Determine If You're A Candidate For LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK surgery works by changing the shape of your cornea, that translucent covering over your pupil and iris (the colored ring in your eye). A successful procedure will result in a cornea that bends light rays, in a process called "refraction." This focuses them more accurately on your retina, the "back wall" or "screen" on which images are projected. LASIK corrects the shape of the cornea so it is properly focused at that point, instead of another point either in front of - or behind - your retina.
The development and continuing refinement of LASIK eye surgery has been bringing better, clearer vision to millions of people who once had to rely on glasses or contact lenses. With decades of experience and ongoing advances in the underlying technology, the safety and efficacy of the LASIK procedure is now well established. Of course, complications associated with laser eye surgery still exist. so it is critically important for you to find out what the procedure involves, what can possibly go wrong and whether or not you are a good candidate for it.
LASIK may be a viable option for you if you are nearsighted, farsighted or have some forms of astigmatism, all of which are called "refractive errors." Nearsightedness means that the eyeball is somewhat longer than normal, or the cornea curves too much, which results in blurred distant vision as the light focuses in front of the retina. Farsightedness occurs when a "short" eyeball, or a cornea that is "too flat" focuses light behind the retina, blurring near vision (and sometimes distant vision too). Finally, astigmatism affects the focus of both near and distant vision if the cornea either curves and/or flattens unevenly.
Most eye doctors will probably recommend other types of vision correction before turning to LASIK eye surgery or a related procedure. Naturally, wearing glasses or contact lenses is the first alternative. As opposed to other eye diseases, these refractive errors are not necessarily progressive conditions, and may actually get better in middle age for some people. And there are some doctors who reject the need for LASIK eye surgery, claiming that your eyes are still healthy even with nearsightedness or farsightedness. The best approach for you is something that you will have to decide after a complete, careful evaluation of your eyes, your overall health and your expectations for the surgery.
Part of the process of determining if you're a candidate for LASIK eye surgery involves considering the particular risks it presents for some people. Your LASIK surgeon may advise you against this surgery if you have an immune system disease that reduces your capacity to heal after surgery. With an "autoimmune disease" like rheumatoid arthritis, or an "immunodeficiency disease" such as HIV, the risk of infection and other complications following laser eye surgery is greater.
Other conditions that may affect your suitability for the LASIK procedure are conditions that cause dry eyes, as they are likely to obstruct and delay the healing process. Doctors report that extremely uneven or abnormally shaped corneas may complicate matters, and if your vision is progressively worsening from other conditions you may be considered ineligible for laser eye surgery. In fact, even deep-set eyes and other facial-bone anomalies can make the procedure both riskier and more difficult.
Your LASIK surgeon will take into account all pertinent health factors. This article, like all those at DocShop.com, are intended to educate you and make you a better informed patient, not take the place of you doctor. Get all the information you can, then talk to your LASIK surgeon openly and honestly. Once it is determined that you are a proper candidate for LASIK eye surgery , you will have already established a good working relationship with the medical professionals who are going to help you recover full, clear use of your eyes. Then you will no longer be merely a candidate for the procedure, but a fully informed participant in your own corrective treatment and recovery.
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What To Expect Before Your Lasik Surgery & Preparation Tips

Are You a LASIK Surgery Candidate? You should prepare for LASIK surgery the same way you would prepare for any surgery - by being careful, thoughtful and fully informed. The first thing you should expect is that your surgeon will educate you about the procedure and its effect on both body and mind.
Among the most important considerations in any medical procedure are what are called “contraindications” - conditions that would make you a poor candidate for the procedure. For LASIK surgery, you should be a minimum of 18 years old (even 21 for some lasers), since the eyes and the vision of people under 18 are still developing. In addition, you should not be pregnant or nursing.
After checking your overall condition, you can also expect the doctor and his staff to review other, specific criteria before operating. They need to know what prescription drugs you take, confirm that your eyes are generally healthy, establish that your prescription is stable and ensure that you are in good overall health.
You can then expect to discuss all the known risks and benefits of the LASIK procedure with your eye doctor. The procedure may not be recommended for certain patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye or cataracts. You will discuss every prior and existing medical condition with your surgical team and, if your doctor doesn't think the LASIK procedure is best for you, you can always get a second opinion.
Preparing for LASIK Surgery
As with any procedure, you will sign an “informed consent form” after going over the risks, benefits and available alternatives. Of course, you will also have to hear about any possible complications and risks associated with the recovery period as well.
You may need to stop wearing your contact lenses for a certain amount of time before the surgery. Contacts can temporarily and unpredictably change the cornea (eyeball) shape, and it is essential that your cornea be in its natural shape for the surgery. For both male and female patients, your doctor may also ask you to go without makeup and perfume for several days before the operation. Certain ingredients in these products can possibly interfere with the laser or increase the risks of post-operative infection.
The LASIK operation is done as an outpatient surgical procedure for which the only anesthetic is an eye drop that numbs the surface. The surgery usually takes 15 minutes or so for each eye, but surgeons commonly wait to check the results of the first eye procedure before moving on to do the second one. If you want to know more precisely what happens in this kind of eye surgery, DocShop.com has thorough and completely up-to-date information for you. LASIK Surgery Recovery Expectations
Although healing is relatively speedy, you will want to arrange a few days off following your surgery. You can expect to experience a mild burning or similar sensation for several hours after surgery, but do not rub your eye(s). If you need it, your doctor can prescribe a mild painkiller to lessen the itching or discomfort. Also, you will be counseled not to drive until your vision has improved, and to forgo swimming pools and hot tubs for 10-14 days after eye surgery.
Your vision will most likely be at least somewhat blurry after the LASIK surgery, but it will improve dramatically by the time you return for a follow-up exam in a day or two. Most patients will return to normal activity levels within the week. When calculating your LASIK surgery costs, remember to figure in your "prep" time, recovery time, and your doctor visits. Luckily, since it is an outpatient procedure and patients usually recover rapidly the cost stays very manageable.
Complete information on laser eye surgery and vision correction is available at DocShop.com to help you plan for both the in-office procedure and the at-home recovery. Of course, as with any medical procedure, if you do have any post-operative problems or unusual side effects from medication, report them at once to your physician.
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The Popularity Of Lasik Eye Surgery

