The introduction of laser eye surgery a number of years ago - first via the PRK procedure and then using LASIK (an acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) - marked a major step forward in vision correction without having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Whilst the LASIK procedure has proven very popular with millions of successful operations carried out around the world, there has always been a slight risk of an unsuccessful operation or of complications. These risks are primarily associated with the first stage of the operation in which a hand-held microkeratome blade is used to create a corneal flap. This flap is of vital importance to the overall success of the operation. If it is too thick or too thin or incorrectly shaped it could adversely affect the quality of vision.

Advances in laser technology have now made it possible to reduce the risks associated with LASIK eye surgery through a procedure known as IntraLase. The IntraLase procedure performs the first crucial part of the operation without use of a blade and as such improves on the safety, precision and outcome of traditional LASIK surgery.

With IntraLase, the corneal flap is created by the surgeon using a computer-guided laser with great precision, enabling the surgeon to have exact control over its dimensions. Accuracy is achievable within the range +/-10 microns. The result being that the flap can be tailored to meet the precise needs of each individual patient. It even means that patients who aren’t suitable candidates for traditional LASIK due to having corneas that are too thin, can now benefit from the operation.

Furthermore, by using IntraLase LASIK there is a much reduced risk of the corneal flap being displaced - a complication which can arise with the microkeratome operation. IntraLase creates a distinct beveled edge to the flap, enabling precise repositioning and alignment after the procedure. This results in optimal healing of the cornea following the operation.

The IntraLase operation is also quicker than traditional LASIK - depending on the laser used, typically 30 seconds per eye as opposed to around one minute. This has the benefit of greater comfort and less worry for the patient.

With regard to outcome of the procedure, results of clinical studies indicate that IntraLase patients have better resultant vision than those who underwent the traditional LASIK procedure employing a manual blade technique. The following are some of the benefits:

? More patients achieved 20/20 or better vision
? Reduced frequency of post-operative night-time glare and halos
? Reduced incidence of dry eye symptoms
? Fewer enhancement procedures needed following the initial operation
? Reduced frequency of induced astigmatism after the operation
? Patient satisfaction much higher in those expressing a preference

The cost of an IntraLase operation is higher than that of traditional LASIK eye surgery. About a 20% increase has been quoted. However the added degree of safety combined with the promise of better vision is persuading increasingly more laser eye surgery patients to opt for IntraLase.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/lasik-eye-surgery-with-fewer-risks-using-intralase.html

There are truly many different benefits in regards to Lasik eye surgery, and all of these should truly be taken fully into consideration by anyone who has an eye problem and who is looking for a means that will help them to solve this problem. Before you plan on going ahead and having Lasik done, you should truly inform yourself as much as possible in regards to the matter, so that you are fully aware as to what it is all about.

What is Lasik?

The word Lasik actually stands for “Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, which is basically a form of refractive laser eye surgery, one that has become extremely popular, especially over the last few years or so. This particular procedure is preferred over most of the others, mainly due to the low risks and complications that are offered, combined with that of the fact that it is such an extremely helpful procedure.

Although the most basic pros and cons are known about this procedure, Lasik is actually too new to know whether or not there actually are any long-term ill effects, and so this factor must be taken into consideration as well.

However, also know that hundreds of thousands of people to date have had this procedure done, and for the most part it has gone over incredibly successfully. Also, even if you do have this procedure done, you will most likely still need to get reading glasses around the age of 45, and remember that this surgery cannot be reversed, and so if there are negative effects, you will have to deal with this accordingly.

If you are interested in having this procedure done, then you will have to consult with your physician, who will be able to determine whether or not you are an eligible candidate. As well, you should be at least 18 years old, should not be pregnant or nursing, and you should also not be taking prescription drugs of any sort.

You also want to be in good general health overall, and you want to also be sure to weigh all of the possible advantages and disadvantages, and this will help you to determine on your own whether or not you truly want to go through with the procedure. Just remember to take your time in regards to this decision, because as with any other type of procedure, it is a major decision.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/medicine/understanding-the-benefits-of-lasik-eye-surgery.html

It’s a fact that most people will return to work from one to three days after lasik eye surgery. Reality is though; you should be guided by your doctor. Most patients are advised only to resume work until they feel up to it. It’s not uncommon for people to resume normal activities a day after surgery.

