The use of the latest technology in the medical field has been extended on a large scale in these last years. Laser eye surgery has also been constantly improved and is today a very popular choice among patients suffering from various eye conditions. New and competitive eye care centers that can provide laser eye surgery are being set up in many cities worldwide. Here is a brief description of the two most popular Vancouver laser eye surgery centers.

London Place Eye Centre

London Place Eye Centre is a Vancouver laser eye surgery clinic using the latest technology for vision correction. The professional and high skilled staff working at this eye care center have developed and improved the No Touch™ technique, possibly the safest method for changing the shape of the cornea and treating astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. The surgeons working at this clinic are internationally recognized professionals in refractive surgery and participate in clinical trials to develop new eye correction techniques. London Place Eye Centre has an impressive history of over twenty years of competitive eye care services and more than 75,000 successful laser eye surgery procedures. They continue the tradition now with the No Touch™ technique, providing the most effective surgical procedures.

This Vancouver laser eye surgery center provides the latest technology, using a VISX STAR S4-IR excimer laser for its No Touch™ procedures. This technique gives the most predictable and accurate results. The No Touch™ method uses only laser light and works just on the surface of the cornea, with no manually cut flap. This clinic has been named five times in a row the Consumer Choice award winner. It is considered by many one of the best laser eye surgery centers in the world.

Coal Harbor LASIK Eye Centre

Coal Harbor LASIK Eye Center is another famous Vancouver laser eye surgery clinic who has had excellent results over the years. Dr. Steven Kirzner, its medical director, has performed over 35,000 successful laser eye surgeries since 1991. They also have an excellent safety record and use the most advanced technologies.

This Vancouver laser eye surgery center uses Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix 100 technology in laser eye surgery to provide the most accurate and safest vision correction available. This method has a series of benefits, such as:

• It is the first laser in North America to include 3D eye tracking and Iris Recognition for an improved level of safety and accuracy, ensuring alignment between preoperative measurements and laser treatment.
• It includes a multidimensional eye tracker to locate the laser at the exact spot as the preoperative measurements to enhance accuracy.
• It provides faster tracking and treatment.
• It allows the treatment size to be larger than the pupil at night, which helps decrease night vision problems.
• It leaves more corneal tissue than previous technology.

With the advancement and growing popularity of laser eye surgery, you are now able to choose an eye care center in your area. However, it is essential to examine all your options carefully in order to maximize your chances of getting the expected outcome.

Both PRK and LASIK procedures involve a few risks. The chances of having severe vision-threatening side effects of laser eye surgery are very low. However, there have been a few cases of serious eye injury which required corneal transplant.

Infection and delayed healing

Approximately 0.1 percent of all patients suffer from corneal infection after PRK and slightly fewer after LASIK. This usually means an additional discomfort and slower healing, but no long-term effects after a period of four years.

Under correction/Overcorrection

Under correction or overcorrection is also one of the most common side effects of laser eye surgery. A surgeon cannot predict precisely how your eyes will respond to treatment. This means you might need to keep wearing corrective lenses after surgery. In some situations, you can have another surgical procedure to improve the results.

Decrease in Best-Corrected Vision

After a laser eye surgery, a few patients find that their best-corrected vision with contact lenses is worse than before. This is also one of the side effects of laser eye surgery, usually resulting from irregular tissue removal.

Excessive Corneal Haze

Corneal haze is part of the normal recovering process after a PRK procedure. It usually has no significant effect on the final vision and can be noticed only by an ophthalmologist with a microscope. However, in some cases, excessive haze can interfere with vision. The risk for having this side effect is much lower with LASIK than PRK.

Regression

This is yet another possible side effect of laser eye surgery. For some patients, the eye returns to its initial state within a few month. A new surgical procedure is usually possible in such cases.

Halo Effect

The halo effect can affect both PRK and LASIK patients and is noticed in low light. As the pupil becomes larger, a second faded image forms due to the untreated part of the cornea. This can often interfere with night driving.

Flap Damage or Loss

This side effect of laser eye surgery can only affect patients undergoing a LASIK procedure. In some cases, instead of creating a hinged flap on the center of the cornea, the entire flap tissue comes off. This can usually be replaced after the laser treatment. However, in some cases, the flap can be damaged or lost.

Distorted Flap

This side effect of laser eye surgery also affects only patients who have had a LASIK procedure. It consists of a distortion in the shape of the cornea created during the healing process, which can result in a lower best-corrected vision.

Other Side Effects of Laser Eye Surgery

Even when both the procedure and the healing process seem to go perfectly, there are some side effects that may still cause dissatisfaction. Older patients, for example, cannot have both good distance and near vision in the same eye without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Patients suffering from myopia which could still read without glasses may no longer be able to do that after surgery. If both eyes are not treated in the same time, the eyes might work awkward together in the period within the two treatments.

Retinal surgery is a type of eye surgery involving the repair of a detached retina. The retina transmits signals or messages to the optic nerve and the brain or nervous system, thus completing the cycle of vision. Retinal detachment occurs when a separation takes place between the retina and the surface of the eye, so retinal surgery is required to repair this separation, to connect the proper tissues and fix the problem.

Retinal detachments take place because of holes or tears in the tissue. This usually occurs in short-sighted people or the elderly because the tissue of the eye becomes weaker as time progresses, thus resulting in a retinal tear and eventual detachment of the retina. The retina then literally tears away from the surface of the eye causing vision loss and eventually total blindness.

There are a few different types of retinal detachment. “Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment” occurs when the tear allows liquid to flow into the eye through the hole caused by the retinal detachment. “Secondary retinal detachment” occurs when fluid forms under the retina without the presence of a hole or break. This usually happens because of an eye injury or some sort of inflammation. There is also “tractional retinal detachment” which involves a physical pulling of the retina from the surface of the eye.

What does retinal surgery involve?

There are several types of retinal surgery. “Scleral buckle surgery” involves the sewing of silicone bands to the outer region of the eyeball. The bands then push the wall of the eye against the hole caused by the detached retina and close it, allowing the retina to reattach using natural procedures. The bands are not usually removed; however, recently it was discovered that there was a possibility that the band might cause the eye to become elongated or misshapen.

“Pneumatic retinopexy” is another type of eye surgery for detached retinas. This involves the usage of a gas or silicone bubble that is literally blown into the eye. The bubble floats to the area in which the retina is detached and pressure is applied to the hole. The pressure or surface tension combined with the material of the gas bubble cause the hole to seal and the retina to reattach itself. This procedure is normally only used when the retina detachment is located in the upper portion of the eyeball.

There are a few other types of retinal surgery as well, each with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. A medical professional should be consulted to determine which of the options is best for you.

