Cosmetic Laser Eye Surgery - Is It For You?

You're tired of losing your glasses or cleaning and inserting contacts every morning. Perhaps you want to improve your appearance without the hassle of contacts or getting new glasses for different occasions. You may even participate in sports or have a job that makes wearing glasses or contacts a problem and feel you have a real need for improved natural vision.

Whatever your reasons you have no doubt heard about the popularity of cosmetic laser eye surgery. Is it a safe procedure? What are the risks? How much will it help your vision? Getting these answers will help you decide if cosmetic laser eye surgery is for you.

WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea by sculpting it with the laser. There are two common types of laser eye surgery; LASIK and PRK. While both use the same type of laser and shape the eye for correction in the same manner they differ in their approach.

In the PRK procedure the top layer of cornea is scraped away while the LASIK procedure cuts a flap to remove the top layer of cornea during surgery. There are minor differences in the resulting post-operative symptoms.

IS LASER EYE SURGERY SAFE?

While the surgery is considered low risk and can be done quickly there are always possible complications when having any surgery performed. Your eyes are very delicate and your dependance on them is critical. It is important to understand all of the potential risks - including loss of vision - that are possible.

Most patients will deal with some amount of pain or discomfort for a few days. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are also common and usually clears in the days following surgery although some may find continued symptoms for months and even fewer may find the symptoms are permanent. Other complications due to scarring can potentially cause permanent damage to vision, although additional surgery can sometimes correct this.

As with all surgeries there is a potential risk of infection. It is generally advised to have each eye operated on separately instead of at the same time to reduce the chance of infection in both eyes. Most infections can be cleared with medication, especially if treated right away.

Another possible risk with laser eye surgery is that the vision may be over or under corrected. Under corrected vision may be fixed with further surgery but over corrected vision is irreparable. Unfortunately each individual will respond differently to the surgery and results cannot be guaranteed. It is possible for a person to continue to require corrective lenses even after surgery, although their dependance on them should be lessened.

Whenever an individual is contemplating surgery it is important that a realistic understanding of the risks and benefits be clearly presented by the surgeon. Research your procedure as well as the doctor performing the operation before agreeing to any surgery.

For more information regarding cosmetic laser eye surgery visit lasersurgeryinformation.com

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The Rise Of Lasik Eye Surgery

The days in which eyeglasses and contact lenses were the only option to those with impaired vision came to an end in 1991 when Lasik eye surgery was first performed in the United States. Today, with more than a million patients having undergone the procedure, Lasik has become commonplace among eye patients who wish to minimize the long term expense and inconvenience associated with eye care. Lasik is something of a miracle for those who have struggled with compromised vision. And while it may be something that is relatively new to us, it utilizes technology that has actually existed for quite some time.

Lasik eye surgery focuses on the reshaping of the eye?s cornea ? the transparent tissue that covers the iris (the colored segment of the eye) and the lens (the part that rests behind the iris). The lens is the part of the eye that bends or refracts light to the retina ? cells that exist in the lining of the back of the eye. The retina?s job is to then take that light and convert it to messages that can be received by the optic nerve in the brain.

When the eye experiences refractive difficulties ? such as what is experienced in nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and a host of other issues ? the light that our eye receives is not refracted properly and the message that our brain receives is that of a blurry image. Traditionally, eyeglasses and contact lenses have been utilized to correct how light is refracted by our eye. But modern times have seen the rise in popularity of Lasik eye surgery ? that makes such corrections with the aid of a laser.

Experimentation with surgically correcting the cornea first began in the late 1940s when a Columbian ophthalmologist was able to successfully treat patients by removing over half of their cornea, freezing it, resurfacing it once it was frozen, and then replacing it in the patient?s eye. In the 1960s, an ophthalmologist in Russia was able to elevate the technology by making adjustments to the cornea while it remained in the patient?s eye; such adjustments were made using a scalpel.