There are few among us who, at one time or another, had not had to manage some level of impaired vision. Whether age has rendered us no longer able to see far away or up close, or we have suffered an illness or disease that has compromised our vision, it is likely that, if we have not already, we will someday need corrective measures to help us see at our best.
And for those who have long managed the expense and inconvenience of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the idea of corrective eye surgery seems most appealing. It's no wonder, therefore, that Lasik eye surgery has continued to grow in popularity since it was first performed in the United States in 1991.
Lasik is relatively new on the scene to us – the consumers; but in actuality the technology has been a long time coming. In fact, in 1948, Columbian ophthalmologist, Jose Barraquer first experimented with corneal procedures by actually surgically removing more than half of a patient’s cornea that he then froze. Once the cornea had been frozen to an appropriate temperature, Dr. Barraquer was able to reshape its surface thus removing barriers to clear vision.
Once the cornea had been reshaped it was replaced into the patient’s eye. Such technology evolved by the 1960s to the point where such corneal procedures could be done without removing the cornea from the patient’s eye; this procedure was perfected and performed in Russia and involved the use of a scalpel.
Lasik began to take shape in the early 1980s when a U.S. ophthalmologist made alterations to laser technology that had begun to be used by the U.S. military. But in 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed the Lasik surgery that we know today by combining methods of two pre-existing techniques – keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Both keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy are techniques in which the cornea is reshaped with the use of an excimer laser or other technology.
The word Lasik refers to Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a form of refractive laser eye surgery that was first performed in the United States in1991. During the procedure, the patient’s eye is immobilized with the use of a cornea suction ring after which the surgeon creates a flap through an incision made in the top layer of the corneal tissue.
The flap is then lifted back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea – known as the stroma. The surgeon then uses a low-powered excimer laser to resurface the stroma. The corneal flap made during the procedure is then replaced over the stroma; the healing process is natural and generally speedy. The procedure itself is very quick – usually less than 10 minutes an eye – and virtually painless. The most discomfort experienced by the patient is general anxiety in anticipation of the procedure.
Today, over one-million people in the United States alone have undergone Lasik surgery – generally with very good success. In fact, it is a very small percentage of patients – less than 6% - who have experienced any complications following their procedure. Such complications generally include light sensitivity, dry eye, double vision, and scarring. These incidences, however, are very rare and can be greatly reduced by having your procedure performed by a reputable and experienced surgery center.
http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik.
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How Laser Eye Surgery Works

All those considering laser eye surgery would be wondering how laser eye surgery works and what its benefits are. Laser surgery is the most exciting procedure in ophthalmology - the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, and treatment of the eye, among others. Laser eye surgery is a refractive surgery, a procedure that corrects refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision).
There are several different surgical techniques performed to correct refractive errors, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the laser eye surgery is the most technologically advanced procedure today, for the simple reason that it allows the highest degree of precision.
The first laser approved for eye surgery was the excimer laser, used for correcting mild to moderate myopia. Today, the excimer laser has been approved to be used in two laser eye surgery procedures - Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Before the laser eye surgery, the patient’s eye is mapped and measured. After determining the degree of problem, the corneal change is measured and fed into the laser’s computer. The PRK refractive surgery procedure is done with local anesthetic eye drops. It reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface. The ultra violet beam of light can precisely cut notches in a strand of human hair and each pulse can remove about a 39 millionth of an inch of cornel tissue in 12 billionths of a second.
Studies show that about 5 percent of those who underwent PRK procedure had to use glasses for their myopic condition and about 15 percent occasionally, while driving.
Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
This procedure is more complex than the PRK procedure. LASIK is performed on all types of myopic conditions. In it, a device known as a Microkeratome is used to cut a flap of corneal tissue, remove the targeted tissue beneath it with the laser, and then replace the flap. In this procedure, the skill of the surgeon matters as he/she is the one making an incision, as compared to PRK where the machine does most of the work.
During laser eye surgery, there is a very little discomfort, and the minor irritation, if any, goes away after a short time. Generally, people can return to their normal routines between one to three days. The only side effects may be glare at night. Normally the laser eye surgeries are permanent, but with age, the eyes change and one may require re-surgery.
Check out this link for laser eye treatment near you. With simple research you can find affordable laser eye surgery here. Also discover how much does laser eye surgery cost you?
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How To Choose A Lasik Surgeon

After you have decided to undergo a Lasik corrective eye surgery, it is time to learn how to choose a Lasik surgeon. There are many different ways and services that can help you locate and choose the best Lasik surgeon to perform your corrective eye surgery.
The first action that you should take when you are choosing your Lasik surgeon is to visit the Lasik website at www.lasikinstitute.org. When you visit the Lasik website you will find great tools as your disposal to locate Lasik surgeons in your area. Lasik wants to make this search as easy for you as possible, this is why they provide the list of surgeons and do the research for you. Once you have located a list of doctors in your area, it is time to narrow down the list. If you live in an area where there are no Lasik doctors available, there is a decision that needs to be made. You need to decide whether or not you think this procedure is worth traveling to another city for. Lasik and all its great benefits should prove to you that this procedure is worth your time and effort.
Once you have acquired a list of Lasik surgeons, there is one simple characteristic that you need to look for in order to help you narrow down the list. Experience is the number one factor that your Lasik surgeon should have. With a great deal of experience and the proper technology at their disposal, you will be able to choose the perfect Lasik surgeon for you.
There are thousands of Lasik surgeons in the world today that are qualified to perform the Lasik eye surgeries. By simply using the Lasik website you will have no trouble finding the best Lasik surgeon for you.
More information about Lazer Vision correction, Lasik, and Laser eye surgery can be found at http://www.lasereyeguide.com Original source: How To Choose A Lasik Surgeon
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Main Risks Involved In Lasik Surgery and Ways To Avoid These Risks

