Your Guide To LASIK Surgery

Posted on November 30, 2007
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by David Urmann
Most of the population not only in the United States, but also in most part of the world suffers from some kind of eye problems. In United States alone, there are millions of individuals suffering from eye problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness and some other complications which often call for surgery.

In the start of this decade, eye surgery could lead to many complications as there was no proper technique that could assure the best remedy while dealing with this delicate part of the body. Not only that, after the surgery the patients had to be under observation for a couple of days in the hospital itself.

It was the time when nobody ever heard of LASIK surgery. This technique of eye surgery has since then changed the whole scenario making the whole process of correcting vision a matter of couple of hours.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye. Many of us are aware of the LASIK surgery and consider it to be safe (which it is) and get assured of the elimination of eyeglasses or contacts and restoration of a correct vision.

But if you believe the experts, then this common perception is indeed wrong. Although LASIK is a vision correcting surgery performed with ease and complete safety, the scenario of undergoing this surgery has to be dealt with a more practical and clear understanding of the procedure and the outcome.

Not everyone having some eye problem is a LASIK candidate. A large number of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Also the patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable for undergoing this surgery.

The doctor has to decide and determine if you are a good LASIK candidate by having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you. It is better to understand that LASIK surgery does not guarantee the elimination of eyeglasses or contacts as is the common perception. It is a surgery to correct vision problems and in some cases the patients still have to wear glasses or contacts.

LASIK is performed as an office procedure in the comfort and convenience of an excimer laser eye surgery suite. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes per eye or approximately 15 minutes for both eyes. Not everyone can perform this surgery.

Better choose an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist. Never fail to ask questions regarding your surgeon’s experience and complication rate. Get all your doubt cleared from the surgeon about the surgery. In the United States only ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) are permitted to perform LASIK.

It is no such thing as “minor eye surgery” which is generally propagated by advertisements. If not performed correctly or due to the patient’s health condition, complications such as overcorrection, under correction, making the pupil off center, damaging the cornea, inflammation, and infection can leave you miserable.

Get the information and tips you need before you get LASIK surgery at Lasik Surgery Facts