Bad Laser Eye Surgery: How Can You Avoid It

Considering LASIK eye surgery? The LASIK Vision Institute claims that they have done over half a million procedures to date, and almost everyone knows someone who has had the laser eye surgery. The surgery can especially help if you have astigmatism and cannot wear contacts, or have to have custom eyeglasses. However, being optimistic about the results does not make the possible complications disappear. As with any surgery--especially new surgeries with no long-term data--there are complications.

Reliable Information Source

Before making the decision to go through a LASIK eye surgery, you should research and understand the problems that can occur and the procedure. There are many ways to do this, including going on-line or calling your doctor. Records of bad LASIK eye surgery and studies of surgical vision correction are easily available and may help you to make the decision.

Additional information sources, such as brochures or websites, may provide very different stories and they are not so reliable. The comments in promotional material are chosen to be very positive and the negative comments may be chosen in order to keep somebody from thinking about the procedure.

If you really want some un-biased, complete information (as well as have an idea of which doctor to go to--or not go to), ask around and speak with friends, co-workers, or family that have had the surgery. Just going to the doctor may result in information about the procedure, but it may not be enough. Doctors may downplay the complications because they are interested in the money (or other perks) they receive. If your doctor downplays the complications, and doesn't explain the procedure and possible risks to your satisfaction, GET A NEW DOCTOR!

What Can Go Wrong?

The consequences of a bad LASIK eye surgery can be very serious, devastating, and difficult to live with. One of the most serious consequences is the complete loss of eye sight. One wrong move made by the doctor and or faulty equipment can leave you with worse vision than when you arrived at the doctor's office. Also, infection or other post-operative complications can lead to loss of eye sight.

One of the most important phrases in our consumer culture is ?Let the Buyer beware!?. No where is this more important than in medical procedures. Informing yourself, reliable sources such as health organization, family, friends, and doctors, about the safety of the procedure before making the decision is a smart idea.

Just doing a little research--even just asking how many procedures done by the doctor, how many of those procedures were successful and how many had complications---may keep you from turning something that is just inconvenient (such as wearing glasses or contacts) to something that is life-long. While most complications associated with LASIK eye surgery are just minor annoyances, becoming permanently disabled may be more than a simple minor annoyance.

If you want to escape the hype around laser eye surgery and find all the lasik eye surgery information you need to make a decision about your lasik eye surgery including details on likely costs, benefits and potential complications visit the Lasik Eye Surgery Information Portal: www.best-buy-laser-eye-surgery.com

Does Laser Eye Surgery Work All of The Time?

Does laser eye surgery work for every person, all of the time? Anyone who is thinking about getting laser eye surgery is worried that his or her surgery will be the one that the surgeon messes up on. No one wants to go in for laser vision correction surgery and come out unable to see. It is important to understand the risks involved with this type of surgery.

Laser surgery is not guaranteed to work every time and on every person. The surgeon's job is to inform you of the possible risks and different outcomes that can occur with the type of surgery you will be having done. At the consultation, if you come prepared to ask questions, your doctor will be happy to answer them to the best of their ability. Your doctor wants you to feel comfortable with having the surgery, but they also want to know that you are fully informed about all the possible risks.

Although laser eye surgery is a fairly new surgical technique, thousands of doctors are doing this type of surgery on millions of patients every year. This is a rapidly growing field with a new clinic in almost every major city across the country.

The Consultation

Before your surgery and even before your consultation you should do some research of your own. Take some time to research the procedure you are thinking of having done as well as the ophthalmology surgeon.

Your surgeon is required to have attended specialized training on corrective eye surgery. You can ask the clinic to forward you the training information on your physician and also ask them for the contact information necessary to verify his licensure.

Trust

Many people do not want to be seen as not trusting their doctor so they do not look into their surgeon's education or references. But it is important for you to do this. Although most laser eye surgeons are very reputable and extremely well trained, there are plenty of surgeons that are operating without the proper training.