Usually when you go through retinal eye surgery recover, it means that the retina has been resolved and over the affected area a patch is placed for a few days. You may have some restrictions but remember this is for your own health!

Recovery Period

During this period you must avoid lifting anything and be patient while healing takes place. In some instances you may be advised to lie still in bed to let healing begin.

Retinal eye surgery recovery will not be so comfortable. You will receive medications and advised to resume to normal activities. Also it may be necessary to change your glasses after the reattachment.

After a retinal eye surgery may take many months for the vision to improve and sometimes may never fully return. If the detachment was severe the chances the vision to return are low so at the first sign of trouble go see an ophthalmologist. In this case even if you need an operation the retinal eye surgery recovery will be much easier.

Retina Surgery

Retina is vital to vision; it is the “place” where the image is “developed” after the images go through the cornea and through the lens. Retina eye surgery solves problems as interocular infection and retinal detachment. Vitreous and retinal problems can cause blindness or severe loss of vision. Most of the times when surgery is required the problems are caused by the vitreous.

Retina eye surgery is used to secure the vitreous to the eye wall so for several days you may be required to maintain a specific head position.

Surgery Risks

Any surgery has some risk but if you do not treat a retinal detachment you risk blindness or permanent severe vision loss. Cataract, high pressure inside, infection and bleeding are some of the surgical risks, but most of the procedures are successful even if sometimes a second operation is needed.

Keep your eyes healthy!

Keeping your eyes in a good health through proper nutrition and exercises it is very important and you should not neglect it. Protecting your eyes when you are engaged in activities that could harm them, avoiding irritants like smoke or chemical fumes, wearing corrective lenses can help your eyes to remain healthy.

Retinal eye surgery recovery and the procedure itself may not be pleasant at all but comparing the risks of not doing the operation and doing it there is no doubt you have nothing to lose.

Retinal detachment surgery consists of the reattachment of the retina to the back of the eye and sealing any holes or deficiencies in the retina. Retinas can detach from the eye because of these holes or deficiencies, which in turn cause weakness in the attachment and eventual detachment. If left untreated by retinal detachment surgery, blindness can occur.

The Retina

The retina is a small, thin layer of cells behind the eye. It is the part of the eye responsible for converting light into signals that can be interpreted by the brain and the nervous system. The retina accomplishes this goal through the use of “photoreceptor cells” which receive the light energy and pass it through the neurons of the retina and passes it to the brain and nervous system in the form of “action particles”.

At the center of the retina is the “optic disc” which is also sometimes known as the blind spot because it contains no photoreceptors. The retina has three layers of nerve cell tissue and two layers of synapses, which are specialized “ports” through which cells signal to one another involving a set of glands. Through this process, which I have only outlined, vision is produced through the passage of signals into the brain.

Reasons for Retina Detachment

For many, age is closely related to the need for retinal detachment surgery as weaker cells are present in the body and especially in failing eyes. The eyeball’s contents, in fact, shrink with age and this can rip the retina causing holes and problems which could cause retina detachment. Near-sighted people who have had cataract surgery and those with severe eye injuries are also at risk for retina detachment.

The Procedure and Aftermath

Retinal detachment surgery is generally routine and can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The process of “pneumatic retinopexy” is one such surgical option. This involves a gas bubble being injected into the eye by the surgeon which presses the retina flat against the wall of the eye. Natural healing takes over from there and the body naturally reattaches the retina over time. A laser is used to seal the holes and to hold the retina to the back of the eyeball.

“Scleral buckling” is a surgical process which involves the laser reattachment of the retina as with pneumatic retinopexy, but also includes the use of a silicone band that holds the retina in place. This adds pressure and in theory quickens the process of healing. Finally, “vitrectomy surgery” replaces the eye fluid with air, gas, or silicone oil. This temporarily replaces the natural fluids until the retina reattaches, then the body’s natural fluids are replaced by normal biological process.

What Is PRK Eye Surgery?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery aimed to correct mild myopia and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, no corneal flap is created before the laser beam is applied to reshape the corneal tissue. Although PRK eye surgery is an earlier discovered laser procedure, some surgeons still prefer it in a small number of cases, as it avoids further flap complications. This type of procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure by a refractive surgeon.

Before PRK Eye Surgery

Before a PRK eye surgery you will undergo several eye examinations. Your eye doctor will examine your eye condition thoroughly and check your eye history to see if the prescription has been stable for minimum one year. After this eye exam, the doctor will be able to determine whether you should undergo a PRK eye surgery or not.

The eye exam usually includes:

• Refractive error measurement
• Dilation exam
• Corneal thickness and pupil measurements
• Tear function analysis
• Corneal topography map
• Discussion of lifestyle, medical history and expected outcome

Soft contact lenses should not be used for one week before the eye exam and gas permeable or hard lenses should not be used for 2-3 weeks before the exam to ensure the refractive error is measured correctly.

The PRK Eye Surgery Procedure

Before the surgical procedure, the eye is anesthetized with eye drops. Afterwards the surgeon will use a laser to remove the outer corneal layer and reshape the underneath tissue. The actual PRK eye surgery takes less than 15 minutes, but with all the preoperative preparation, it can take up to one hour. Although both eyes can be treated simultaneously, many surgeons prefer to treat each one separately.

After PRK Eye Surgery

Unlike LASIK surgery, when you have to wear a special protective shield over the eyes for a short time after the procedure, after PRK eye surgery you are required to wear an eye patch and special contacts. In addition, your ophthalmologist will give you some anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to use for a period of time following surgery.

The healing time for PRK eye surgery is usually longer than with newer laser techniques, such as LASIK. Most patients notice an improvement in vision after 1-2 weeks.

PRK Eye Surgery Risks

PRK eye surgery involves a few possible complications, as does any surgery. Here are some of the risks associated with this procedure

• Unexpected reaction to anesthesia
• Infection
• Under or over correction
• Halos or glared vision
• Light sensitivity
• Corneal haze
• Decreased best corrected vision (not being able to see with so much clarity as before surgery)
• Patients who are older than 40 and suffer from presbyopia usually still need to wear reading glasses.

A thorough discussion with your ophthalmologist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for a PRK eye surgery, ensure you have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and understand the risks associated with it.

Plastic eye surgery, also called blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed to remove fat, excess skin and muscle from the lower and upper eyelids. By correcting puffy bags below the eyes and drooping upper eyelids, this procedure can reduce the signs of premature elderliness.

However, plastic eye surgery cannot remove crow’s feet and other wrinkles, lift eyebrows or remove dark circles under the eyes. It cannot remove the markings of your racial or ethnic heritage either. Blerophlasty can be done either alone or in conjunction with another plastic surgery procedure, such as brow lift or face lift.