After Lasik eye surgery, life can become very different and quite often, considerably better. Lasik eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery, which is a procedure that corrects vision. Lasik surgery is, in fact, the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the eye and the name is actually short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”.

Laser treatment is a short procedure. Depending on the level of surgery, the procedure can take anywhere between 20 to 50 seconds. Most people do not feel any pain at all during the procedure as drops of anaesthesia are administered directly to the eye prior to the surgical procedure.The recovery phase is a short one and patients can normally expect to be heading home within a half hour of surgery. Improved sight can be expected within 3 to 5 days after lasik eye surgery.

The question is often asked…”Can I have both my eyes worked on?” Some patients elect to have both eyes worked on. Surgeons will take a short break after working on the first eye before attending to the second. Some patients however, will elect to stretch their lasik eye surgery over two visits.

As with any type of surgery, major or minor, it’s advisable to follow the doctor’s instructions. The success of any lasik eye surgery treatment, apart from the surgeon’s skill in administering the procedure, depends on a patient’s level of rest and consumption of any necessary prescriptions. While patients can generally head home just half an hour after surgery, it is advised to have someone else do the driving.

Are There Any Long Term Effects

A halo effect and some glare at night around lights are commonly reported by patients after lasik eye surgery. It’s always advisable not to rub your eyes but apart from this there aren’t too many other precautions to take other than to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Vision will almost improve instantly in most cases after lasik eye surgery. aSome patients report remarkable improvement in their vision and in some cases, the improvement continues days and even weeks after surgery. Most people end up with 20/20 vision after Lasik eye surgery, but some still need glasses or contact lenses to assist with proper sight requirements.

Are there any complications that may arise after lasik eye surgery? Rarely, although glare and infection could result in some patients which may require a small adjustment procedure and again, it’s a very simple one.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/diseases-and-conditions/life-after-lasik-eye-surgery.html

Our eyesight is very precious. Therefore, it is important that a number of considerations

be pursued when selecting your laser eye center to conduct your Lasik surgery.

Lasik surgery is a surgical procedure that calls for a surgical circular incision to be made, and this exposure is created using the strength of a laser. When the cornea is exposed, the laser, at a lower level of power, is utilized to restructure the shape of the cornea. This process optimizes the refraction of the cornea in relationship to the retina. The flap covering the cornea is then restored over the eye. The results often provide correction of the eyesight to the extent that the need for eye glasses is reduced or not indicated at all.

Whenever surgery is being considered it is paramount that the selection of the right surgeon and facility is accomplished. This process especially holds true when considering have surgery that involves our precious eyesight. Selecting the right laser eye center includes the investigation of the surgeons affiliated with the laser eye center and getting referrals.

Surgeons

The popularity of Lasik surgery is on the rise. Accordingly, many laser eye centers take to the airwaves to advertise their services and availability. Often smiling and friendly individuals are seen on television raving about their services, the ease of having the surgery accomplished and all at a fair price. Those who are considering Lasik surgery must be careful.

Although these laser eye centers may be reputable, further investigation must be conducted. This investigation will reveal the full scope of services they provide, the full cost of having this procedure performed and the experience and knowledge of their staff

A critical member of that staff is the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. It is important to discover the credentials of the refractive surgeon. Those credentials should include their endorsement and affiliation with qualified medical groups. One such group would be their involvement with an educational medical facility. This affiliation would speak of their staying abreast of current technological advances in the field of Lasik surgery. Also, an important affiliation of the surgeon, you are considering, would be their good standing as a member of the American College of Surgeons.

Also, the website serves as a good resource in choosing and being comfortable with the prospective surgeon. These websites provide good information in the selection process including a checklist of items to cover with the surgeon. Included would be a series of questions that will aid you with your comfort level of their experience and surgical process.

Referrals

Another rich resource in determining the right laser eye center for you is through referrals. Referrals can be obtained from neighbors, friends and other acquaintances that have had the Lasik surgery performed. Questions posed to these individuals should include their satisfaction with the whole process, the care of the laser eye center staff, their experience, follow-up issues or concerns following the procedure that were properly addressed, would they do it again, etc.