Your surgeon does not mind you checking into their education and training. That is to say, a good surgeon will not mind. A good surgeon may even offer you this information up front without you ever asking. Just make sure and verify all the licensing and training information on your surgeon before the day of your operation.

Lawsuits

You can also ask your surgeon or just call the clinic and ask if they have any pending lawsuits against them. Because of the risks associated with this surgery it is extremely important for you to know how often your surgeon is being sued for something going wrong during the surgery process.

Even though laser eye surgery is extremely common practice you should still take the time to investigate if the surgery is right for you. You should be informed about the risks of the surgery as well as the possible benefits. You should also be informed as to your physicians history, education, and licensure before you decide to have laser vision correction surgery.

Finding the corrective eye surgery solution that is right for you can be a challenge. For helpful and informative articles, resources, facts and tips to assist you toward better vision please visit us at: http://www.yourcorrectiveeyesurgery.com

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye treatment is becoming increasingly popular as a way of permanently improving poor vision. It is a relatively safe procedure with less than 1 percent of patients experiencing serious complications. The results of surgery are typically good - an estimated 80 to 98 percent of patients see such a marked improvement in their vision that they no longer need to wear their glasses or contact lenses. But can anyone opt for laser eye surgery?

In short, the answer is no. A majority of people will benefit form laser eye surgery but it is not a suitable solution for everyone. People very thin corneas or unusually large pupils may be deemed unsuitable candidates as this makes procedures such as Lasik impractical. Lasik works by reshaping the tissue underneath the cornea, but to enable this a small incision must be made in the cornea to make a flap. If the cornea is too thin this is an unfeasible option. PRK may be a suitable alternative to Lasik as this reshapes the cornea by burning a thin layer of cells off the surface of the eye with an excimer laser, but this decision can only be made by a qualified ophthalmologist.

Another common characteristic that may stop someone from having laser eye treatment is dry eyes. A frequent side effect of the procedure is dry eyes, so if this is a pre-existing condition in the patient a doctor may be unwilling to risk aggravating the problem. Serious conditions, for instance eye diseases such as herpes simplex and glaucoma, will also exclude someone from being a candidate for treatment.

Laser eye surgery is most suitable for a patient who has had several years of unchanging prescriptions. Age can preclude someone from being a candidate on this basis. People under the age of 21 may still be experiencing changes in their sight. The longevity of the effects of laser eye treatment can be affected as a result, as although the procedure is permanent it cannot prevent further natural deterioration in sight. It may be beneficial to delay treatment until the candidate is a little older and their vision has reached a plateau. People aged 60 and above are not advised to have laser eye surgery as degeneration in eyesight increases much more rapidly after this age.

There are several other candidates who may be unsuitable for laser eye treatment on the basis that their prescription is too unstable. This includes women undergoing the menopause and diabetics whose condition is not properly controlled.

Laser eye treatment is most successful on patients who have mild to moderate hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism. For this reason, short sighted patients with a prescription of -8 or more and long sighted patients whose vision is worse than +2 may be considered unsuitable candidates as the results that can realistically be achieved may be limited.

The most reliable way to discern whether laser eye surgery is a possibility for you is to speak to your optician, who may be able to refer you to a vision clinic, or for you to directly approach a surgery or hospital which specializes in laser eye treatment. It is prudent to shop around and get a range of opinions on the best laser eye procedure to suit your needs.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including Lasik. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net.

Laser Eye Treatment - What to Expect During Surgery

Although laser eye surgery can greatly enhance a person?s life, deciding to undergo the procedure can be quite daunting. It is normal to be nervous before undergoing any form of surgery, but in the case of laser eye surgery the fear can be increased as patients are conscious during the procedure and under normal circumstances most people would be unwilling to allow a laser beam near such a delicate area of their body. Although nothing is likely to completely calm pre-operative nerves, educating yourself about what happens during the procedure can help build your confidence.

