LASER
VISION CORRECTION
 One of the most common physical ailments suffered today is poor vision. The structural components of the eye are very complex, and if they do not all work exactly the way they are supposed to, vision will not be precise. For hundreds of years, glasses and contacts have been the only solutions to vision problems. Laser vision correction training is a type of procedure that strives to restore perfect vision to the eye.
The basis of all laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea in order to change the focal point of the eye. If the surgery works, it will change the eye's focal point by shaping the cornea to focus directly on the retina, which leads to perfect vision. One very popular form of laser vision correction training is LASIK.
How LASIK Works:
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The LASIK procedure is a precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser that reshapes the cornea in order to change its focusing power. To be considered for this surgery, a technician must first scan your eyes in order to create a detailed map. By doing this, he or she will be able to adjust the laser to your exact requirements in order to determine whether or not the surgery is possible.
Once the laser is programmed, the technician will place anesthetic drops into the eyes to numb them and keep them pain free. Next, a device called a lid speculum is put in place in order to keep the eyelids open for the duration of the procedure. After that, the surgeon will use an automated microsurgical instrument called microkeratome, to cut a flap in the cornea that is about the thickness of 1/4 of the cornea's depth. The laser is then used to reshape the cornea.
The laser used in the LASIK procedure is called the Eximer Laser. The laser pulses a tightly focused beam of light onto the surface of the eye. When the light comes into contact with the cornea, it vaporizes a minute portion of it. By controlling the size, position and number of pulses, the doctor can control how much of the cornea is actually removed. When the removal is complete, the flap of the cornea is replaced and it quickly conforms to the new corneal shape. The flap will heal and bond over the next few days.
What Can I Expect?
The overall procedure will take about 30 minutes. At the end of the procedure, eye shields are placed over the eyes to keep patients from rubbing or accidentally being poked or prodded. Immediately following the procedure, your eyes may itch, burn, or feel like there is something in them.
Patients are kept for 15 to 20 minutes post procedure to ensure that everything is in order. Patients will be given eye drops to keep eyes moist and special sunglasses to reduce the effects of sunlight. For patients who do feel discomfort after the procedure, doctors suggest taking a mild pain reliever.
Are There Any Risks?
There are potential risks in any procedure and LASIK is no exception. The most common potential problems that can occur are under-correction, over-correction and wrinkling. Under-correction and over-correction simply mean that while the procedure may have improved your vision, it may not have completely corrected it. Wrinkling is slightly more serious. It means that the corneal flap might have been moved, causing wrinkles that can lead to the permanent appearance of blurry spots.
Some more serious side effects include, increased light sensitivity, halos around eyes, blurred vision and double vision. All of these symptoms should lessen and disappear after the first few weeks following the surgery. There is also a chance of corneal damage and/or scarring which can lead to partial or full vision loss. These side effects rarely occur, and ophthalmologists will always make sure that candidates are ideal for the procedure.
What Are My Results?
Results can vary anywhere from improved to perfect vision. The LASIK procedure is very common, but patients differ from one to the next. Eye shape, corneal shape and level of impaired vision all affect the procedure as well as the outcome. Some patients might even require multiple treatments in order to correct vision.
Patients should not worry if vision does not improve right away. It can take anywhere from three to six months for vision to stabilize post surgery. Those who wear contacts should not put them back in if their vision is not fully corrected. Regular visits with your doctor will ensure that other options will be explored if perfect vision is not achieved.
The more protection you give your eyes, the faster your results will be. Participating in contact sports, applying lotion or make up to the face, even swimming and going into hot tubs or whirlpools can all have an effect on your eyes.
What Are The Costs?
Most LASIK procedures can range anywhere from $500.00 to $1,000.00 per eye. However, this price range can be dramatically swayed depending on the conditions of the patients eyes. This procedure as well as other vision procedures can be well worth it for anyone who has suffered from serious vision ailments.
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