Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. This is a procedure that can take less than perfect vision and make it near perfect again. There is a very high success rate with this surgery and most people that have it are able to see very well without using corrective lenses. LASIK surgery was introduced to the public in 1990 and ever since it has been very popular for those that can afford it.
Laser surgery is possible for those that have certain eye problems. Those with near sightedness and far sightedness are in luck because they qualify. When the eyes work correctly light pours through the lens of the eye and on to the retina where the light bends or refracts. The retina is what makes things focus within the sight system. People that have problems with vision have a problem with the light refracting on the retina. For many reasons the light does not get that far or goes too far. When you wear corrective lenses it causes the light to once again fall on the retina to focus.
A person that cannot see far has an issue with the light falling short of the retina and instead it falls on the cornea. All laser surgery requires is that the cornea be reshaped so that the light can refract on the retina. In the case above the laser removes material in the middle of the cornea, which becomes thinner and no longer stops the light from getting to the retina. Those having the opposite problem of not being able to see up close also has part of the cornea removed with the laser Instead of the middle material the laser cuts away from the edge of the cornea so that the light no longer over shoots the retina.
When surgery is performed pain medication is given to the patient being put directly on the cornea. Tape is used to stop the eye lids from shutting and a speculum is screwed on to make sure the eye lids never close during surgery. A cut is made in the corner to make a small flap. Then the laser moves in to remove material from the cornea. Once that is done the flap is replaced and it is all over. It only takes a few minutes to perform the procedure and the only thing the patient might feel is a bit of discomfort. The laser is automated and the perimeters are entered into it prior to surgery so there is very little chance anything can go wrong.
A person who has had the same eyesight for a long period of time is a perfect person for the surgery. Usually young people’s prescriptions change frequently so they might not be able to get the surgery. A person with a thinner than average cornea cannot have the surgery either because removing material from a thin cornea can damage it permanently. Those with the vision loss due to age called presbyopia and those with an astigmatism can have the surgery done.
Health Insurance will not support laser procedures and the patients have to pay for it themselves. There are those doctors that will take payments but most want to be paid completely up front. When you pick a doctor make sure to get one that has done this surgery time after time. A doctor that charges a cheaper price but is not experienced is not a good idea. Expect to pay anywhere from USD $1500 to $3000 for the surgery. If you find someone to do it cheaper make sure to see their policy on add on charges. You will find that every little thing will be charged and not included on the quote that was given to you to begin with. Make sure the price they request is the only thing you will have to pay for.
This is considered major surgery and be prepared to have to do certain things before and after surgery. Those that wear contacts have to stop wearing them for a period of time and those that have hard lenses may have to wait a few months. Eye makeup must not be worn several days prior and a week or so after surgery. Eye drops will have to be taken after surgery and an antibiotic must be taken as well to stop any infection that may develop. There is a special guard to put over the eye when sleeping in order to protect it. The good news is that 90% of those that have the procedure can live the rest of their life being able to see perfectly without wearing corrective lenses.