During surgery, patients lie in a reclining chair directly beneath the laser. To allow the surgeon to operate the eye lids are fixed in place with a metal ring. While this is not uncomfortable in itself, being unable to blink can be a little disconcerting for the patient. The eye is thoroughly cleansed and drops are used to anaesthetise the area. From the start of preparation time to the conclusion of laser treatment generally takes around 15 minutes.

Lasik

In Lasik surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea to produce a small flap. This leads to vision loss for about 20 to 30 seconds. The laser ? which is programmed before the operation starts ? will then reshape the cornea. The procedure is not painful but can be quite unsettling due to the smell of burning that occurs when the laser comes into contact with the surface of the eye.

As complications can arise as a result of the incision, Lasik is considered the highest risk of the different forms of laser eye surgery, although it also has many advantages, for example a greatly improved recovery time. One of the problems which may arise during surgery is that the cornea may become detached. However, in most instances, the surgeon is able to reattach the cornea after treatment is complete.

Lasek

Lasek varies from Lasik in that no incision is made. Instead, after the eye area has been prepared for surgery an alcoholic solution is used to soften the epithelium, which is then folded to one side to allow the laser to reshape the cornea. Once the procedure is complete, this will be pushed back into place. A contact lens will be placed over the cornea to hold the epithelium in place. This will need to be worn for several days.

In a small number of cases PRK is used instead of Lasek, particularly if the patient has an unusually thin cornea or large pupils. The procedure is very similar, but an excimer laser removes a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cornea and the eye is then reshaped to allow better focusing. This is not painful, although PRK often experience more discomfort than those undergoing other forms of laser eye treatment. The protective layer of cells will grow back naturally in the weeks following surgery.

If you have concerns about laser eye surgery, or are anxious about what to expect, do not hesitate to contact the vision clinic. The staff will be happy to answer your enquiries and alleviate your fears.

Leanne has had many articles published on the topic of laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery risks. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Surgery Results - What is a Realistic Expectation

Most people who are either short sighted or long sighted are curious about laser eye surgery. Committing yourself to undergoing treatment is a big decision as it is an expensive procedure and will make permanent changes to your vision. It is important to have a realistic idea of what laser eye surgery is capable of achieving, as deciding to undergo the treatment without this understanding can potentially lead to disappointment with the results. When you have your initial consultation at the vision clinic the laser eye practitioner will explain the procedure and its outcome to you, but here is a brief outline of what you may be told.

Many people who have not properly looked into laser eye surgery believe it will give most patients 20/20 vision. This, unfortunately, is not the case. However, in around 90 percent of patients it can improve the vision significantly enough to give them many years of glasses and contact lenses free living. A normal side effect of laser eye surgery is seeing a halo effect around lights and experiencing poorer vision in low light levels. For many patients, this necessitates wearing glasses for driving at night, even if their daytime vision is extremely good.

If considering laser eye surgery it is also imperative to properly understand what ?permanent results? means in relation to the procedure. While the effects of laser eye surgery are irreversible there is, at present, no way of preventing the natural degeneration in sight that continues as you grow older so your ?perfect? vision will not last throughout your lifetime. Most patients, even those who have had extremely satisfying results from the procedure, require reading glasses by the time they reach the age of 45. However, it is important to remember that while ?perfect vision? may not be lasting many people do enjoy glasses free living for many years and, even when glasses become a necessity, their vision is greatly improved on what it would have been had they never undergone surgery.

What can be realistically be achieved with laser eye surgery is dependent on the individual?s sight. Those who have poorer vision are likely to receive greatly improved vision but perhaps not to the extent where they can completely do without either glasses or contact lenses. Many doctors will advise patients who are extremely short sighted (-8 or greater) or very long sighted (in excess of +2) against undergoing laser eye surgery as the results may be unsatisfactory.

Patients need to bear in mind that laser eye treatment is not flawless. While technological advances have made it a very meticulous procedure errors can occur. Therefore, even ?good? candidates for laser eye surgery may not receive the ?perfect? eyesight they were hoping for, as vision can be slightly under or over corrected by the procedure.

