Laser Eye Surgery

Many of the questions that arise about laser eye surgery are: What is it about? Is it safe for me to undergo in this kind of surgery? What eye disease can it cure? What are the possible complications? How much will it cost? As one ages, the function of the eyes also deteriorates. Modern medicine has made it possible for people with visual impairments to see normally, and one of the most recommended methods is with the use of lasers.

Common vision problems

Laser eye surgery is performed to correct many common vision problems, such as myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, astigmatism or blurred vision from corneal irregularities, or a combination of the said conditions. It has one main purpose and that is to give a patient the comfort and freedom from not wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

The most commonly performed laser surgery procedure is known as Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). It involves the use of a delicate laser to permanently shape the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear covering in front of the eye that bends light rays to help focus them precisely on the retina, which is located in the back of the eye.

Outpatient surgical procedure.

LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure. Prior to actually being scheduled for laser eye surgery, your surgeon will perform a very comprehensive eye examination. The examination will include a glaucoma test, retina exam, and careful measurements of a number of areas of your eye.

What happens in the surgery?

During the procedure, the surgeon cuts and lifts a flap of thin tissue off the outside of the eyeball, usually done by a special device. The surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea and then replaces the flap. There are no stitches. A shield, either clear plastic or perforated metal, is placed over the eye to protect the flap. The surgery takes about 10 to 15 minutes for each eye. The only anesthetic used is an eye drop that numbs the surface of the eye.

Laser Eye Surgery Cost

The costs can vary considerably, however an average is about $2,000 to $2,500 per eye, depending upon the location and facilities of the surgery. Your surgeon should be able to give an exact figure for the cost of your laser eye surgery procedure after an initial assessment of your medical condition is made. The fee should cover preoperative treatment, the actual procedure, and postoperative care. The process is quick, safe, and painless, in addition to that, recovery time is short.

Laser Eye Surgery Problems

Infection after LASIK is rare when proper sterile techniques are used. The healing process is fast. Some people that have tried this kind of surgery stated that a mild burning sensation had occurred after the surgery. The vision is blurry that day but will improve the following day. Only patients above the age of 18 are qualified to receive LASIK, in some cases, a patient may need to be over the age of 21. This is because a young person’s eyes may still be changing when he is an adolescent or teenager. Persons with diabetes are not recommended to undergo the treatment.