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, take the time and expend the energy to become fully informed about the procedure. This means reading the literature, as well as asking questions of the surgeon, so that you have a realistic expectation of the results, a solid grasp of the surgical technique and an understanding of risks and possible complications.
As a LASIK patient, you should draw up a clear, definitive list of personal goals for the vision improvements you seek, including things you wish to do better, more comfortably and without glasses or contact lenses. You should also listen carefully as your doctor explains the kinds and levels of discomfort you may feel during and after the procedure, the amount of healing time needed and specific risks regarding the procedures. Don’t forget that you might have special considerations because of your diagnosis, age, recreational activities, job requirements or other individual factors.
As far as the main risks involved, post-operative infection is by far the most feared complication. However, it is now extremely rare and, as with any surgery, it is avoided with the use of proper surgical technique. It is also essential to avoid any contact with eye makeup, face creams, lotions, and the water in hot tubs and swimming pools, for at least the first post-operative week.
Your major defenses against infection, of course, are good general health and diet, proper use of the prescribed antibiotic drops and going to all of your follow up visits, even if you feel fine. You will likely be able to prevent infection by following all of your post-operative instructions. In the rare instances where it occurs, infection appears in the first 36 to 72 hours after surgery.
Because people are different, you may not respond in the usual way to the laser. This difference in physiological response is hardly noticeable, but sometimes it can result in either undercorrection or overcorrection of your vision problem. In rare instances this can be permanent, but it is normally temporary. Your LASIK surgeon will monitor you for this, as it takes up to three months after your LASIK procedure for the under- or overcorrection to show.
Although very unusual, it is possible for astigmatism to be “induced” following LASIK surgery, causing blurred vision. Rest assured, astigmatism can be corrected easily. If your new, corrected vision does not meet your expectations after the initial procedure, it may be due to overcorrection, undercorrection or induced astigmatism, and be corrected by what is called a LASIK “enhancement” procedure.
Another common risk is that you will experience a feeling of “gritty” or dry eyes following LASIK surgery. For the most part, this condition often clears up by itself within the first few months, although lubricating eye drops help your eyes heal and decrease these symptoms. Of course, if you have a history of dry eyes, you should tell your doctor so that he or she can make a thorough evaluation prior to the LASIK surgery.
At times, the LASIK surgery can cause a small corneal abrasion. Good surgical technique and moistened eyes generally prevent this, but it occurs in a small number of procedures because the surface cells of some people’s eyes may not adhere well. In very few cases, there may be ongoing “erosion” of the cornea necessitating further treatment, but long-term effects are rare.
There are other, less common risks and complications whose potential for occurring in your particular case depend on your unique medical history and physiology. These additional complications have any number of causes and effects, so your best defense is a thorough work-up in preparation for LASIK eye surgery and careful attention to any unique, pre-existing problems or conditions you may have.
This means anything, big or small, that could affect the outcome of your LASIK procedure.
This article about LASIK surgery risks is meant merely as an introduction to the common list of things most LASIK patients encounter, and may not contain everything that could possibly happen. DocShop.com and other resources are important for you to study, but a complete understanding of LASIK eye surgery and its risks, complications and side effects, in your individual case, will only come from thorough screening and candid discussions with your doctor.
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What are the Long Term Results of Lasik Surgery?

Recent encouraging news about the long term results of lasik surgery will no doubt please the 1.4 million Americans who elected to have Lasik vision correction surgery last year.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is still cautious; it believes that laser companies have not yet presented enough evidence to enable final conclusions about the effectiveness or the safety of enhancement surgery.
However, the recent news is encouraging. The American Academy of Opthalmology was told at its annual meeting in November 2006 a follow-up study of people who had undergone lasik and PRK (photorefractive keratotomy)10 years earlier was very positive.
The researchers found that while there had been some regression, on average patients had maintained 20/25 vision.
A 2005 Irish study of patients who had had lasik surgery in 1998 and 1999 was also positive. There had been some regression, but surgeons had been able to correct eye defects with a great deal of accuracy, and there was a high level of patient satisfaction.
The popularity of the lasik option for people who depend on eyeglasses or contacts therefore appears to be wellfounded, and the results can often be dramatic.
Some 95 % of all patients report improved vision almost immediately. Quite often eyesight improves to 20/40 or better.
The first modern Lasik surgery was performed in America in 1991, so many surgeons now have nearly 20 years experience, and equipment and techniques are continuously improving.
Still, the FDA is cautious. Its website notes that "Long-term data is not available. Lasik is a relatively new technology. The first laser was approved for Lasik eye surgery in 1998. Therefore, the long-term safety and effectiveness of Lasik surgery is not known."
Lasik surgeons agree, and caution that lasik is surgery, and therefore some risk.
The FDA list of potential problems is sobering:
Some patients lose lines of vision (on the eye chart) that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or further surgery;
Some patients have troubling side effects that can include glare, halos or double-vision. Situations of low contrast, such as driving in fog or at night, can become a real problem for those who lose some visual acuity ("sharpness"), even if they have 20/20 vision;
Patients may be over- or under-treated, which may require further surgery, called enhancements, to correct;
Patients may develop severe "dry eye" problems;
Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors - although this is an issue that most surgeons will highlight at the very first examination, and will probably recommend against lasik in such circumstances.
The FDA is worried that the benefits of improved vision may not be permanent. While the recent studies support the view that there may be a gradual regression, but it does appear to be just that - gradual.
There is always the possibility that even with the surgery, a patient may still need to wear glasses; this will be particularly true of older patients.
On balance, therefore, the new findings suggest that as long as you have investigated the issues properly, you have chosen your surgeon carefully, you understand the potential side effects, and you are a good candidate, you can count on achieving good lasik long term results.
For more information on lasik risks , or on lasik eye surgery , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com
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Seven Tips For Finding A Reputable LASIK Surgeon

