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Lasik Eye Repair Surgery - Laser Eye SurgeryAnyone who has worn glasses or contact lenses for a long time can tell you that, while they are better than blurry vision, they are still a hassle. Taking contact lenses in and out, glasses rubbing your nose and ears, misplacing your glasses, etc. Vision problems are generally caused by issues with the cornea when light is no longer focused properly on the retina at the back of the eye. Depending if the focal point is in front or behind the retina, you are either near or far sighted. Lenses fix this problem by adjusting the light as it enters your eyes. In the last 10 years or so, another alternative has come along to repair vision. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery is really a medical marvel, considering how sensitive and delicate the eye is - but it is a process that has already helped millions of people get near perfect vision as they give up the contacts and glasses for good.
How does Lasik Eye Surgery work?Lasik is the most common type of refractive surgery performed. Lasik is popular because there is very little pain or discomfort afterwards, and normal vision is often achieved within just 24-48 hours. As an out-patient procedure, lasik surgery is performed using simple eye drop anesthesia. A thin circular flap is cut in the cornea using a microketatome (another technique uses a laser to cut this flap). The flap is pulled back and an excimer laser (using a cool ultraviolet light) burns away a small portion of the cornea as it is reshaped. A properly shaped cornea will again focus light properly on the retina, as it was intended. The flap is replaced, an eye-patch/bandage is applied, and you are normally given some pain killing medication for a day or two. Lasik surgery can also correct astigmatism. Some people have both eyes done the same day, while others prefer to wait a week or two between having each eye done.Lasik surgery is an elective surgery and there are some risks involved as with any surgery. It is estimated that less than 1% of Lasik patients experience serious, vision-threatening complications. That may sound small, but that could still be 1 out of 100 - and you don't want to be that one. So don't skimp on this procedure - finding the lowest cost, least experienced surgeon is not going to be your best bet. Tiger Woods, the famous golfer, had Lasik eye surgery a few years back and now claims his vision is better than ever. He used to wear glasses and then contacts, but never felt like his vision was as good as it is now. Lasik Eye Surgery Cost:How much does it cost to have Lasik eye repair surgery? The cost of laser eye surgery depends on several factors: where you live, the reputation and demand for your surgeon, how bad your vision is. Lasik eye surgery is normally quoted per eye. So if you see an ad with a price of $1400, that means $2800 total for two eyes. In 2005, the average cost of Lasik eye surgery was just under $2000 per eye. You can find national Lasik centers with prices close to $1400 each. Some specialist on the West Coast charge more than $3000 per eye, but average Lasik eye repair costs are about the same across the US. Costs rise with custom lasik surgery and intralase technology (using a laser to cut the flap over the eye instead of using a mechanical cutting tool). A number of Lasik specialty offices like LasikPlus offer payment plans as well, allowing you to stretch out the financing of your surgery over 18 months.How to choose a Lasik surgeon?While Lasik surgery is not unusually complex or technical (as is, say open heart or brain surgery), but when your eyes are at stake, you want to pick a good Lasik surgeon. You will likely see advertisements for Lasik surgery in newspapers, on TV, or in the mail. A good place to start is a referral from a friend or family member who has had Lasik surgery and was happy with the results and the doctor. You might also want to ask your optometrist for a recommendation (don't worry, he won't be angry for losing you as a patient!) - they can likely point you to a good Lasik surgeon in your area with the best reputation. Find out how long your prospective surgeon has been doing this procedure, how many patients have they treated, what % of their patients achieve 20/40 vision or better? You're looking for someone who has had at least 3-4 years experience. Your doctor should always be willing to answer any questions you have, and should fully inform you about the procedure and its risks.
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