LASIK Eye Surgery
A vision correction technique developed by a Spanish ophthalmologist named Jose Barraquer, LASIK or Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis has been around for quite some time already. It was introduced in the nineties as a new alternative to PRK, which is but another notable technique designed for correcting refractive errors.
The LASIK eye surgery comes with a pretty complicated procedure. The procedure is specifically divided into three stages: preoperative, operation, and postoperative; each carries certain rules and processes that a patient should endure. In the early stage of LASIK, the patient wearing contact lenses or glasses will be required to quit from wearing them for about ten to fourteen days prior to the surgery. Examination of the cornea also comes to determine its thickness and the amount of tissue to be removed from it. An antibiotic will also be prescribed beforehand.
During the LASIK eye surgery, the patient will be given anesthetics. Once assisted, the eye surgeon will then start creating a flap on the target cornea. The eye is, however, immobilized prior to such step, and the flap creation is made by the use of a mechanical microkeratome, which is but a metal blade. This blade is what creates and handles the flap in place. An excimer laser is then employed to reshape the cornea. It works to vaporize the tissue without posing damages into its surrounding area. After it, the flap is repositioned in the most careful manner over the corrected area of the eye. It is positioned by the use of a natural adhesive for the healing process.
For postoperative, the patient is typically required to take antibiotics and some forms of anti-inflammatory eye drops. This treatment, however, should be stopped shortly following the surgery, and the patient will be given a pair of googles to protect their vision from harmful light rays. Further checkups will also be required especially if the condition is so serious.
Although that effective, LASIK eye surgery has its own risks and complications. There are some instances when a patient will experience glaring, double vision, or halos after the surgery. Loss of vision is also highly possible, and further complications like dry eye syndrome may occur. For those who are suffering from hyperopia, the results of LASIK may weaken as you age.
With all such complications, it is then very important for every interested party to carefully weight the risk, complications and benefits that LASIK eye surgery can give. This must be done before opting the procedure, and the decision must be made according to what you think is best. Yes, it is necessary for you not to be easily influenced by what other people say. If possible, know what and what not to expect with LASIK before opting for it.
Today, LASIK eye surgery is offered in the United States by a myriad of eye clinics and centers. If you are living in Los Angeles, for instance, you can find a Los Angeles LASIK eye surgery service from a large eye center in your area. Make sure to note, however, about the price of the service since the cost of LASIK eye surgery may differ significantly according to several factors. The location and the provider you are considering with is primarily the cause of such differences. There are some places also where the price of LASIK is calculated per eye, which is around $500. Remember though that that price is not eligible for all candidates of the procedure since one or both eyes may need more corrections or follow ups right after the surgical procedure. You may find some clinics requiring you to get an average amount of $1,000 for just a single eye.