Knowledge is power, as the old saying goes. This is true, but when considering a doctor for your laser eye surgery, knowledge is also security—you need to be completely convinced that your doctor not only knows what he or she is doing, but is also sensitive to your every concern.
Clear communication and the reassurance of your chosen physician are crucially important, particularly if there is a problem with the procedure or your recovery. Patients who are hurting and scared never wish to feel abandoned by their doctor, so building a good relationship is essential.
Before undergoing any vision correction procedure it is important to study everything about the surgery, especially about any problems that may occur during or after surgery. It is advisable to seek out reports from those patients who did have “negative outcomes,” so that you will be fully prepared for any eventuality.
Although there is a virtual mountain of information available at DocShop.com and other Web sites, the most important information you will have to assess is what your potential LASIK surgeon tells you. There may be scores of questions in your mind, and dozens of ideas about how to choose the surgeon, but you can get started in the process with these seven tips for finding a reputable LASIK surgeon.
1. Do not hesitate to ask tough questions. Ask about everything from the doctor’s background and the procedure to follow-up care—and what you can expect from the doctor if something were to go wrong. With proper study and preparation on your part before speaking with potential surgeons, you should be able to gauge the doctor’s professionalism and attitude in a short period of time.
2. If the doctor, clinic or office staff seem off-putting and impersonal to you, you should make a note of it. If you feel like you are just a number in an assembly-line procedure, or that you are dealing with a “surgery mill,” then look elsewhere. Be sure to trust your intuition, or if yours is undeveloped then bring someone along to help you “feel out” the doctor and the clinic.
3. You want a doctor who will listen to you and see you as an individual, a human being, rather than an earnings entry in his accounting ledger. Therefore, if the doctor acts hurried or seems distracted during your initial meeting, you may take this as an indication of the attitude you will find during and after the laser eye surgery itself.
4. You should check with all of the appropriate medical specialty boards and organizations, and ensure that your potential LASIK surgeon is in good standing. You should also check with the local Better Business Bureau and other financial oversight groups about the doctor’s business practices. A surgeon who overcharges or whose practice is going bankrupt may not engender the level of trust that you need to have in your doctor.
5. It is essential for the doctor to be honest and forthright about discussing possible problems with the LASIK procedure. If he or she is less than straightforward, or does not seem to want to get into these negative outcomes, then you should take that as a signal that there may be a problem. You shouldn't assume the doctor is inept or unprofessional, but you want more than an average physician on your case—you want the very best.
6. Watch how the first contacts with the doctor and staff go. You must be completely confident that you were fully and correctly examined and questioned. This is essential to establish that you are a good candidate for a laser eye surgery.
7. You must be willing to pay more for quality, especially if you want “the best of the best,” and should put additional effort into finding just the right doctor.
Once you understand what the range of prices is and the particulars of the outpatient LASIK surgery and after-care, you will know how to rate the doctors that you are considering.
Choosing the right LASIK surgeon is not overly complicated, as long as you have done your homework and you are asking all the right questions. Continue to study and read up on laser eye surgery and show the potential doctors that you intend to be an informed, involved patient. More than anything else, if a doctor has a problem with that, you definitely need to keep looking.
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Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

Corrective laser eye surgery costs vary widely depending upon the procedure. There's also a wide variation in the cost of equipment used for testing and surgery. Technologies such as eye tracking tear film analysis and measurement of corneal thickness and the laser itself are available at different prices. The Purchasing or leasing of other equipment is also reflected in the procedure fee. There is a royalty fee of $100 to $250 per eye to the excimer laser manufacturer, depending upon the type of equipment used. Procedure fees also include expenses such as operation equipments, surgical staff fees and postoperative and preoperative care.
LASIK prices differ widely from one provider to another and depend on many factors. The only universal standard is that LASIK and other refractive surgery prices are quoted per eye.
Traditional LASIK surgery costs range from $1,400 to $2,000 per eye. LASIK with IntraLase, a procedure in which the epithelium flap is made with a laser rather than a microkeratome, costs more than traditional LASIK. The increase ranges from $250 to $500 per eye, averaging $344. Thus, the cost of LASIK with Intra Lase ranges is $1,600 to 2,500. The price is higher because of the high costs of the system used in surgery. Using Wavefront technology combined with a traditional LASIK procedure increases the price by at least $100.
To help lower the price or make surgery more affordable, there are a number of options available without compromising technology or surgical experience. These include medical insurance, financing options, payment plans, flexible spending plans and tax deductibles.
LASEK, an advanced form of PRK, costs the same as a LASIK procedure. The same increase in price range is present when including Wavefront technology or Intra Lase.
PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy is comparatively cheaper and may be performed for a cost of about $1,000 to $1,800.
Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries.
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The Wonders of Laser Eye Surgery: How It Works

