LASIK Eye Surgery - Is it Right for You?
Approximately half the population suffers
from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, and needs eyeglasses or
contact lenses to see properly. There are several modern surgical techniques
available to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses for these
conditions. One such option is LASIK surgery, which reshapes your cornea using
a laser. LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ
Keratomileusis):
LASIK is one of the hottest surgeries in
ophthalmology today. It's estimated this surgery will be performed on 2.3
million eyes this year. Some of the pluses of LASIK are that it is largely
painless, recovery is fast, vision stabilizes quickly, and it is easy for a
doctor to do a re-operation in the first year to fine-tune results. However,
unlike cataract surgery which is covered by Medicare and private insurance
plans, LASIK is considered cosmetic and not "medically necessary" by insurers.
Therefore, most medical insurance companies will not pay for refractive
surgery. LASIK surgery costs between $2,000-$3,000 per eye, but the costs are
coming down. |
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Are you a candidate
for LASIK?
You should have a complete eye exam
to ensure that corneas are healthy and thick enough to undergo surgery.
Make sure to have your pupils measured - those with extremely large
pupils are more likely to experience glare, halos, starbursts, and
ghost images after surgery. Side effects are more common among people
who have high levels of astigmatism or myopia (nearsightedness),
or thin corneas.
Those with refractive instability are
not good candidates for this procedure. One indicator of instability
is if your contact lens or glasses prescription changed in the past
year. Other health conditions and certain medications may contribute
to refractive instability. In addition, be aware there are certain
professions, primarily branches of the military, that restrict employment
of individuals who have had refractive surgery.
The best candidates are those adults
whose sight is only moderately distorted, whose vision is stable,
and who have no other eye problems. |
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Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For
more information on laser eye surgery check out these resources
on the World Wide Web:
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For more information on
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What are the
risks?
Don't be fooled - LASIK is surgery, and
like any other medical procedure there are risks involved. Carefully weigh the
risks and benefits.
- You may be undertreated or
overtreated. Only a certain percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision without
glasses or contacts. You may require additional treatment, but additional
treatment may not be possible.
- Results may not be lasting. The level
of improved vision you experience after surgery may be temporary if your eyes
are still changing, especially if you are farsighted or currently need reading
glasses.
- If both eyes are treated at the same
time or before one eye has a chance to fully heal, you and your doctor do not
have the advantage of being able to see how the first eye responds to surgery
before the second eye is treated.
- Development of visual symptoms. Some
patients may experience glare, halos, starbursts and night driving may be
difficult.
- Contrast sensitivity. Your vision
could be significantly reduced in dim light conditions.
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Finding the Right
Doctor
With the growing popularity of LASIK,
and the increase in number of doctors performing the procedure every
year, it's important you understand the credentials of the person
you choose to be your surgeon.
- Find a qualified, board-certified
surgeon who specializes in refractive surgery. Visit the American
Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery web
site to locate an opthalmologist who specializes in eye surgery
or check with the American
Board of Ophthalmology and make sure your doctor
is board certified.
- Ask surgeons about their experience,
outcomes, and complication rates. Inquire as to how many of their
patients needed a second procedure, or "enhancement."
- Read the consent form carefully,
preferably before the day of surgery. It is critical that patients
understand this is surgery, and they are fully informed and comfortable
with the patient-doctor relationship.
- Don't base your decision simply
on cost.
- Be wary of eye centers that advertise,
"20/20 vision or your money back" - remember there are no guarantees
in medicine.
Know the difference:
Opthalmologist is a medical
doctor specializing in the diagnosis and medical or surgical treatment
of visual disorders and eye disease.
Optometrist is a primary eye
care provider who diagnoses and manages disorders of the visual
system and eye disease. |
Post-Surgery
It is important to follow all
post-surgical instructions from your doctor to avoid irritation, infection, or
even other complications to your eye. After your surgery, keep the following in
mind:
- You should have a follow-up visit
within 24 to 48 hours of the surgery.
- Do not rub your eye! After
surgery, your eye may burn, itch, or feel like there is something in it.
- You may also experience some
discomfort, or in some cases, mild pain, or your eyes may tear or
water.
- Your vision will probably be hazy or
blurry.
- You may experience sensitivity to
light, glare, starbursts, or haloes around lights.
- The whites of your eye may look red or
bloodshot.
- These symptoms should improve within
the first few days after surgery.
- Make sure to follow your doctor's
instructions regarding use of any eye drops prescribed to prevent infection
and/or inflammation.
- Wait at least one to three days
following surgery before beginning any non-contact sports.
- You should contact your doctor
immediately if you experience severe pain or if your vision or other symptoms
get worse instead of better.
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