In 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed Lasik eye surgery; the first of which was performed in the United States in 1991. Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and makes correction to the cornea to improve light refraction. During Lasik eye surgery, the patient is first given numbing drops to anesthetize the eye. The patient lies down and the eye is held open with a speculum and immobilized with a cornea suction ring. The surgeon then cuts a thin flap into the top layer of the cornea. The flap is folded back to reveal the underlayer of the cornea ? the stroma. Using low-powered laser technology, the surgeon then resurfaces the stroma to improve light refraction. When the procedure is completed ? normally in less than 10 minutes ? the flap is replaced over the cornea and allowed to heal naturally.

Most patients report virtually no pain during Lasik eye surgery and only mild and infrequent discomfort. Recovery time is short; patients can generally resume normal activities ? with a few safety guidelines ? the day following the procedure.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik eye surgery.

Finding A Reputable Lasik Eye Institute

For the over one-million people who have undergone Lasik eye surgery in the United States ? since it was first performed here in 1991 ? the procedure is one that has transformed their life. For most people, a successful outcome has freed them from dependence on pricey and inconvenient eyeglasses and contact lenses.

But success surely comes as a result of careful consideration when choosing the location for your procedure. Finding a Lasik eye institute that is inline with what you expect, and holds a strong reputation in the industry, is paramount to a successful outcome.

Lasik surgery is considered a refractive laser eye surgery; its name is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Considered a relatively new procedure by consumers, the technology involved in Lasik has actually been around for quite some time ? beginning in the late 1940s ? and has evolved over the years until it became a seamless procedure performed on a daily basis. In fact, Lasik eye surgery is one of the most popular elective surgeries performed today ? with centers devoted to the procedure continuing to crop up around the world.

A Lasik eye institute is a medical facility focused on performing the Lasik surgical procedure. Initially, it is important to find an institute that is close to your home as you will have to make several visits to the center. But logistics never supersedes reputation.

It is vitally important to thoroughly research any Lasik eye institute in which you are considering having your procedure. Examine their history, investigate their reputation ? including if they have any complaints lodged against them, speak to patients who have had the procedure performed in that location, and visit the institute yourself to get a feel for their patient care, cleanliness, organization, and friendliness. This is not a procedure that is normally covered by most health insurance plans which means that patients are putting money out of their own pockets. You should be given a variety of financing and payment options by any center that you choose; and you should always feel that you are getting your money?s worth in care and quality.

A reputable Lasik eye institute will normally begin with a pre-surgical visit or two to determine your candidacy for the Lasik procedure and your overall health. You will have the opportunity at this time to meet with the surgeons who will be performing the procedure and you should feel that your questions are being thoroughly answered with the utmost respect. Get to know your surgeon; it?s not a bad idea to research the particular surgeon with whom you will be working; including education, experience, and reputation.

The procedure itself is mildly uncomfortable but most patients report that it is a painless experience. A reputable Lasik eye institute takes very seriously the comfort level of their patients before, during, and after the procedure. Make sure that you ask about aftercare so that you know what to expect following Lasik surgery. Your surgeon should want to see you for a follow-up examination to assess your comfort level and ultimate results.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik Vision Institute.

Finding Reputable Lasik Eye Surgery In New York

As more and more people choose to seek alternatives to pricey and inconvenient eyeglasses and contact lenses, the popularity of Lasik eye surgery continues to grow exponentially. The Lasik procedure was first performed in the United States in 1991; today over one million people in the U.S. have undergone the procedure. For patients looking to embark on Lasik, finding a reputable surgery center is paramount to achieving success.

For those living in the New York area, reputable Lasik eye surgery in New York is relatively easy to find. In such a populated area ? and one that is a medical hub of the east coast ? Lasik has been made available to the masses.

Lasik eye surgery works to repair the way in which our eyes refract light. In a normally functioning eye, the lens of the eye works to refract ? or bend ? light to the retina. The retina ? a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye then takes that light and converts it to messages that can be understood by the optic nerve of the brain. The optic nerve receives these messages as visual images. When one link in the chain is affected the end result changes ? much like the childhood game of Whisper Down The Lane.

