioned were satisfied.

The results were also consistent over time. The satisfaction rate for patients who underwent LASIK between 1995 and 2000 was 96%. Between 2001 and 2003, the rate was 94.6%, a difference that is not statistically significant.

Due to rapid advances in LASIK technology, the procedure has become very safe, efficient, and routine in recent years. With such high satisfaction rates, LASIK ranks among one of the most effective elective procedures available.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Candidate Screening Helps Ensure LASIK Satisfaction

More than 700,000 Americans opt for LASIK surgery each year to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Advances in LASIK technology have made the procedure routine and relatively safe, and the vast majority of LASIK patients are very happy with the results. However, complications do occur from time to time, and there are many people who end up regretting their decision to undergo LASIK.

Sadly, many of these cases could be easily avoided by more thorough screening by the ophthalmologist during the diagnostic process. By making sure a person is an ideal candidate for LASIK, ophthalmologists can severely reduce the instances of poor results and dissatisfied patients.

The most common complications from LASIK include dry eyes and night vision problems, such as halos, glare, or starbursts. Some patients may also experience double vision after their procedure. The instances of these complications could be reduced by screening out poor candidates who have dry eyes, large pupils, or irregularly shaped corneas.

However, there is another factor in determining candidacy for LASIK that has nothing to do with your eyes. A recent study indicates that people who are prone to depression are three times as likely to be dissatisfied with their LASIK results as patients who are less prone to depression. By screening for depression before deciding to perform LASIK on a patient, ophthalmologists can substantially increase the satisfaction rate of their patients.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Is LASIK Painful?

Many laser eye surgeons find that they are frequently asked the same question at an initial consultation with a patient: "Does LASIK surgery hurt?" Fortunately, the answer to this question is no.

Before surgery, LASIK patients are given topical anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. This ensures that you will not feel any pain during your laser eye surgery. However, you may feel a brief sensation of pressure while your ophthalmologist applies the vacuum ring to stabilize your eye.

Many patients worry that the blade used to create the corneal flap before surgery will cause pain. However, this is not the case. Furthermore, advances in LASIK technology provide you with a bladeless option for your LASIK procedure. By opting for Intralase, your corneal flap will be created with a laser instead of a blade.

Some patients experience a mild burning sensation for a few hours following their surgery. However, this is very minor and resembles the sensation your eyes feel after swimming in a chlorinated pool.

You will generally feel fine within a few hours of your surgery, and by the following morning, you will be amazed at the improvement to your eyesight.

You can use the links at the bottom of the page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Benefits of LASIK

Many Americans suffer from refractive disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, forcing them to endure the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses every day of their lives. While these vision correction methods enable people to see well enough to go about their daily lives, they are far from ideal solutions to the problem.

Glasses and contact lenses can adversely impact many areas of your life. Many people experience dry eyes from wearing contact lenses at work, especially when they spend all day in front of a computer screen. Others wearing glasses suffer from headaches due to the weight of their glasses on the bridge of their nose, making it difficult to perform work tasks.

Contacts and glasses can also impair your ability to participate in athletics or other vigorous activities. Sports such as swimming or diving create a problem for contact lens wearers, since water can easily get into your eyes and irritate your lenses. Other activities may cause sweat to get into your lenses, causing irritation in your eyes, while many athletes run the risk of breaking their glasses when wearing them while participating in sports.

LASIK surgery offers you a way to achieve excellent vision so that you can be rid of the hassles of glasses and contact lenses once and for all. Advances in LASIK technology have made the procedure very safe and effective. The majority of LASIK patients do not need corrective lenses after surgery, and they experience very few, if any, complications associated with the procedure.

If you are tired of dealing with glasses or contact lenses every day, you may want to visit your ophthalmologist to find out if you are an ideal candidate for LASIK.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

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