Although laser eye surgery cannot produce flawless vision, undergoing treatment with an open mind and realistic expectation of the end result means a majority of patients are extremely satisfied with their post-surgery vision. The novelty of not having to wear glasses all the time is, on its own, sufficient reason for most laser eye surgery patients to be pleased that they made the decision to undergo treatment.

Leanne has had many articles published on the topic of corrective laser eye surgery. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Treatment - 10 Risks To Consider

Laser eye treatment is now a well-established procedure and as we continue to see advances in technology and treatments of this nature gain wider acceptance, so an increasing number of people are turning to laser eye surgery as an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses.

But what are the risks of laser eye treatment?

Although the chances of having a serious vision-threatening complication, or severe eye injury, following laser eye treatment are very small indeed, surgery is not without risk and in this brief article we will look at just some of the more frequently seen problems.

Undercorrection/Overcorrection: Each individual's eye is unique and it is not possible to predict perfectly it will respond to laser eye treatment. Consequently, you may still require corrective lenses after surgery for clear vision. In many cases, a further procedure can be undertaken to improve the result.

Excessive Corneal Haze: As part of the normal healing process, corneal haze can occur after laser eye surgery. Usually, it has very little, if any, effect on the final obtainable vision and can only be seen through a microscope by an eye doctor. Nonetheless, cases of excessive haze that interferes with vision do occur which can frequently be healed by means of an additional laser treatment.

Decrease in Best-Corrected Vision: After laser eye surgery, the best obtainable vision for some patients with corrective lenses is not as good as it was before the procedure. This may occur because of the irregular removal of tissue or from the development of corneal haze.

Regression: In the months following laser eye treatment some patients find that the effects of the procedure are gradually lost. This can be likened to the risk of undercorrection, and a second surgery will often correct the problem.

Infection and delayed healing: Although there is a chance that the cornea will become infected following laser eye treatment, the chances of this happening are less than 1 in 1,000. In most cases this causes some additional discomfort and delay in healing, with no lasting effects appearing within a period of four years.

Distorted Flap: Irregular healing of the corneal tissue flap can produce a distortion to the cornea, giving rise to a decrease in best-corrected vision.

Severe dry eye syndrome: As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye not only causes discomfort, but may cause a drop in visual quality as a result of intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This problem might be permanent. Intensive eye drop treatment or further surgery might be needed.

Problems with a Perfect Procedure: Even when everything goes absolutely perfectly, laser eye treatment can produce effects that may cause some dissatisfaction. Older patients should be aware that they can't have both good near vision and good distance vision in the same eye without using corrective lenses. Some myopic patients rely on their condition (by taking off their glasses, or by wearing a weaker prescription) when they need to read. Such a patient might need to use reading glasses after the myopia is surgically corrected.

Halo Effect: The halo effect is an optical effect that is experienced when light levels are low. As the pupil opens, a second and slightly faded image is produced by that peripheral part of the cornea that is left untreated. For some patients this effect can interfere with night driving.

Flap Damage or Loss: From time to time, the tissue flap that should remain hinged to the central cornea becomes detached. In this case the flap can be replaced after the procedure, however, there is always the risk that this tissue flap will be lost or damaged.

Now at this point you've probably decided that laser eye treatment is just too risky, but we need to keep a sense of perspective here.

Though the risks mentioned here are very real risks and do appear from time to time, the chances of encountering any of these problems is very small indeed. Thousands of procedures are done daily and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, patients are very happy with the results.

This article is not designed to scare you off, but merely to support you in making a reasoned decision considering both the pro's and the con's before you embark on laser eye treatment.

For more information on laser eye treatment and the questions that people considering surgery frequently ask visit Lasik Laser Eye Surgery today.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery - Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the forerunner of Lasek laser eye surgery. It has been around for over 12 years and is therefore considered a safe procedure as to date there has been no evidence to suggest that PRK causes harm to eyes and vision in the long term. However, it is now much less commonly used than Lasek treatment and Lasik, which at present is the most popular form of laser eye surgery.