In the case of refractive disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, light is not refracted properly to the retina. In turn the message that the retina sends to the optic nerve in the brain is received as a blurry image. Lasik surgery corrects the way in which we refract light through the use of laser technology.

During a Lasik procedure the eye is numbed, held open with a speculum, and immobilized with a corneal suction ring. After immobilization, the surgeon cuts a small incision in the top layer of the cornea making a flap. The flap is then folded back and the surgeon is able to access the underlayer of the cornea known as the stroma.

A low-powered laser is used to resurface the stroma so that light is refracted correctly going forward. After the laser procedure, the flap is replaced over the eye and allowed to heal naturally. Such a surgical procedure ? while completed quickly ? requires enormous precision and skill by experienced surgeons. Those undergoing Lasik eye surgery in New York often have little problem finding reputable and experienced surgical centers.

Ultimately, finding Lasik eye surgery in New York requires some research from the prospective patient. Those living in the New York area can often get a referral from their regular eye doctor or primary physician. But often the best way to find reputable Lasik eye centers is through a recommendation by someone who has had the procedure performed.

Talk to people who you know to have had the procedure and ask questions regarding their particular experience ? including comfort level, respect received by the staff, the way in which surgeons addressed their questions and concerns, billing procedures, and aftercare.

Make sure to conduct your own research when it comes to finding Lasik eye surgery in New York; visit surgical centers in which you are interested and interview the surgeons to make sure that you are compatible with them on a personal and professional level. Ultimately ? no matter where you have your procedure performed ? you should feel as if you have been educated thoroughly regarding the procedure and have had all your questions answered.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik New York.

The Popularity Of Lasik Eye Surgery

There are few among us who, at one time or another, had not had to manage some level of impaired vision. Whether age has rendered us no longer able to see far away or up close, or we have suffered an illness or disease that has compromised our vision, it is likely that, if we have not already, we will someday need corrective measures to help us see at our best.

And for those who have long managed the expense and inconvenience of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the idea of corrective eye surgery seems most appealing. It's no wonder, therefore, that Lasik eye surgery has continued to grow in popularity since it was first performed in the United States in 1991.

Lasik is relatively new on the scene to us ? the consumers; but in actuality the technology has been a long time coming. In fact, in 1948, Columbian ophthalmologist, Jose Barraquer first experimented with corneal procedures by actually surgically removing more than half of a patient?s cornea that he then froze. Once the cornea had been frozen to an appropriate temperature, Dr. Barraquer was able to reshape its surface thus removing barriers to clear vision.

Once the cornea had been reshaped it was replaced into the patient?s eye. Such technology evolved by the 1960s to the point where such corneal procedures could be done without removing the cornea from the patient?s eye; this procedure was perfected and performed in Russia and involved the use of a scalpel.

Lasik began to take shape in the early 1980s when a U.S. ophthalmologist made alterations to laser technology that had begun to be used by the U.S. military. But in 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed the Lasik surgery that we know today by combining methods of two pre-existing techniques ? keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Both keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy are techniques in which the cornea is reshaped with the use of an excimer laser or other technology.

The word Lasik refers to Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a form of refractive laser eye surgery that was first performed in the United States in1991. During the procedure, the patient?s eye is immobilized with the use of a cornea suction ring after which the surgeon creates a flap through an incision made in the top layer of the corneal tissue.

The flap is then lifted back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea ? known as the stroma. The surgeon then uses a low-powered excimer laser to resurface the stroma. The corneal flap made during the procedure is then replaced over the stroma; the healing process is natural and generally speedy. The procedure itself is very quick ? usually less than 10 minutes an eye ? and virtually painless. The most discomfort experienced by the patient is general anxiety in anticipation of the procedure.

Today, over one-million people in the United States alone have undergone Lasik surgery ? generally with very good success. In fact, it is a very small percentage of patients ? less than 6% - who have experienced any complications following their procedure. Such complications generally include light sensitivity, dry eye, double vision, and scarring. These incidences, however, are very rare and can be greatly reduced by having your procedure performed by a reputable and experienced surgery center.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik.