Laser technology has been one of technology's greatest products that has positively improved the way things work. It has a number of applications and benefits, including in the field of medicine. An excellent example is laser eye surgery.
Laser eye surgery has given hope to people with eye problems, be it with vision or aesthetic aspects. For most people thinking of undergoing it, the first question is of course how laser eye surgery works.
Common problems concerning poor vision can be caused by distortions on the surface of the eye and its components. Light rays may be poorly reflected resulting in poor vision. This accounts for common vision problems such as astigmatism, near sightedness and far sightedness.
Some people also find wearing eyeglasses cumbersome while some even become self-conscious of it. Some wear contact lenses but still wish to go for a more permanent solution so they wouldn't have to be so depended on it.
Laser eye surgery can be an option for this problem by helping correct the distortions and improve passing of light rays. Basically, what it does is to use laser beams to change the shape of the cornea to one that is most effective for vision.
So how does laser eye surgery work?
First, the doctor has to have a clear picture of the distortion. He uses an aberrometer. This also works by using a low- energy laser beam that is directed to the cornea, reflected and produces a 3D image on the aberrometer's screen.
The most common form of laser eye surgery is LASIK or laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. This laser eye surgery works by making a small cut to excise the top layer of the cornea during the surgery. It is mostly recommended because of faster recovery period.
Another option is photorefractive keratectomy or PRK. In this procedure, a portion of the cornea is scraped away and then laser is used to reshape the tissue underneath it. This was developed earlier than LASIK with LASIK being usually recommended because of its very minimal discomforts.
A fusion of the wonders of LASIK and PRK is Epi-LASIK or Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. This laser eye surgery works by making a thin flap of corneal epithelium using a microkeratome- like instrument. The underlying corneal layer is separated from the epithelium without cutting. It does not use alcohol solution to remove the epithelial layer. After this, the underlying cornea can be re-shaped to correct the distortion by using laser beam. Afterwards, the epithelium is restored to its normal position.
As was mentioned above, this laser eye surgery technique combines the benefits of the other techniques with less complications. After the procedure, the patient will be required to wear a thin, soft contact lens that will act like a bandage until the area heals completely. Healing and recovery is also faster and may only take around 3 to 4 days.
Laser eye surgery also works for more serious eye and vision problems such as diabetic retinopathy. Edema, swelling and leaking of capillaries in the eye that may accompany this complication of diabetes can make a person a potential candidate for laser eye surgery. This is to prevent more serious and permanent damage to the eyes that can lead to blindness.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is the more serious and later stage of this disease where laser eye surgery is a more important choice of treatment. The technique for this is known as laser photocoagulation of the peripheral retina. The entire procedure may be completed in as short as 30-45 minutes per session. It may take around 3-4 sessions to fully benefit from this procedure with it being performed at the doctor's office.
Laser eye surgery also works for age-related vision problems. One such technique is Photodynamic Therapy. This makes use of a light activated dye called Visudyne. This is introduced to the patient's arm via injection. It enters the circulation and into the area beneath the retina where new blood vessels are formed. A non-thermal red laser is then used to activate Visudyne molecules. The activated molecules begin sealing holes and destroying unhealthy blood vessels.
Laser eye surgery can work miracles and provide new hope for people with vision problems of varying degrees. The key is to diagnose the condition and carefully evaluate which laser eye surgery technique will work best for the patient and you physician will do this for you.
For more information now go to: http://www.perfectlasikvision.com/How-Does-Laser-Eye-Surgery-Work.html http://www.myalpha-power.com or http://www.aperfectharmony.com
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What You Should Know About LASIK To Make An Educated Decision

Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people since its inception, and of the most popular forms of corrective eye surgery is LASIK. As with any surgery, it is essential that you know about it so that you can make an educated decision about having the procedure, a decision that will be assisted by your doctor and/or LASIK surgeon.
One of the first things you should research about this form of laser eye surgery is what constitutes an ideal patient. Against this idealized model you and your doctor will compare and contrast your own condition. This means the condition of your eyes, the amount of vision correction possible in your case and other physical factors that may introduce unnecessary difficulty in the procedure or your recovery.
Once it is determined that you are an acceptable candidate for LASIK eye surgery, your doctor will discuss with you the possible risks and complications that accompany the procedure. The possibility of corneal scarring, infection, under- or over-correction of your condition, dry eyes and other "negative outcomes" of varying degrees will be fully explained to you. Part of making an educated decision is being educated about these risks, in addition to learning about the remarkable results the LASIK procedure can bring.
Let's look at the procedure itself. For your peace of mind, and to be thorough, you will want to know how the LASIK procedure is handled by the doctor and outpatient clinic where the surgery is performed. Is all the equipment up to date and in good working order? How experienced is the surgeon? Discuss success rates, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions. There are specific articles at DocShop.com that address these issues, and there is a wealth of information available online and off - so there is no reason you can't perform thorough due diligence, and ensure that you are fully informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
Of course, at some point in this process you will want to get the LASIK cost information from the doctor or clinic and work out your payment arrangement. In just about every instance there will be options for you to consider. You can pay up front, work out a payment plan, use the financing arrangements available from the doctor or clinic, etc. In the scheme of things, getting unaided, clear vision for a few thousand dollars is a bargain, so this step is rarely the one that stops people from having LASIK surgery.
The final step of your laser eye surgery is recovery, of course. This may take several months, and the immediate post-operative pain, discomfort, vision blurring and haziness will vary from hours to days depending on the patient. Part of the recovery process, of course, is being vigilant and watching for any problems that may need additional corrective action. It is essential that you stay in contact with your LASIK, go to all follow-up appointments and be completely honest about any issues that arise in your recovery.
Restoring your good vision is a team effort, but it is your vision that is being worked on, and you must take the leadership role for your own health. With the information available at DocShop.com and other resources, and the help of a good doctor, you can plan for LASIK cost and achieve a successful outcome.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_C._Smith