Best Candidates for Plastic Eye Surgery

Plastic eye surgery can improve your looks and self esteem, but it won’t necessarily match your ideal or make people treat you better. Before you decide to undergo such a treatment, discuss your expectations with the surgeon.

The best candidates for plastic eye surgery are people who are physically and mentally healthy and share realistic expectations about the outcome. Most of them are older than 35, but if you have cases of baggy eyelids in your family, you can decide to have the procedure at a younger age.

There are some conditions which can make plastic eye surgery more risky. These conditions include hypothyroidism or Graves’ disease, dry eyes, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Glaucoma or detached retina is also a reason to be cautious and talk to your doctor before surgery.

Plastic Eye Surgery Risks

When plastic eye surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon, further complications are rare and generally minor. However, there is always a small risk of infection or an uncommon reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce these risks by obeying the surgeon’s recommendations both before and after the surgical procedure.

Minor complications which can follow a plastic eye surgery include blurred or double vision for a few days, temporary swelling of the eyelid corner, scarring and slight asymmetry in healing. You can also get tiny whiteheads after the stitches are taken out, but your surgeon can remove them easily with a fine needle.

A few patients also have some difficulty in closing their eyes. Rarely, this condition is permanent. Another less frequent side effect is a pulling down of the lower eyelids, which may require another surgical procedure.

The Surgery

Plastic eye surgery generally takes one to three hours, depending on how complicated the procedure is. If you need an intervention to all four eyelids, the surgeon usually begins with the upper lids and then moves on to the lower ones.

Normally, the surgeon makes the incisions in the creases of the upper eyelids and right below the lashes in the lower eyelids. Sometimes the incisions extend into the laugh lines or crow’s feet at your eye corners.

If you have fat bags under your lower lids but don’t need to have any skin removed, the surgeon might perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This procedure involves an incision in your lower lid, without leaving any visible scar. Younger patients with more elastic and thicker skin are the best candidates for this type of plastic eye surgery.

Plastic eye surgery techniques are permanently improved to reduce the risks and increase chances for a successful outcome. However, patients should share realistic expectations for the results and discuss with the surgeon to be aware of all the risks associated with the procedure.

What Is LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

LASIK laser eye surgery is a complex procedure used to treat all degrees of nearsightedness. The surgeon who performs it uses a small knife to cut a flap of the cornea, then removes part of the underneath tissue with a laser and put the flap back in its place.

In LASIK laser eye surgery, the skills of the surgeon are more important than in the PRK procedure, where the computer does most of the work. This is why it is very important to find a high-skilled and experienced surgeon who has done several such procedures before to perform it. The success of the procedure depends mainly on the surgeon.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Advantages

Most physicians agree that LASIK laser eye surgery is very appropriate for correcting very severe vision problems. It also allows a faster recovery than PRK and other methods. In addition, patients who have undergone a LASIK laser eye surgery can see accurate enough to drive and read within just a week.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Risks

In a small number of patients, LASIK laser eye surgery can have some negative side effects. Such effects include over or under-correction, scarring of the cornea, astigmatism, corneal infections, lower contrast sensitivity or problems with driving at night.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery vs. PRK & RK

There are physicians that still consider other surgical methods as well. Some patients who had previously decided on LASIK laser eye surgery are often advised to undergo a PRK or RK procedure instead. After studying all the options they have and consider side effects, many of them eventually agree on other methods.

Many clinical centers, while they do perform LASIK laser eye surgery in many situations, they claim that other methods are in some cases more suitable. For example, some physicians believe that for a small number of patients with low or moderately nearsighted eye conditions, a RK (radial keratotomy) is more appropriate.

RK is an earlier eye correction procedure that does not need an Excimer laser. The incisions are made radically along the exterior portion of the cornea with a hand-held knife. Such procedures are designed to help reshape the curvature of the cornea and allow light rays that enter the eye to focus properly on the retina. The success of the procedure depends on the length and number of these incisions. Some surgeons use this type of eye surgery for a small number of people with mild myopia.

In contrast, other physicians believe that a LASIK laser eye surgery is always the best option. While they do mention other options to their patients, such as PRK or RK, they do not advise them in favor of these procedures.

Others claim that a RK procedure involves penetrating around 90 percent of the cornea, which can have a negative impact on the structure of the eye. Moreover, once you have done a RK surgery, you can never repeat it or have a PRK. This is why some doctors would never recommend this method to anyone.

Like any other medical procedure, there are lasik eye surgery risks and complications so you should be prepared. Before doing a refractive surgery, you should carefully weigh the benefits and the risks, so it is important for you to know the limitations of the procedure.

Lose Vision

The worst of the lasik eye surgery risks that could happen as a result of treatment is to lose lines of vision that cannot be corrected with contact lentils, glasses, or surgery.

Debilitating Visual Symptoms

Some patients develop halos, double, and/or glare vision that can affect nighttime vision. After the treatment even if you had a good vision on the vision chart it is possible, in situation of low contrast, not see as well as before the treatment.

Additional Treatment

The percent of patients that achieve 20/20 vision without contact and glasses is relatively low, so you may require additional treatment. After surgery you may still need contact lentils or glasses even if before you required a very week prescription.

Dry Eye Syndrome

After the surgery your eye may not produce enough tears to moisture itself and besides discomfort it can reduce the visual quality because of intermittent blurring and other symptoms. This condition may not be permanent and you may be required to use procedures such as use of plugs and intensive drop therapy.

Large Refractive Error

If you have a very large refractive error the results of a lasik eye surgery may be not so good and you should discuss with your doctor because you may still require contacts or glasses.

Farsighted Patients

The level of improved vision after surgery may decrease with age if you are a farsighted, but the possibility for this to occur is high if your manifest refraction and your cycloplegic refraction are very different.

New Technology

This type of procedure is based on a relatively new technology. The first LASIK was approved for an eye surgery in 1998, and therefore the long-term effectiveness and safety is not known. But don’t worry! Even if lasik eye surgery risks exist in the late 1990s just 5% of people experience some type of problem and now the complication rates are held below 1% and often they can be resolved.

So if you are thinking refractive surgery make sure you compare lasik eye surgery risks and benefits, consult more than one doctor or eye center because this decision will affect you for the rest of your life.

The following is a brief overview of the elements involved in the Lasik eye surgery procedure. Lasik eye surgery is still fairly new on the scene and is becoming very popular with many because of the ease, painlessness, and overall satisfaction of the procedure. Still, the Lasik eye surgery procedure leaves a lot of people curious as to what it entails and how it is done.