The most frequent reason for a laser eye surgery practitioner to recommend PRK over the other forms of treatment is that the patient has an unusually thin cornea or a large pupil. In these in instances, PRK is the safer option as Lasik works through a flap being created in the cornea and Lasek treatment is enabled by softening the cornea with an alcoholic solution. Both of these forms of treatment become much more complex if the cornea is too thin.

During preparation for surgery, the eye area will be cleaned thoroughly and the eyelid held in place with a metal ring. Anesthetic drops are administered t numb the eyes to prevent discomfort during the use of the laser. Unlike other types of laser eye treatment, where the shape of the eye is reformed underneath the surface of the cornea, PRK works by reshaping the cornea by eliminating a thin layer of cells from the surface of the eye with an excimer laser. The epithelium will grow back naturally and no undue side effects should result from its temporary removal.

Although PRK is a safe procedure its downside, in comparison to newer forms of laser eye surgery, is that recovery time can take longer and PRK patients generally experience greater pain and discomfort. Vision may remain hazy or slightly blurred for up to two months, when the final effects of laser eye treatment should become noticeable. Dry eyes are a common side effect and eye drops should be used to keep the eyes lubricated and free from infection.

As with all forms of laser eye surgery, PRK carries certain risks. For instance, while daytime vision may be improved sufficiently for the patient to go about their daily routine without glasses or contact lenses, dark conditions can be a problem. Night vision may be even poorer than it was pre-surgery and it is very common for patients to see a glare or ?halo? around lights. This can make driving at night inadvisable, at least of the first few months, and after this time glasses may be required for driving after dark.

Although laser eye surgery is permanent, patients need to remember that their vision can still deteriorate as part of the ageing process and that, at some point in the future, they may once again have to wear glasses or contact lenses. Your chances of attaining good results from laser eye treatment will be greatly increased if you suffer from only mild to moderate near or long sightedness and the longevity of the results can be extended if your prescription has remained stable for several years.

Despite the popularity of newer treatments such as Lasik, PRK can still be a viable option with a number of advantages, in particular its reputation as a safe procedure. Only a qualified ophthalmologist can advise you which type of laser eye surgery is most suitable for your needs.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye treatment. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Treatment - What to Expect After Surgery

Laser eye surgery is generally a painless and straightforward procedure that takes little more than 15 minutes from the start of preparing the eye area to the completion of surgery. Patients can therefore expect to undergo treatment and return home in a matter of hours and should be sufficiently recovered to return to work within 7 days. The time taken to make a full recovery and the side effects vary from patient to patient, but there are general patterns that can be observed and guidelines that should be adhered to.

The guidelines your doctor will issue you with may vary depending on which type of laser eye surgery you have undergone. As a rule though, non-contact sports should be avoided for between 3 days and a week. This is especially important in procedures such as Lasik, where a flap is cut in the cornea, as the cornea may become detached during vigorous activity. Because of the risk of damage to the cornea, contact sports such as karate and kick boxing will need to be avoided for at least 4 weeks following surgery. Swimming and hot tubs should remain out of bounds for up to 2 months.

If you frequently wear lotion or make up you will need to wait at least two weeks before using products around the eye area again. This is to prevent infection occurring.

Lasik surgery is very popular because it has a very quick recovery time. There is very little discomfort after surgery and the patient should have clear vision within 24 to 48 hours and vision should become stable within 4 weeks.

Lasek treatment involves softening the epithelium with an alcoholic solution so that the surface of the cornea can be folded to one side to allow the laser to reshape the tissue underneath. The cornea will gently be pushed back into place after the procedure is complete, and a contact lens will hold it in place for several days following surgery.