Life After Lasik Surgery - 5 Improvements In Your Overall Well Being

The more humans learn about the body and how it works, the more it is understood as an organism comprising a number of different “operating systems” and organs, all of which work together to sustain life. The relationship between the brain, mind and body is so intimately interconnected that it is no longer considered fanciful to believe that a positive attitude can enhance a person’s healing from a medical procedure. LASIK and Mind Over Matter
It’s not quite to the level of “think yourself healthy,” but it is demonstrably true that positive outlooks and optimism are serious factors in overall health. When people live with mild or serious physical limitations, they can become dispirited or even clinically depressed. Good health and properly functioning organs and systems are closely tied to mental, emotional and even spiritual health. Let’s look at the five most common improvements in overall health that LASIK surgery offers to today’s patients.
1. The most dramatic improvement in your overall well-being after LASIK surgery will most likely be in your peace of mind. That is, the stress levels that build up because of faltering eyesight are quite real, with a real and measurable effect on the quality of life. With corrected vision, this stress can be reduced or even eliminated.
2. Your overall health may also be improved by what you will learn about eyesight and its proper maintenance, now that you have had LASIK surgery and are interested in guarding your newly improved vision. Nutritionists know that there are a number of dietary components that help to maintain and improve vision, including certain vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and others.
3. Another improvement, related to the preceding example, concerns the benefits that accrue from a diet rich in vision-friendly substances. Your doctor likely explained where you can find these nutrients in various pills, powders and dietary supplements; but for the best nutritional support, nothing beats fresh, whole foods. The many delicious foods that support healthy vision also contribute to overall good health.
4. Another important, overall improvement involves the social aspect of the patient’s life. In some occupations, as in some social circles, it is less common (and sometimes less acceptable) for people to wear eyeglasses. Those who can afford them will have contact lenses, for the most part, and LASIK eye surgery eliminates the need for glasses or contacts. It may not be “enlightened” for people to have prejudices against eyeglasses in the 21st century, but it is a fact, and one that some people must deal with in their families, occupations and social circles.
5. Our overall well-being is also enhanced when our various systems and organs are brought into balance. Whether LASIK is one of the first or one of the last procedures in an overall medical plan for rejuvenation and/or reconstruction, good eyesight is an essential ingredient in a healthy, balanced body.
All of these improvements to overall well-being, and many others experienced by either some or all LASIK surgery patients, will vary among people as far as amount, intensity and degree of change. But there is no doubt, with all the years of patient outcomes and the expanding medical literature, that LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective way to both improve eyesight and start bringing the various systems of the body into balance. Arm Yourself With Info About LASIK Eye Surgery
It is essential that you read any DocShop.com article, or other research material, not as medical advice (which should come only from your doctor) but as a way of better understanding the subjects that your doctor or LASIK surgeon will discuss with you. There is a good life waiting for you after LASIK surgery, with your overall health being enhanced in a number of important ways.
There are doubtless many more kinds of improvements to our overall health than are listed here, and your experiences will be unique, as in any other activity. But the history of the procedure and the millions of positive patient outcomes suggests that you, too, will benefit in any number of ways from LASIK eye surgery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Keller

Five Best Ways To Prepare For Your Recovery After Lasik Surgery

In the overwhelming majority of cases, healing from a LASIK procedure is relatively fast and, happily, uneventful. However, as with most surgeries, even so-called minor ones for vision correction, your doctor may recommend that you take a few days off from work to recuperate.
Every surgical procedure has its unique effects, both intended and unintended, and will require you to be on the alert for any post-operative complications. With what is now known about the procedure, following years of experience and study, your doctor can help you learn the five best ways to prepare for your recovery after LASIK eye surgery.
1. Do your homework beforehand. You most likely did some research when you were contemplating the procedure, and the many available sources of information about LASIK—your physician, the surgery center or hospital, the Internet or the library—cover all the bases from the choice of doctor to your recovery. Every good doctor wants patients who are interested and involved, and who go into an operation with a clear and confident attitude.
2. Think ahead. Whether you live alone, are married with children or are a college student living in a dorm, there are many practical considerations. Although LASIK eye surgery will not, in all but rare cases, inhibit your mobility or affect your body’s other systems, you are supposed to rest. Therefore, arrange for the help you need around the house, and take care of details like bill paying before the post-operative period where your eyes may be sensitive. Remember, you won’t be driving for a day or two, either.
3. Learn about stress reduction techniques. The last thing you need to do for your few recovery days is worry about the operation, your job, the house—anything. If you know some breathing and calming exercises, get in some practice time. If you don’t, then learn some. We’re not talking transcendental meditation or crystal gazing here (although if they work to relax you, that's great). It is well established scientifically that our mind and body work together to affect our healing process, often in ways still quite mysterious.
4. Know what to expect, physically. You may have some mild irritation or pain for a short time after the surgery, and your vision may even be blurry the following day. Learn what is normal and expected so that you do not overreact to the common, non-threatening reactions to the LASIK surgery.
5. Be ready for anything. Keep your doctor’s phone number handy—and a phone to go along with it. If you do experience uncommon, aggravating side effects, call your doctor immediately. These side effects include pain, dryness of the eyes, glare, itchiness, a “halo” effect around nighttime lights, persistent sensitivity and reddish/pinkish spots in the whites of the eyes. Any combination of these effects is possible, certainly, but they usually disappear quickly and are rarely permanent. Another post-operative consideration is the possibility of complications, or “negative outcomes,” of various kinds and durations. One of the non-monetary costs of any vision correction procedure is the diligence you must show in preparing for the operation, while at the same time preparing to monitor your own recovery.
These complications will normally present themselves soon after the LASIK vision correction. The operation may have resulted in over- or under-correction of the condition, problems often improved with glasses or contact lenses. There may be scarring of the cornea, or a “warping” of it, and there is also the chance of corneal infection. Additionally, you should watch for a decrease in your contrast sensitivity following LASIK eye surgery, as well as in the sharpness of your vision.
A wise old professor once taught his students a simple lesson for success, which he called the “Four ‘P’ Method.” That quartet of Ps stand for “planning prevents poor performance.” Follow the old teacher’s advice and your LASIK eye surgery, as well as your recovery from it, will be safe, effective and life-enhancing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Keller

I Can Finally See The Money Leaving My Hands!