Do you qualify?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a basic set of guidelines to determine if you qualify for the Lasik eye surgery procedure. First, the procedure is not done on anyone under the age of 18 since the vision of those under 18 tends to still evolve and possibly change or improve given time. Also, pregnancy or nursing is considered as these biological conditions can actually change the makeup of the eye and alter the shape of the eyeball.

Eyes must be healthy and in stable condition in order to be a candidate. Due to the changing specifications of the eyeball because of various eye afflictions, Lasik eye surgery is often postponed by surgeons in order to determine if the eye is suitable for the procedure. This is simply a precaution as not everyone is a good candidate for the surgery. The best way to determine this is to consult your medical professional.

The procedure

Lasik eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure that involves a local anaesthetic in the form of an eye drop on the surface of the eye. The surgery can range anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes per eye, but in some cases can be completed in less than a minute.

A special device or laser cuts a flap on the cornea and lifts it out of the way. The laser then reshapes the tissue of the eye underneath the flap and the flap is replaced. No stitches or sutures are required and the flap automatically heals itself and reattaches to the corneal tissue almost immediately. A shield is placed over the eye to protect the cornea while the healing process takes place.

Many patients take time off after surgery. The standard is a few days as the eye can properly heal in that amount of time. After Lasik eye surgery procedure, it is important to have a friend or trusted associate transport you home because your vision will likely be blurry. There may also be a mild burning or itching sensation following the procedure, but it is important to remember not to rub or touch your eyes. The medical professional will prescribe medication to ease this discomfort.

Repeat after me: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We’ve heard that phrase countless times, usually when someone is talking about a scam. You would think we would learn to read the fine print but then again, it’s gotten so fine, many of us can’t even see it. So we go by the big sign: Lasik Surgery only $299.

Lasik eye surgery price lists usually range from about $1500 to $2500 for one eye. How then can anyone afford to offer the same surgery at a fraction of the cost. They can’t and they don’t and you should know what to look for.

For example, the Lasik Vision Institute advertises Lasik surgery on one eye from $299. While the fine print lists an incremental rise in the price depending on the level of myopia, you must also qualify for the promotion by having good credit. The Lasik Vision Institute has previously been found guilty for operating a bait and switch tactic whereby patients were lured in by the low price but were then told they didn’t qualify for it. Lasik eye surgery price promotions like these usually come to light sooner or later.

Whenever you see prices like this, realize there’s probably more going on than meets the eye. Look out for hidden restrictions in such Lasik eye surgery price promotions. Never agree to a non-refundable deposit and ask for all the terms in writing. It’s important too, to know what kind of follow-up care is available and if it is included in the price.

Much of the time, these discount centers aren’t very discounted in the long run. In fact, after adding in all the extras that are normally covered in the price of traditional Lasik surgery by well-established ophthalmologists, costs can equal or surpass the traditional costs. Actually, Lasik eye surgery price shouldn’t be your primary concern. Choosing a well-established trusted eye surgeon who has your best interests in mind should concern you more than the cost of the procedure.

If you don’t have your own eye doctor, ask for a referral from your family physician. Talk to friends and co-workers who have had successful Lasik surgery. This is a good idea anyway to assist you in knowing what to expect. Check with your local Better Business Bureau if you do choose a doctor or center that you’re not familiar with.

Make sure you understand all the financial as well as health related options and ramifications that you’re told. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. You should only have to pay a nominal fee for an evaluation by any reputable eye surgeon. If you’re not comfortable, wait until you are before agreeing to surgery. Another good rule of thumb: When in doubt, don’t.

It’s imperative that you get all the Lasik eye surgery information you can find before you have the surgery. Try to talk to someone who has had the surgery. As important as it is to read all about the procedure, there’s no substitute for the first-hand experiences of someone who has been there.

Your doctor should be willing to answer all your questions and provide literature about the procedure and the risks and benefits. If your doctor says you may not be a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, ask him about alternative laser surgeries. You may find that another type of laser surgery would be more beneficial to you.

There is a lot of Lasik eye surgery information available on the internet. The National Eye Institute maintains a website that has a lot of information regarding different types of eye problems and the corrective procedures associated with them. You can access their website at nei.nih.gov. The American Optometric Association also has a website containing information you may find useful You can access it at aoa.org.

Take into consideration that you must be in good general overall health in order to have this type of surgery. You can’t have a disease that could slow healing such as diabetes or lupus. There are other criteria of which you may not be aware so discuss these with your doctor. You may think of other questions to ask your eye surgeon after searching for Lasik eye surgery information. As you think of them, write down your questions so you’ll be prepared for your next appointment.

You’ll need to arrange for some time off from work. In most cases, it is just a couple of days. You’ll need to make sure you have a ride to and from the procedure. Discuss with your doctor ahead of time if he’ll be giving you a Valium or something to relax you during the surgery. Of course, you’re not obligated to take any medication but for some people, it helps them to relax and not be so frightened.

Make sure whoever takes you to the appointment listens to and understands the aftercare instructions, especially if you have had a sedative as you may not remember all the instructions. Ideally, they’ll be written down and you’ll be given some post-op literature to read. Keep the Lasik eye surgery information regarding post-op procedures handy.

Whatever you do, once you’ve made the decision to have Lasik surgery, don’t let anyone scare you into not having it. The pain, if any is minor and the discomfort only lasts for a few days. If you and your doctor have decided that you would make a good candidate for this type of surgery, don’t listen to someone else who probably is scared herself. The overwhelming majority of those who have had Lasik eye surgery are happy with the result and you, most likely, will be too.

As with any surgical procedure, there can be risks and issues involved. Some patients have documented a Lasik eye surgery complication. In this brief outline, I will discuss some of the known complications and shed some light on the nature of a Lasik eye surgery complication.

What complications can arise?

In order to understand the complications, there has to be a simple understanding of the procedure of Lasik eye surgery. Lasik eye surgery involves the cutting of a small flap in the front covering of the eye or cornea. The flap is lifted so that the eye may be reshaped by the laser and then the flap is replaced as a type of bandage.

The flap is cut using a type of bladed instrument called a “microkeratome” or else with a laser. This depends on the surgeon one visits as to what technology is used. The usage of the laser to perform this portion of the procedure allows for more precision and, therefore, fewer complications are likely to arise.

Now, if the flap is not cut correctly it may fail to form properly to the surface of the eye. The flap might also be cut too small or thin, which would cause wrinkling upon the attempt to adhere the flap to the surface of the eye. These complications can lead to an irregularly shaped eye surface and in time may lead to astigmatism or blurry vision.

