Laser Eye Surgery Can Provide Spot On Eyesight To Folks Who Have To Wear Glasses by Andy Guides Jr

Laser eye surgery, also called LASIK surgery can correct less than normal vision. In most cases the surgery is successful and the individual can see well without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. This type of surgery was developed in 1990 and has become increasingly popular.

Laser surgery is possible for those that have certain eye problems. Those with near sightedness and far sightedness are in luck because they qualify. When the eyes work correctly light pours through the lens of the eye and on to the retina where the light bends or refracts. The retina is what makes things focus within the sight system. People that have problems with vision have a problem with the light refracting on the retina. For many reasons the light does not get that far or goes too far. When you wear corrective lenses it causes the light to once again fall on the retina to focus.

An eye afflicted with myopia does not work that way. The light that goes into the eye refracts onto the cornea instead of the retina. In laser surgery the cornea is reshaped to make the focus function return to the retina. Some of the eye material in the center of the cornea is removed so that it becomes thinner and enables the light to get to the retina. In those with hypermetropia light is refracted but is not able to reach the retina. Instead of taking material out of the middle of the cornea, material from the edges is removed.

When surgery is performed pain medication is given to the patient being put directly on the cornea. Tape is used to stop the eye lids from shutting and a speculum is screwed on to make sure the eye lids never close during surgery. A cut is made in the corner to make a small flap. Then the laser moves in to remove material from the cornea. Once that is done the flap is replaced and it is all over. It only takes a few minutes to perform the procedure and the only thing the patient might feel is a bit of discomfort. The laser is automated and the perimeters are entered into it prior to surgery so there is very little chance anything can go wrong.

The people that are most likely to have this surgery are those whose vision has not changed much, which limits the surgery and discounts young patients. Having a cornea that is relatively thin may prevent a patient from having the surgery. Material cannot be removed if there is not much there to be removed. This happens when a person has serious loss of eyesight. Those that have the age related presbyopia or have astigmatism are candidates for the surgery.

Health Insurance will not support laser procedures and the patients have to pay for it themselves. There are those doctors that will take payments but most want to be paid completely up front. When you pick a doctor make sure to get one that has done this surgery time after time. A doctor that charges a cheaper price but is not experienced is not a good idea. Expect to pay anywhere from USD $1500 to $3000 for the surgery. If you find someone to do it cheaper make sure to see their policy on add on charges. You will find that every little thing will be charged and not included on the quote that was given to you to begin with. Make sure the price they request is the only thing you will have to pay for.

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.