The cost of laser eye surgery has gone up in the last few years due to the massive demand and that it downright works. As with anything there is an element of risk involved, but many people are willing to take this risk in order to see better.
The cost of laser eye surgery rose steadily for many years and has just begun to stabilize in 2006. According to industry reports, the cost of laser eye surgery in 2002 was around 1600.00 dollars, then will a 1000 increase in 2003 to the total of 1700, then climbing even higher to 1800.00, and finally in 1995 the cost of Lasik surgery was around 2000.00.
Lasik eye surgery will set someone back around 2000.00, but the good news is that the market is toping out and that even if you wait another year to get this surgery performed, prices should not fluctuate as much. According to LasikPlus, a leading national provider in Lasik, stated that since there were so many operations in a given year, this did indeed lead to the increase in pricing. This a basis concept of supply and demand. As demand rises and supply is constant, the price will always go up. In this case, there are only a set number of doctors in this field that can perform these operations and there are only set working hours these doctors perform, there for we have supply as our constant and demand continues to increase therefore rising the price. How high will the price be later? This is determined on the market. The cost of laser surgery could rise heavily if demand continues , the rich can also drive prices higher. The good news is that this demand should not last forever, and when this demand starts to wane a little, then prices are sure to drop along side of them.
The cost of Lasik also will vary depending on where you live in the US, regions such as the west, which include California have Lasik Prices up to 2800 for this procedure. With the lowest being in the Midwest of 1200.00 according to the journal Review of Ophthalmology.
Lasik is not only a wonderful solution to eyeglasses and contact lenses, but is a great candidate for further technological developments that can add more accuracy to the procedure. For example, the Refractive Lens Exchange (Clear Lens Extraction) replaces you natural lens with an article lens, which significantly enhances the vision of any one who has this procedure done. This is just one of many examples of how technology will not only increase the pricing of a surgical procedure but will enhance the effectiveness as well.
A new procedure called Wave Map, is available and many clinics that will scan your eye to see if you are indeed a candidate of Lasik Eye Surgery, again this is just an example of how technology is staying steady with the demand, thereby again increasing demand, this simple procedure that maps out your eye cost around 250.00 per eye. It all starts to add up, but what are you willing to pay to see? ..and therein lies our reason.
Want more information on Lasik and see if it is right for you? All this technology confusing? Visit Cost of Lasery Surgery and find out which provider is best for you.
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Learn The Latest On LASIK Technology Used In Lasik Eye Surgeries

We live in a time of seemingly endless innovation and rapid technological progress. It is hard enough to keep up on the latest e-mail filters and cell phone video cameras, much less such specialized medical procedures as LASIK eye surgery.
But if you are considering laser vision correction of any kind—the popular and effective LASIK procedure or, if you are not a good candidate for that, an alternative such as LASEK or PRK—then it is no longer just a matter of passing interest. It is your responsibility to be an informed, prepared patient for any kind of surgery, so you need to learn the latest on LASIK technology used in LASIK eye surgeries as part of that preparation.
The best doctors and clinics want to ensure the very best possible results for their LASIK eye surgery patients, which often means having not one but several different kinds of equipment. There are technologies that are more appropriate for some patient conditions than others, which is why many practices are equipped with several examples of the latest equipment available.
There are at least five or six kinds of laser eye surgery equipment being used widely in the field today, and others are being developed all the time. Medical research and technology continues to make breakthroughs that improve and maintain people’s quality of life, and the last few years have been particularly good ones for advances in LASIK treatment.
The WaveScan™ Wavefront® System used by many specialists in LASIK eye surgery works by creating a “map” that shows how your optical system, as a whole, processes perceived light. This results in something akin to a “fingerprint” of each eye’s unique vision profile, meaning that each of your eyes can be treated for their own special imperfections during the LASIK eye surgery.
The VISX® Star S4™ laser, according to many of its proponents, brings a new standard of accuracy to laser vision correction with a combination of two different systems known as Variable Spot Scanning and 3D ActiveTrak®. With a laser calibrated to .25 microns, this hybrid system offers astonishing precision, and can treat many borderline conditions that were once beyond the scope of other technologies. (For comparison, human hairs are 60-80 microns in diameter.)
CustomVue™ systems match a specially created profile (again, a kind of “fingerprint”) of your vision to an “ideal” optical system. Once again using the VISX® Star S4™ laser, this profile data ensures precise, uniquely personalized LASIK eye surgery. If you are one of the particular LASIK patients who qualify for this kind of procedure, CustomVue™ allows the surgeon to eliminate microscopic flaws in your vision that cannot be corrected with either glasses or contact lenses.
One of the newest developments on the LASIK eye surgery scene is the IntraLase® laser. It uses a special technology and method for creating the corneal flap required in laser vision correction surgery. Replacing a standard metal blade, the IntraLase® laser produces a very precise flap.
As with all advances in medical technology, doctors performing LASIK surgery need training on new systems before they can offer the procedures. Patients, too, need to stay abreast of technological progress, and reading the wealth of articles available at a site like DocShop.com is a good start. However, only your doctor can make appropriate recommendations for your treatment. Being an educated and prepared patient is the best way to ensure a successful laser vision correction procedure—and the attainment of clear, unaided vision as a result.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Keller