Another type of Lasik eye surgery complication is known as “epithelial ingrowth”. This complication results in visual aberrations, meaning the patient starts to see glares, has problems with light sensitivity, experiences double vision, or experiences a loss of contrast sensitivity. This complication is normally either treated with an eye drop or with a simple laser retreatment to correct the problem area.

“Diffuse lamellar keratitis” is another Lasik eye surgery complication which occurs with the arrival of dead cells under the flap of the eye. The eye naturally reacts to the presence of the dead cells in the form of inflammation and scarring. Steroids and antibiotics are the traditional treatments to “DLK” and it should be noted that treatment must be sought out immediately as permanent blindness is a potential result.

Conclusion

As with any surgical procedure, there are a variety of complications. Care must be taken to select the right Lasik eye surgeon for your specific needs and also to decide of Lasik eye surgery is the right procedure for you.

Lasik eye surgery has been successfully performed on millions of eyes. This year alone, more than 2 million people are expected to undergo Lasik eye surgery. Don’t get too comfortable with those figures though because long-term effects will not be known for some time yet.

Although you’re sitting in a chair in a doctor’s office and conscious, Lasik eye surgery is surgery and as such, there are risks and complications to consider. In fact, not everyone is a candidate for Lasik. After you’ve been evaluated by your doctor, get a second opinion if he tells you that you are not a candidate for Lasik. If the next doctor tells you the same thing, take him seriously!

Who wouldn’t be a candidate for Lasik eye surgery? Obviously, if you’re not in good overall health, it wouldn’t be wise to sign up for any elective surgery. Diabetics, it is generally thought, would not be good candidates for Lasik eye surgery. If you’re pregnant or nursing, this is something you’ll want to put on hold.

You must be at least 18 years old and have had a steady prescription for glasses or contacts for at least the previous 2 years. In addition, your cornea, the part of the eye that is cut to make a flap so that the laser can then remove corneal tissue, needs to be a certain thickness in order for the flap to be successfully cut. If an eye doctor tells you that your cornea is too thin for Lasik eye surgery, listen to him because it could cause irreversible damage to the cornea if that small incision doesn’t go right.

Make absolutely certain you disclose all of the medications you are taking to your eye surgeon.

Finally, although not many, there are a few occupations that will pass you by if you have Lasik eye surgery. Certain jobs within the armed forces, pilots, and some jobs that require frequent immersion in water are some examples where this could be a problem. Even if you’re not currently affiliated with one of these jobs, you’ll want to think of your future.

Your vision will certainly be blurry for at least a day or two after your surgery. Some complications that can arise include continued blurry vision, halos around light and glare. You may have difficulty driving at night for some time. It could take several months for your vision to stabilize. At first, you can expect some burning, itching, and even a little pain.

Your doctor will give you some guidelines to adhere to after surgery. Follow these carefully. Don’t wear eye make-up until it is safe to do so. If you have severe pain, however, contact your doctor immediately.

As with any medical procedure, approach this with your eyes wide open, ask a lot of questions and then you will be equipped to make an informed decision about whether or not Lasik eye surgery is right for you.

If your spouse or significant other is about to have Lasik corrective eye surgery, it will probably fall to you to see that he uses his eye drops whenever he should and follow all post-operative instructions. If possible, try to be available for a couple of days after the surgery. Your loved one will probably not be in the best of moods just because at first the dry eye and itch can be so irritating.

Make sure he continues to wear the protective covering put over his eye by the doctor. Even while sleeping, hair or bacteria could get into the eye and cause a lot of discomfort, possibly even infection. If you have pets, try to keep them away from him during these first few days to prevent any stray animal hairs from finding their way to his eye. You may also need to assist in administering the eye drops.

A stinging sensation such as sand and dirt in the eye has been reported among some Lasik corrective eye surgery patients. If your loved one complains of this stinging sensation or any other pain, give him the pain pills the doctor most likely will prescribe. Try to be understanding and if you’re up to it, take a supper tray to where he’s lounging

He will most likely be sensitive to light for the first few days so you might want to keep your home darker than normal. When he does venture outside, he will probably appreciate sunglasses for at least a few days. The initial healing process from Lasik corrective eye surgery should just take a few days and then everything will be back to normal.

Don’t allow him to drive until the doctor has given the go-ahead and be sure he makes that first post-operative appointment. Go with him if you can and convey your observations to the doctor, both positive and negative. It may take several months for his eye to completely heal and his vision is likely to fluctuate during this time of healing.

Try to remain optimistic and encourage him. Write down notes about his progress to share with the doctor. Additionally, write down any questions the two of you have to be asked at the next appointment. Of course, if he develops any unusual symptoms or severe pain, contact the doctor immediately.

You may very well feel your nerves on edge a bit during this process but it will be worth it in the end. He’ll thank you for helping him get through the first few days after Lasik corrective eye surgery.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery is becoming extremely popular in today’s age due to the general affordability and the desire of many in society to maintain good vision without the help of glasses or annoying contact lenses. This surgical procedure is offered in such a varied number of individual avenues that there is certainly a type of laser vision corrective eye surgery that is right for anyone.

Eye surgery is also known as “ophthalmic surgery” or “ocular surgery”. Laser vision corrective eye surgery is not necessarily the same as “refractive surgery”, although many often assume the terms to be interchangeable. Refractive surgery does not always involve lasers to make the incision but rather refers to the general purpose of the procedure to reshape or “refract” the cornea.

The FDA first approved the laser as a surgical tool in 1995, so the advances in the field of laser surgery are generally recent. The agency did, however, restrict the use of the laser to trained surgeons experienced in the field of laser surgery and in the operation of the laser, specifically.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

There are many types of laser vision corrective eye surgery that can repair many ailments that affect vision and the eye. Cataracts refer to a clouding of the vision or the eye’s lens. They tend to affect the elderly the most and can distort vision to degrees mirroring legal blindness. Laser surgery can correct the problems that come from cataracts by simply reshaping and removing the “clouds” and changing the environment that creates them.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to blindness due to blood pressure on the eye. Affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, glaucoma is known as the leading cause of blindness. There are several types of glaucoma which are mostly classified due to the urgency of the onset. Laser surgery can stop the spread of the symptoms by relieving the pressure on the eye.

Macular regeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly and those 65 years of age or older. Macular regeneration affects the retina in that it breaks down or “regenerates” thus causing problems with the area of the eye responsible for sharpness and contrast in vision. Laser surgery can treat macular regeneration but cannot entirely cure it, so the symptoms can be controlled but the process cannot be entirely stopped.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery can repair and ease the pain of several eye ailments and improve the quality of life for many.