Patients who have undergone Lasek laser eye surgery may experience discomfort for several days and require painkillers. Light sensitivity is also normal during the first 24 hours, which may cause further discomfort. Vision can remain blurred for around a week. It is normal for a patient?s sight to fluctuate for several months following surgery, and it may be around 6 months before the vision finally stabilizes.

Following laser eye surgery, a protective shield must be worn at night and you will be given anti-inflammatory eye drops. Drops are also required for 6 months to keep the eyes lubricated, as dry eyes are a common side effect of treatment. In the weeks following surgery, your eyes will be much more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays so sunglasses must be worn out doors for the first three months.

After undergoing corrective laser eye treatment many patients notice their vision is poor in low light conditions such as thick fog or darkness. At night they may also notice a halo effect around lights. Unlike other side effects from laser eye surgery, poor night vision is usually permanent and you may require glasses to drive safely at night, even if your vision is excellent during the daytime.

Always ensure that your surgeon fully explains what after effects you can expect from laser eye treatment and gives you comprehensive guidelines of how to protect your eyes and maximise the healing process. Never be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor should be happy to answer your queries.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye treatment.

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Surgery - Why and How to Find a Good Surgeon

Laser eye surgery comes at a high cost, and this is certainly a big factor for many people when choosing a laser eye practitioner. However, while finding an affordable vision clinic is important the biggest influence in your decision should be the ability and skill of the surgeon. Opting for a surgeon purely based on cost cutting may bring unsatisfactory results or, in the worst case scenario, lose you your sight.

The importance of finding a good surgeon

Only a minority of patients achieve true 20/20 vision, although most patients will experience a significant improvement in their vision which allows them to function on a daily basis without either contact lenses or glasses. However, there are also plenty patients who still require use of glasses after surgery despite an overall improvement in their sight.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, if the procedure is not performed meticulously then over or under correction of the vision can occur. Secondly, it is common for laser eye surgery patients to develop very poor night vision and also see ?halo? effects appearing around lights. This will necessitate the use of glasses in low-level light conditions, especially when driving. Lastly, patients with extremely poor vision may be unsuitable candidates for surgery at all, as achieving ?perfect? vision may be implausible. While the nature of laser eye treatment means that the risk of these side effects or problems can never be eradicated, however skilled the surgeon, a good surgeon will vastly improve the chances of achieving a satisfactory outcome.

Another reason why it is imperative to find a reputable and highly skilled surgeon is that the procedure is not without its risks. Lasik is considered the most risky form of laser eye surgery, but is also the most popular due to its quick recovery time. In Lasik, a small incision needs to be made in the cornea to allow laser treatment to take place. If due care is not take, the flap may become detached. If the flap is also damaged, it might be impossible to reattach it to the eye. While improbable, full or partial vision loss can result from surgery. The likelihood of complications arising diminishes if you are in the hands of a highly qualified and experienced laser eye practitioner.

How to find a reputable surgeon

Your first step in finding a good surgeon should be to first find a reputable clinic. Be wary of vision clinics making outrageous claims such as ?20/20 vision guaranteed? or ?perfect vision or your money back?. Before finding a clinic, research what can realistically expected from the laser eye surgery. If a clinic is making promises that they cannot guarantee delivery on, they may not be a good choice for your surgery. The best clinic is one which is honest about the potential results of laser eye treatment, both good and bad.

Compare as many clinics as possible. This does not just include the cost, although that is still a consideration for most people. Equipment can vary from clinic to clinic. Ideally, you should opt for surgery somewhere which provides the most up to date procedures and uses FDA approved equipment.

Ask your surgeon about his qualifications and training. It is also prudent to ask how many procedures he has carried out, particularly in the type of laser eye treatment you have opted for (for example Lasik or PRK). A good surgeon will be very thorough when discussing the procedure and will outline the potential risks, the side effects and what results you can realistically expect.

To locate a clinic or surgeon try searching the internet or asking your optician for a referral. American patients may also wish to visit American Academy of Ophthalmology's website.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery cost

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net