How To Avoid Tears From A Shock Laser Eye Surgery Price Bill

Laser eye surgery price has risen steadily during the past five years and as yet, there is no real base price set for each procedure. In fact, it's almost impossible to have a base price set when you consider the many varying factors which exist. We'll look at those in a moment.
Laser eye surgery price is important, make no mistake as many people in society simply cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars at the "drop of a hat." But be warned, having eye surgery today based simply on one center advertising the procedure at hundreds of dollars less than another is in no way, any reason to rush in and jump under a laser.
Have much value to you place on your eyes? Wouldn't you want to make sure whoever has permission to perform surgery on them is everything they claim to be? Sure you would. Let's take a look at a few things you need to consider before laser eye surgery price becomes a factor.
Putting Safety Ahead Of Price
There is nothing like doing a little homework before deciding on eye surgery. Granted, it's one of the safest surgeries being performed but it is surgery nevertheless. Things can go wrong and you want to cut down that risk by being sure the person at the other end of the laser is exactly what they claim to be.
Before discussing laser eye surgery price you need to establish the credentials of the surgeon and his/her experience, how thorough the pre-screening tests are because this will determine whether you actually qualify for the procedure; the risks associated with it and how much risk is involved with your condition plus, follow up care.
Careful Of Red Flags!
Be wary of clinics claiming to have performed thousands and thousands of procedures when responding to advertisements. They may very well be legitimate but if they are offering what appear to be bargain-based prices, then be sure to check if there are any hidden costs associated with this. Extra costs may include pre-examination and second opinion checks involving other surgeons who may charge a fee for their time.
So How Much Can You Expect To Pay?
Laser eye surgery price will depend on the severity of the procedure. Basic LASIK procedure per eye usually ranges between $1500-$2000. This has risen steadily over the last five years and will probably continue to rise as newer technologies are introduced. Custom LASIK procedures generally costs much more. This involves checking and recording any abnormalities in the field of vision and can add up to $1000 to the cost of the operation.
What Could Push Your Price Up?
We've established a base price of between $1500-$2000 per eye but what other costs are associated with this? Different types of equipment can have a bearing on final cost. Post operative care including medication and follow up visits will add to the bottomline and while some of these factors obviously can't be avoided, it's good to know for peace of mind.
Remember, while eye surgery is a wonderful innovation those performing it are also running a business and using expensive equipment. Just be sure to ask about every little detail associated with it during your initial consultation as this all adds to the final laser eye surgery price bill.
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Before you have eye surgery, consider these laser eye surgery price busters! Plus, read latest eye surgery news and reviews at:http://www.eyesurgeryplace.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Caporella

LASIK vs PRK Eye Surgery

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis ) is probably the most commonly performed laser eye surgery procedure and tends to be what people think of when considering laser surgery for vision correction. However not all patients may be ideal candidates for LASIK surgery due to variations in cornea thickness and curvature. Photo refractive keratectomy ,or PRK, may be the better option for vision correction in some patients who are not able to have LASIK.
Prior to the introduction and subsequent popularity of LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive eye surgery procedure performed. Both LASIK and PRK share similarities in that an excimer laser is utilized to sculpt and reshape the cornea of the eye in accordance with the patients medical needs. Both techniques are used in the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism(blurred vision resulting from corneal irregularity), or a combination thereof. Likewise, both are outpatient surgical procedures which may be performed in a physicians office or clinic setting. There are however a few differences in the two procedures.
In a LASIK procedure a small flap is cut with a special tool on the exterior of the cornea. The computer controlled excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue under the flap. The flap is then replaced over the cornea where it will adhere to the eye and serve to protect it. In PRK, the excimer laser is used to remove tissue and reshape the cornea directly on the surface, or epithelial layer, of the eye. A protective soft contact lens is usually placed over the eye for 3-5 days to allow the epithelial surface to heal. Several major differences for the patient exist in the two procedures. The first is the recovery period, which tends to be considerable shorter for LASIK patients as opposed to PRK. Likewise, vision improvement with PRK tends to be more of a gradual process than take from a few days to a few months. LASIK patients will in most circumstances experience the benefits of their surgery in a much shorter frame.
A successful end result for both procedures is an improvement in vision, and the correction of pre-existing vision conditions. Only a thorough examination and consultation with a qualified laser eye surgeon can determine which is right for you.
To learn more about laser eye surgery or find a laser eye surgeon in your area visit our website at http://www.lasersurgeryeyes.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Heavner

Thinking About Lasik Eye Surgery?

If, like most of us, you wear glasses or contact lenses, the possibility of having good eyesight without them may seem remote. For years you have been stuck with only these two options—or a third, of not seeing very well.
Today, Lasik eye surgery is all you ever hear about and you probably know several people who have already been through the process. They just rave over how quick and easy the process was and that they do not have to be bothered wearing glasses or taking care of contact lenses. And, you are seriously considering doing the same thing. But, are you a good candidate for this surgery?
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to schedule an appointment with an eye surgeon and have an examination. There are certain standards that your eyes must meet in order to be considered for the surgery. They are:
* A correctly sized pupil,* A cornea of the right thickness,* A cornea that is structurally normal (not an unusual shape),* Have a healthy pressure within the eye, and* Have basically healthy eyes (with no diseases or injuries that might interfere with the surgery).
Okay, you are ready to go. You have received your eye examination and have been approved for the procedure by the eye surgeon. Now what? You schedule a date and show up at the appropriate time. You know that you will be awake for the procedure and everything has been carefully explained. Now, it is time to prep for the surgery.
You are finally in the laser suite where you will be positioned comfortable on your back under the excimer laser. Your surgeon will put anesthetic eye drops in your eyes to numb their surface. The eyelashes are taped out of the way and an eyelid speculum is placed between you eyelids to keep you from blinking.
Small reference marks are put on your cornea to serve as positional guides for replacing the corneal flap. A suction ring is placed on your eye to hold it is position and to maintain the pressure within. The corneal flap is now created and folded back. The next step is for the laser procedure to sculpture the cornea by vaporizing small amounts of tissue-this step can take anywhere from 20-90 seconds to complete. The eye is then flushed out to remove any debris and then the corneal flap is put back into its original position.
You will be asked to sit quietly with your eyes closed for about 30 minutes and then the eye surgeon will come back and check to make sure that everything is all right. You may have a sensation that there is something in your eye, but this will pass. When it is time to go home, you will be given antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and lubricating eye drops along with a detailed set of instructions on what to do and when to do it. In addition, you will schedule several postoperative appointments to have your doctor check on your eyes.
Now, you know the basics. If you are considering lasik eye surgery, make sure that you do your research and find the best eye surgeon in the area. Once everything is completed, you will enjoy the freedom of not dealing with glasses and contact lenses.
http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik eye surgery.
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