Generally, laser eye surgery is safe, but just like any other surgical procedure, it does involve certain risks. Although a large number of patients have been able to stop using their glasses after surgery and achieved a 20/40 vision or even better, there are still some things you should take into account before choosing a “safe” laser eye surgery. A small number of patients actually experience a decreased vision after surgery.

Post Operative Infections

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is certainly helpful to make laser eye surgery safe, but there’s always the risk of post operative infection. This risk is higher in PRK and LASEK than LASIK. In most cases, these infections can be treated with medication and usually don’t turn into long-term problems. However, more sever complications ca result into temporary vision loss or even worse. The healing process is longer for PRK and LASEK than LASIK.

Corneal Haze

This is a common side effect of laser eye surgery, but usually fades with time, although not always. It can’t be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, but only a further surgery procedure to treat scarring, such as CustomVue WaveFront.

Vision Loss

Laser surgery procedures which use a microkeratome blade to cut a flap involve the risk of cutting it off instead of leaving it hinged. If the flap is damaged, the patient may suffer vision loss. Successful procedures that use a blade can still leave small imperfections that can result in blurred vision.

Newer technology which doesn’t involve cutting a flap from the corneal tissue, such as IntraLanse makes laser eye surgery safe. These procedures are more accurate, but also more expensive. There are some techniques to correct imperfections left by a blade too.

Decreased 20/20 Vision

Many types of laser eye surgery can leave scarred tissue, resulting in a 20/20 vision lower than the one the patient used to experience before treatment. Over corrected or under corrected vision is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery. In such cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed or the patient may be recommended a second surgery for more effectiveness.

Other Problems

Some patients also experience glare, sensitivity to light, decreased night vision or problems with double vision after laser eye surgery. Usually these side effects fade out over time, but no one can guarantee this will surely happen. The shape of your eye can change over time and eventually require a second surgery or using glasses or contact lenses.

Realistic Expectations

However, you should not have exaggerated expectations about a laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is not a universal treatment and may be unsuitable for certain people. There are actually three things to consider:

• Is laser eye surgery safe?
• Are your expectations reasonable?
• Is laser eye surgery safe for you?

In order to know what to expect, you have to learn more about the benefits and risks of each type of laser eye surgery and talk to a doctor.

Laser eye surgery is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, patients who have problems with binocular visions, thin corneas, dry eyes or large pupils may not be good candidates for this type of treatment.

People who are pregnant, have diabetes, experience problems with binocular vision, have very dry eyes, thin corneas, or very large pupils are just a few examples of those that are not good candidates for laser eye surgery. To make the right choice, talk to your ophthalmologist and discuss the pros and cons of several techniques and how would each of them respond to your needs.

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Laser Eye Surgery Risk

Most patients who undergo refractive surgery are very pleased with the results. However, just like any other surgical procedure, there are also some risks that come with it. This is why it is very important to be aware of the possible complications, effects and laser eye surgery risks.

Before undergoing a vision correction procedure, you should examine the risks and benefits carefully based on your own value system and try not to let yourself influenced by friends who have had the surgery or doctors trying to convince you to have it.

Listed below are the most common laser eye surgery risks.

Vision Loss

After the procedure, a very small percentage of all patients experience a vision loss which cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts or a second surgery. This is a very rare, but very serious laser eye surgery risk.

Debilitating Visual Symptoms

A few patients experience halos, glare or double vision after surgery, which serious night vision problems. Even if they have a good vision on the vision chart, they may not see well at night, in fog or in other situations of low contrast. They may even see worse in these situations than they used to before treatment.

Under Treatment or Over Treatment

This is a very frequent laser eye surgery risk. Only a small percentage of patients obtain 20/20 vision after surgery without glasses or contacts. You may need additional treatment to enhance vision, but this is not always possible. Even if you used to wear very weak prescription glasses before treatment, you may still need glasses or contact lenses afterwards. If you used to wear reading glasses before, you might still need them after surgery.

Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

Another laser eye surgery risk is to develop serious dry eye syndrome. After surgery, your eyes might not be able to produce enough tears for keeping moist. This not only produces discomfort, by can also reduce quality vision due to permanent blurring and other problems. This eye condition may be permanent. It is usually treated with intensive eye drop therapy, but other procedures can also be used.

Less Effective Results in Patients with Different Types of Large Refractive Errors

You shouldn’t expect too much from a laser eye surgery. To have realistic expectations, you should discuss with your doctor and ask whether you will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery or not.

Results Diminishing with Age

Another laser eye surgery risk is for results to decrease over time, especially in patients with farsighted vision. If your manifest refraction (an exam with lenses before using dilating drops) differs from your cyclopegic refraction (another exam with lenses after applying dilating drops), the chances of getting this side effect are higher.

For newer technologies, there is not enough research data available. As some of them have been developed only a few years ago, long-term effectiveness and safety cannot be determined yet. Even though they are more advanced, they might have some unknown long-term side effects.

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Laser Eye Surgery Prices

The laser eye surgery price varies widely upon a variety of factors. The location of the office where the procedure is performed is an important factor. The experience of the doctor that performs it is another one. The laser eye surgery price also varies upon the type of procedure that is being used.

Location

Laser eye surgery prices can depend a lot on the location of the eye care center where the surgery is being performed. As with all products and services, this variation has a lot to do with the idea of supply and demand. In a city where there are many eye clinics which can provide laser eye surgery, the prices may be lower for competitive reasons. If there are only a few clinics in the area, they can charge more, taking advantage of the fact that people are willing to pay a lot for receiving the treatment.

Doctor’s Experience

The experience of the surgeon who will be performing the procedure is also an important factor in determining laser eye surgery prices. A doctor still in the learning phase, even if high skilled, will usually charge less than a very experienced one. Many patients are willing to pay more to be treated by an experience physician who they can trust. Most people believe that quality is more important than price in this type of surgery.

Type of Procedure

Laser surgery prices depend most on the type of surgical procedure that the patient needs. Many patients with different eye conditions may need more specialized and therefore more expensive procedures. The average price for a basic LASIK procedure ranges between $1500 and $2000. Custom LASIK surgery usually costs much more. Generally, doctors charge additional an additional fee of $500 or more for a customized procedure. If the surgeon uses a 3-D map of the eye to observe all irregularities, the price can increase with about $1000, getting to a total cost of $2500 - $3000. Most insurance companies do not cover these procedures, so you should check with yours before choosing a certain type of laser eye surgery.

There are many eye care centers that advertise their services at bargain prices. However, you should remember that the average laser eye surgery price is around $1500 and therefore look for hidden costs when certain procedures seem incredibly cheap. Although quality is more important than price, you should remember that high price doesn’t always equate high quality. A thorough research of all the factors involved will improve your chances of getting a successful treatment.

