Laser Eye Surgery Can Provide Perfect Sight To Those Who Have To Wear Glasses by Andy Guides Jr

Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. This is a procedure that can take less than perfect vision and make it near perfect again. There is a very high success rate with this surgery and most people that have it are able to see very well without using corrective lenses. LASIK surgery was introduced to the public in 1990 and ever since it has been very popular for those that can afford it.

Most vision problems can be corrected with laser surgery but especially the problems of hypermetropia and myopia or those that are far and near sited. When one has good vision light enters the eye by way of the natural lens. The light refracts or bends so that it hits the retina, which takes that image and focuses it so that you can see clearly. Wearing glasses makes sure that the light hits the retina in the right place so that the vision becomes clear.

A person that cannot see far has an issue with the light falling short of the retina and instead it falls on the cornea. All laser surgery requires is that the cornea be reshaped so that the light can refract on the retina. In the case above the laser removes material in the middle of the cornea, which becomes thinner and no longer stops the light from getting to the retina. Those having the opposite problem of not being able to see up close also has part of the cornea removed with the laser Instead of the middle material the laser cuts away from the edge of the cornea so that the light no longer over shoots the retina.

A patient is given a painkiller that is applied to the cornea of the eye before surgery. The eyelids are taped open and a metal tool called a speculum is applied to keep the eyelids apart. The surgeon makes a small makes a small cut on the cornea that creates a flap. The laser then removes the material from the cornea that makes it impossible for the light to focus in the correct area. The flap is put back where it belongs and stitched back into place. The procedure does not take long and though there may be some discomfort there is not any extreme pain involved. The laser is pre programmed and automated so there is little chance that there can be any mistakes.

A person who has had the same eyesight for a long period of time is a perfect person for the surgery. Usually young people's prescriptions change frequently so they might not be able to get the surgery. A person with a thinner than average cornea cannot have the surgery either because removing material from a thin cornea can damage it permanently. Those with the vision loss due to age called presbyopia and those with an astigmatism can have the surgery done.

Health insurance usually will not pay for laser surgery. There are those doctors that will accept payments but most want to be paid the entire amount before surgery commences. Make sure to find a doctor that has done many surgeries. Do not go to a doctor that advertises a cheap rate and has not done many surgeries. Laser surgery will cost about USD $1500 at the least and $3500 at the most so watch out for added expenses after surgery by a doctor charging less.

This type of surgery is major surgery. It will take some preparation to have it and if you wear contacts you will not be allowed to wear them for a while prior to surgery. This may be just a few days or up to a month or so. Afterwards eye makeup must be avoided and a guard is placed over the eye to protect it while sleeping. There are drops to be put in the eye periodically to prevent dry eye and a chance that you may have to take an antibiotic to prevent an infection. Some people see relatively well right after surgery but it might take some time with others however, approximately ninety percent of people having laser eye surgery are able to see clearly without having to wear corrective lenses.