Lasik Versus Prk Eye Surgery

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis ) is probably the most commonly performed laser eye surgery procedure and tends to be what people think of when considering laser surgery for vision correction. However not all patients may be ideal candidates for LASIK surgery due to variations in cornea thickness and curvature. Photo refractive keratectomy ,or PRK, may be the better option for vision correction in some patients who are not able to have LASIK.

Prior to the introduction and subsequent popularity of LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive eye surgery procedure performed. Both LASIK and PRK share similarities in that an excimer laser is utilized to sculpt and reshape the cornea of the eye in accordance with the patients medical needs. Both techniques are used in the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision resulting from corneal irregularity), or a combination thereof. Likewise, both are outpatient surgical procedures which may be performed in a physicians office or clinic setting. There are however a few differences in the two procedures.

In a LASIK procedure a small flap is cut with a special tool on the exterior of the cornea. The computer controlled excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue under the flap. The flap is then replaced over the cornea where it will adhere to the eye and serve to protect it. In PRK, the excimer laser is used to remove tissue and reshape the cornea directly on the surface, or epithelial layer, of the eye. A protective soft contact lens is usually placed over the eye for 3-5 days to allow the epithelial surface to heal.


Several major differences for the patient exist in the two procedures. The first is the recovery period, which tends to be considerable shorter for LASIK patients as opposed to PRK. Likewise, vision improvement with PRK tends to be more of a gradual process than take from a few days to a few months. LASIK patients will in most circumstances experience the benefits of their surgery in a much shorter frame.

A successful end result for both procedures is an improvement in vision, and the correction of pre-existing vision conditions. Only a thorough examination and consultation with a qualified laser eye surgeon can determine which is right for you.

To learn more about laser eye surgery or to find a laser / lasik eye surgeon in tour area, visit our Laser Eye Surgery website.

Hassled By Glasses? Lasik Eye Surgery May Be The Answer

If you've worn glasses for at least a year, you no doubt have had times where you grew tired of carrying them everywhere with you or where you got headaches from squinting because you went somewhere and forgot to take them. You're probably sick of your frames bending, your nose pieces popping off, and your lenses falling out. You're probably even more sick of having to pay for completely new glasses periodically. In addition to this, you may even feel that your glasses make you unattractive or vulnerable.

All of these experiences are common to those of us who wear eyeglasses; however, the choice between contact lenses which are just as annoying in many ways and glasses is no longer the extent of our choices. We can now opt to get Lasik eye surgery, which many surgeons claim can improve your eye sight permanently.

Before you consider Lasik eye surgery, however, it is important to determine whether or not you are as a possible candidate, since not everyone is. The US Federal Government cautions a number of groups of people to reconsider whether or not Lasik eye surgery is for them:

1. Those who are risk adverse. While Lasik eye surgery has had spectacular short term results, it hasn't been around long enough to determine how it will affect eyesight (positively or negatively) in the long run. Additionally, some people although a very small amount do end up with permanent damage from surgery, rather than fixed eyesight.

2. Those who work for the military. You cannot hold some positions in the military if you have received certain types of eye surgery. You will want to talk to your superior or supervisor to determine whether or not this would affect you personally and also if it could affect potential future positions.

3. Those who have certain diseases, such as diabetes, or are pregnant. Two things seriously affect the outcome of Lasik eye surgery AFTER it is performed: hormonal levels and ability to heal. If you have a serious health issue that may prevent you from healing, Lasik eye surgery is almost always a bad choice. If, on the other hand, you have unstable hormonal levels that affect your sight, you might not be able to accurately determine the type and level of surgery needed, which means you should wait and come back at another time.

Additionally, if you wear contact lenses, you will want to consider ahead of time how long you will need before surgery. Since contact lenses actually change the shape of the cornea, you will have to take a rest period of up to 3 to 4 weeks without them before you can even qualify for Lasik eye surgery.

So how can you get started? After you have made all of these considerations, contact the closest Lasik eye surgeon and ask for a information session.

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