Laser eye surgery cost varies widely from one clinical center to another and depends on several different factors. The only stable standard is that all providers quote a laser eye surgery price per eye.

The advertised price is also subject to wide variation. Although there are advertisements that claim they offer LASIK eye surgery from $500 per eye, most people are either not eligible for that cost or needs extensive correction and treatment after surgery. Actually, it has been shown that only about three percent of all LASIK providers have a laser eye surgery cost lower than $1000 per eye.

When you hear about a clinical center that offers laser eye surgery at bargain prices, you’d better check the fine print thoroughly for hidden costs.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Cost

LASIK laser eye surgery cost has been constantly increasing during latest years. Just to get an idea, here is what a refractive industry reported on the average price of this type of procedure:

• In 2002, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost ranged between $1,550 and $1,600.
• By October 2003, it had already increased to approximately $1,710.
• At the end of 2004, LASIK laser eye surgery cost raised above $1,800.
• In the first half of 2005, the average price was $1,965.

These figures include several types of businesses, from individual surgeons use rented equipment to those who own it and from regional clinical centers to nationwide eye surgery provider networks.

TLC Laser Eye Centers, a leading LASIK provider, had an average price of $1,800 in 2002. At the end of 2004, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost rose to $1,957 and at the beginning of 2005 the price was $1,983.

LasikPlus, another famous nationwide provider, reported an average price of $1,344 per eye in 2005, which is slightly lower than $1,351 at the end of 2004, but much higher than $1,173 at the beginning of 2003.

Prices for Other Types of Eye Surgery

Other types of eye surgery have different prices, also varying upon many factors, such as individual prescription, the surgeon you choose and the place where you live. Here are the average prices per eye for other common eye surgery procedures:

• Corneal inserts: $2,800 to $3,800
• CK: $1,200 to $2,500
• PRK: $1,000 to $1,800
• LASEK: approximately the same prices as for LASIK

New Technology Laser Eye Surgery Cost

Laser eye surgery procedures that use new technologies are also more expensive. In LASIK with IntraLase, the surgeon cuts a flap form the cornea with a laser, not a microkeratome. The price is generally higher than for regular LASIK procedure, increasing with $250 - $500 per eye. The increase is partly explained by the fact that the surgeon has to cover the cost for the system. Patients paying for this procedure are said to have less flap complications, require less treatments after surgery and have as better chance to achieve a 20/20 or even higher acuity.

Financing is available to help you reduce laser eye surgery cost. There are many financing companies specialized in elective procedures which offer plans with long-term payments and fixed rates. Many laser eye surgery centers and private surgeons work with one of such companies to be able to offer more affordable financing plans to their patients.

Halos around lights, making driving difficult at night is often touted as a minor laser eye surgery complication but it can have significant effects on the practical lives of the people who have to live with this laser eye surgery complication.

If the only reason you are considering laser eye surgery is so you can get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, you may want to give this a lot of thought. Yes, millions of people have had some form of laser eye surgery and yes, it is successful most of the time. Realize, though that laser eye surgery is irreversible and any damage that occurs will be irreversible as well.

We’ve all seen those circles around the lights, or the halo effect, when it rains. However, for those who experience this particular laser eye surgery complication, it’s an every day pest. For some, it is so severe they are unable to drive, not only at night but on cloudy days as well. The halo effect as it is experienced after laser eye surgery is the most common laser eye surgery complication.

One woman who could read the eye chart perfectly after her laser surgery experienced the halo effect and glare to such a degree that she could no longer drive and had to rely on public transportation. As she had only wanted to eliminate the need to wear her glasses, she was quite upset about the outcome of her surgery. She had been aware of the risks beforehand but relying on the overwhelming number of success stories, she decided to take the risk. She’s sorry now that she didn’t pay more attention to this laser eye surgery complication.

With laser eye surgery still being so new, the long-term effects won’t be known for some time. As successful as it has been, what will the effects be 15 or 20 years down the road. If someone has laser eye surgery at the age of 20 and we later learn that it’s only good for about 20 years, that person will only be 40 years old when their time runs out.

Laser eye surgery is a great choice for a lot of people. It has improved vision slightly and it has improved vision greatly. Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks for you. The best thing you can do for yourself is arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

LASIK Vision Institute

LASIK Vision Institute is a popular laser eye surgery center in the United States offering affordable LASIK procedures, as well as PRK and Nidek. They are very committed to achieve complete success and satisfaction and provide customized care and treatment to every patient, responding to his or her specific needs. The physicians who work in this laser eye surgery center are among the most skilled and experienced surgeons in the United States, with over 500,000 surgeries to date. They also offer an individualized treatment plan for an extra cost. You can use their website or their toll-free phone line to book a consultation. You can also request additional information for free with no further obligation.

Southern California Laser Eye Center

This laser eye surgery center has been a leading refractive surgery clinic for about 19 years. It is one of the largest centers in California, with a team of highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists, having performed more than 200,000 eye surgeries up to date. They provide the latest FDA approved laser technologies to achieve the best vision quality available today. Their goal is to go beyond 20/20. The center also offers free consultations to all patients.

LASIK MD Laser Eye Surgery

This laser eye surgery center is another popular choice among refractive surgery centers. They have 14 clinics in Canada and one in the French Polynesia. LASIK MD has a team of experienced and professional eye surgeons who have performed over 300,000 laser eye surgeries across Canada. They offer customized vision correction surgeries at affordable prices, using the most advanced technologies available.

Lasik Plus

Lasik Plus is a one of the leading laser eye surgery centers in the world, with a team of highly trained physicians making everything to achieve the best possible results. They offer treatments to correct myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism, using the latest technologies to ensure a high level of effectiveness and safety. The doctors deal with each patient at a personal level and provide customized treatments to respond to his or her individual needs.

Los Angeles Laser Eye Surgery

Another leading laser eye surgery center, LA Laser Eye Surgery is led by Dr. Caster, one of the most experienced and skilled eye surgeons. Dr. Caster has been selected as “Best Laser Surgeon in L.A.” out of over 250 eye surgeons by Los Angeles Magazine and many celebrities have entrusted him to perform their own laser eye surgeries. He has an experience of over 12,000 laser eye surgeries.

Before surgery each patient receives a thorough examination to determine whether he is a good candidate for LASIK or not. Caster Eye Center staff will only treat you if they are positive you can achieve excellent results. About 30 percent of all patients that come to the clinic for LASIK are advised not to have the surgery.

