LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery has helped millions of Americans correct their vision problems. This popular procedure has allowed these individuals the freedom to eliminate the need for corrective eye ware or contact lenses forever. For those faced with no other choice but a lifetime of glasses this procedure is nothing short of miraculous.

How it Works

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed to help those with vision problems. This procedure improves vision by making a permanent change to the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) using a laser device. This excimer laser is utilized to cut a thin, circular flap in the cornea. Tissue is left at one side of the flap so that the tissue can be folded over. This exposes the stroma, which is the mid section of the cornea. The LASIK surgeon than allows the computer guided laser to remove a portion of the stroma's tissue. This reshapes the cornea so that light can be better focused onto the retina, improving the patient's vision. This is followed by the surgeon folding the flap back over and completing the surgery. Not much to it, right? Well, yes and no. The incredible accuracy of lasers and the power of modern computers make it all possible. The overall procedure takes less than one minute per eye. It's important to note, however, that LASIK procedures take careful planning along with both pre-operative and post-operative care. There's much more to it then the procedure itself.

As can be expected this break through technology is more prevalent than ever. This is both good and bad. LASIK eye surgery is made available to the masses, most of which experience good results. Unfortunately, this mass production mentality creates both an unguarded public along with a certain professional negligence. As a result, we are seeing a small percentage of LASIK problems. These numbers are low, however, and can be avoided with a little bit of basic reason.

Of all of our senses, vision is deemed most critical in our everyday lives. So, it makes perfect sense that we should proceed with caution when determining if LASIK eye surgery is the right solution. First and foremost, we must determine if a LASIK procedure is suitable for our condition. It's not for everyone. Consulting with your trusted eye doctor can help determine your needs. Second, you must find a well-respected LASIK doctor that you can put your trust in. This is a very important step.

As the popularity of LASIK surgery has grown, so have its abuses. LASIK centers are popping up all over the place. Commercials offer too good to be true pricing. You can find coupons in your local paper offering substantial discounts. This LASIK pop culture is leading to some unhappy patients with side effects. Now, to be fair, many of these operations provide very successful results and a satisfied clientele. You're unlikely to find these exceptions, however, by blindly responding to an add. You'll need to do some homework.

We are seeing an assembly line mentality. LASIK eye surgery is not as simple as having the oil changed in your car. These are your eyes we're talking about here. This is one of those exceptions that should put quality above price. You definitely get what you pay for with today's LASIK procedures. When it comes to LASIK eye surgery finding a reputable doctor with satisfied clients is a must.

For the many satisfied LASIK patients seeing clearly is a dream come true. But, it is not for everyone, and with its success has come some problems. This is important to keep in mind when seeking a LASIK doctor. Know that your suitability and choice in a physician will greatly affect your outcome.

Do you have a condition that is easily treated by LASIK eye surgery? Or do you have an eye condition that may not be as easily treated with LASIK? By sitting down with your family ophthalmologist you should be able to determine whether it's right for you. Once you've determined suitability, the next step is finding a LASIK doctor that you can trust your eyes with.

Finding the right LASIK doctor isn't as simple as opening the Yellow Pages or responding to the latest $299 LASIK commercial. With a bit of research you can find a LASIK surgeon you can put your faith in. Your first priority should be to find a surgeon that has a solid reputation. This is what separates the good from the bad. Reputation is a natural consequence of having many satisfied patients. Searching the net and researching can tell you quite a bit. You should not be reticent in asking questions, and lots of them. Have the LASIK doctor tell you of his or her experiences. What's their track record? What's their record of success in improving your specific condition? Get referrals from clients of the physician in question. Past clients can tell you of any success or disappointment. They can expand upon the level of satisfaction, when it comes to the overall process. LASIK eye surgery is much more involved than the 1-minute procedure we so often hear about. Pre-operative and postoperative care is very important to the satisfaction and results of these patients. What can they say about these important areas? Finding happy clients that are more than satisfied in all these areas is a good sign you have a competent and caring physician.

The other step that should always be taken when you have some ambiguity is to check with a professional organization. You can find a list of LASIK surgeons who have met stringent credential requirements at the American College of Surgeons. Additionally, you can utilize the search function at The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website, www.aao.org. This will provide you with a list of qualified LASIK doctors.

If you take a comprehensive approach to finding a good LASIK doctor you greatly increase your odds of success. Don't just check one source and go with it. Utilizing all the above will insure that have the best shot of joining millions of satisfied LASIK patients.

If you've looked into having LASIK eye surgery you may have heard of the new Wavefront LASIK technology. Wavefront LASIK, also known as custom LASIK is being adopted by a large number of LASIK surgeons. This is for good reason, as Wavefront LASIK has a number of advantages when compared to traditional LASIK surgery.

First of all, traditional LASIK and wavefront LASIK are essentially the same, in that they use excimer lasers to reshape the cornea. Where they differ is in the measuring technology. Wavefront LASIK surgery uses a proprietary wavefront measuring system. This system paints a three-dimensional map of the eye. This very accurate landscape of the eye is then utilized as a guide by the laser to make corrections to the cornea.

Wavefront mapping technology has made the treatment of eye conditions not previously treatable with traditional LASIK attainable. Wavefront technology makes it possible to treat both lower-order and higher-order aberrations. Traditional LASIK surgery has proven very successful treating lower-order aberrations, like astigmatism and nearsightedness. Higher-order types, on the other hand, can only be measured with wavefront technology. Since higher-order aberrations are not a result of refraction, they cannot be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or even traditional LASIK. Wavefront LASIK holds the advantage here.

Problems like halos seen at night, starbursts, and blurred vision are commonly treated with wavefront. Having this custom LASIK procedure can also result in higher quality of vision and fewer side effects.

Like any other advanced technology you can expect to pay more for Wavefront LASIK. So, you should discuss with your eye doctor to see if it's necessary for your situation.