Laser eye surgery has become more and more popular within these last years. There are many clinical centers providing laser eye surgery all over the world. Here is a listing of centers providing laser eye surgery in Baltimore.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is one of the most popular clinics providing laser eye surgery in Baltimore. It was founded in 1969 by Dr. Paul A. Kohlhepp and is now under the direction of Dr. Arturo E. Bentacourt. A team of professionally trained staff offers a wide range of medical services, combined with an excellent customer service and personalized approach. The eye care services they are offering include general ophthalmology, laser vision correction, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, low vision rehabilitation and many others. They are equipped with the latest technology and perform their surgery procedures effectively and safely.

Rowen Laser Vision & Cosmetic Center

Another competitive clinical center that offers laser eye surgery in Baltimore, Rowen Laser Vision & Cosmetic Center provides a full range of eye care services, from laser vision correction to cataract surgery. The team of professional and high-skilled staff is led by the famous eye surgeon Dr. Sheri Rowen. All staff members are familiar with the latest technology in eye surgery and cosmetic dermatology. They are permanently seeking ways to develop their practice in response to the needs of their patients.

TLC Visions

TLC Visions is another popular clinic that offers laser eye surgery in Baltimore and many other cities worldwide. They have a team of experienced and competitive doctors trained to use the latest technology and provide each patient with the best services. All doctors working at TLC Visions is part of a group of 13,000 affiliated eye care experts. Staff members perform thorough examinations and treat every patient at a personal level. Their goal is t to offer the safest and best possible result to all their patients. TLC Visions also offers convenient financing plans and a lifetime commitment program. If a patient needs further treatments after surgery, he will receive them without charge. A large number of doctors have trusted TLC Visions to perform their own laser eye surgery.

All laser eye surgeries, no how advanced the technology is, involve a certain level of risk. The risks associated with each procedure should be discussed with the doctor performing the surgery. However, choosing an eye care center that is at least as preoccupied with safety as you are will give you a significant advantage. Evaluating your options thoroughly will certainly improve your chances of achieving the safest and best possible outcome.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

The use of computer technology in medical science is fast developing. Nowadays there are a large number of surgical procedures available for patients who need to correct their vision.

Generally, laser eye surgery is used in three types of eye problems:

• myopia – near sighted
• hyperopia – far – sighted
• astigmatism – distorting vision at any distance

What cause these conditions are problems with the patient’s ability to focus an image on the retina. The ability to focus varies upon three factors: the distance from the back to the front of the eye, the shape of the cornea and the lens. The cornea is the curved clear front surface of the human eye above the iris and the pupil. It provides approximately two thirds of the eye’s ability to focus.

During a laser eye surgery, the surgeon changes the shape of the cornea using a device called Excimer Laser. This produces a laser beam that vaporizes tissue. It is also called a “cold” laser because it removes targeted areas of the eye tissue without harming the surrounding area.

Laser Procedures

The most common types of laser procedures are PRK (Photo-Refractive Keractomy), available since early nineties and LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), first introduced in mid nineties.

PRK – In this surgical procedure, the surgeon uses a beam of light that vaporizes small amounts of eye tissue on the surface of the eye. It removes enough tissue to reshape the cornea and correct vision. The patient is recovered within a week.

LASIK – This is a more complicated surgical procedure. The first step is to cut a flap of the cornea and lifted. Afterwards, the surgeon removes precise amounts of the inside layers of the cornea using a laser guided by a computer. In the end, the flap is put back in its place and the eye heals fast by itself.

Benefits and Risks

Laser eye surgery is always performed by high skilled and well prepared specialists. For most of the patients, the results are very good and their lives are significantly improved. They no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

It is important to keep realistic expectations about laser eye surgery. Patients over 40 years of age may have to wear reading glasses even after the surgery. The eye continues to change after the surgery and you may have to wear prescription glasses or lenses at some point in your life. You might also need a second laser eye surgery if the first one is not entirely successful/

After PRK laser eye surgery, the patient may have a blurry vision throughout the healing process. However, this generally clears up later. Another possible outcome is regression, which means the eye will get back to its original state within around six months. When this happens, you either need another surgery or have to go back to wearing glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK surgery usually involves less negative effects and the eye heals faster. However, as it involves cutting part of the eye tissue, the risk of severe complications is greater.

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure consisting of the use of laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea. It is used to improve myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (long sightedness) or astigmatism. The first information on laser eye surgery dates back from over twenty years ago.

During laser eye surgery, an excimer controlled by a computer is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The aim of the procedure is to restore normal vision, relieving the patient from wearing glasses or contacts.

In one type of laser eye surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, also called epithelium, is removed and an excimer laser is used to reshape underneath tissue. This procedure is called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

In a newer procedure, a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the corneal tissue, which is then lifted and an excimer laser is used to reshape underlying tissue. In the end, the flap is put back to its place. This type of laser eye surgery is called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Nowadays, it is more commonly used than PRK.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

The excimer laser is a special type of laser that does not burn the corneal tissue, but vaporizes a small quantity of the cornea each time a beam is pulsed onto the eye surface. The number of pulses and diameter of the beam are carefully controlled by a computer to enhance accuracy.

Local anesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye. The actual time when the laser is used for reshaping the corneal tissue is generally less than a minute.

Various eye conditions require different types of treatment:

• Myopia - the central peak of the cornea has to be flattened in order to reduce short-sightedness and improve vision.
• Hypermetropia - the central peak of the cornea has to be made steeper in order to improve vision. The laser is applied to the edges of the cornea.
• Astigmatism – this is a condition where the cornea is not evenly curved. The laser is applied more linear to improve vision.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery – Post Surgery

After laser eye surgery, you should expect some minor discomfort. However, you should be able to see, although not very clearly. You won’t be able to drive on your own, so you need to have someone drive you home or take a cab.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery Possible Side Effects

Just like any operation, laser eye surgery involves a few risks as well. You should have some information on laser eye surgery and its possible complications and side effects before deciding you want to have this type of surgery.

• Treatment not successful – this may be the result of either under treatment and over treatment. You may need another surgery to enhance vision.
• Dry eyes - you might have to use eye drops.
• Delayed healing – the flap or the outer layer of the cornea might not heal properly and require follow-up treatment.
• Infection – in case of an infection, you may need to follow an antibiotic treatment.
• Superficial scarring – a second procedure might be needed to repair scarred tissue.
• Excessive thinning of the cornea – vision problems may return and you might need to use contacts or have another surgery.
• Sensitive eyes - some patients experience excessive sensitivity to glare, which makes driving more difficult.
• Blurred vision – ‘halos’ might result from the surgical procedure, but usually they fade out over time.

Before deciding on a certain type of laser eye surgery, you should consult a doctor to examine your eye condition thoroughly, provide you with information on laser eye surgery risks and benefits and give you some advice on which procedure is best for your specific problems.