Also, referrals from your regular eye care doctor or technician may prove to be valuable. In addition the website can be invaluable in locating the right laser eye center for you. There are websites that will help you to locate an affiliated laser eye center. In addition websites may provide a forum for disgruntled clients to voice their displeasure of service received.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/medicine/important-tips-on-selecting-a-laser-eye-center.html

Visually challenged people fed up with not being able to see without the benefit of prescription lenses or contacts often turn to surgery for an alternative. But, finding the best doctor should be an absolute priority. To find the best laser eye surgery New York physicians can offer might take time, but it’s worth the effort.

Before even beginning the search for a licensed eye surgeon to perform the procedure, the best thing to do is make sure you understand it. After that, decide if you truly want to pursue eye surgery and then begin looking for the best New York can provide.

Laser surgeries, such as Lasik, work by correcting structural problems within the eye that create vision issues. Those with nearsightedness, farsightedness and even distorted vision can see some remarkable improvements if the procedure is done correctly and success is the outcome.

Lasik itself works by having the surgeon use a laser and a knife to reshape the cornea. This is the covering on the front of the eye. During the surgery, the cornea is opened to reveal the stroma. A portion of this part of the eye is vaporized to create the correct shaping for better vision and the cornea is replaced.

Although relatively painless with few complications, laser surgery is a big deal. If a doctor isn’t as skilled as he or she should be, problems can result. Inasmuch, patients owe themselves and their vision the favor of making sure the best doctor is hired. And, even if everything is done correctly, problems can still arise. This is where a skilled, practiced surgeon can make a real difference.

Considering the number of eye surgeons touting their services much like car salespeople hawk their vehicles, it’s very hard for a patient to decide whom to turn to for this type of surgery. Going with the first surgeon that’s spotted on a billboard or tevelevision commercial may not be the best idea. They can certainly be considered, but make sure that more than a friendly smile on the doctor is checked out before surgery commences.

Those in New York looking for the best laser eye surgeon can start with the ads or even the phone book, but more work should be done. One a doctor or doctors have been selected, go visit them. Check into their background and even talk to past patients. A long track record in performing eye surgery successfully should be a must. If possible, even check with the state’s licensing boards to make sure no major complaints have been filed.

It may seem a little paranoid to check a doctor out like he or she is going for top government security clearance, but it’s eyesight we’re talking about here. Rely on trust alone for your plumber, maybe, but don’t do it for a medical professional. Take advantage of free consultations, speak at length with the doctor about the procedure, check backgrounds and them make a decision.

Since we’re talking about eyesight here and a genuine chance to improve it, it just doesn’t make sense to settle for less than the best. The smart consumers will not settle for anything less than the best when it comes to having eye surgery. A little patience and some homework can absolutely net the best laser eye surgery New York has to offer.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/diseases-and-conditions/spotting-the-best-eye-surgeons-for-vision-correction-surgeries.html

Did you know that there are several kinds of eye surgeries which improve vision? These types of surgeries on the eyes are called refractive surgery.

The most popular of these eye surgeries is LASIK, but is not the only one by any means. Before you consult with an eye care expert, you need to know your options. Keep in mind that both eyes are not done at once. You will have to have one eye corrected and, after it is healed and focusing, you can look into having your other eye corrected. Eye surgery options which you may want to consider are:

Excimer Laser Procedures are eye surgeries which utilize lasers in reshaping the cornea. This reshaping changes the way that light enters the eye and helps correct focus. The following procedures are Excimer Laser Procedures:

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis, commonly referred to as LASEK (not to be confused with LASIK, which is different), can be used to treat astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. This eye surgery is used if you have flattened or thinned corneas. People who will not get optimal results from LASIK eye surgery are often excellent candidates for LASEK eye surgery. However, it does take a little longer to heal from LASEK eye surgery.

Epi-LASIK eye surgery is done by an eye care professional and is much like LASEK eye surgery. In this eye care procedure, no blade or alcohol is used. Less pain seems to be experienced along with more rapid healing that LASEK eye surgery.

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK eye surgery, is also used to treat astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Lasers are used to reshape your eye in this eye surgery; scalpels and alcohol are used but the surgery is very quick, less than a minute per eye as a general rule.

All Laser LASIK is a LASIK surgery that does not use a scalpel. Like traditional LASIK eye surgery, lasers are used to reshape the eye. Both discomfort and healing time are reduced because surgery only utilizes lasers.

Photorefractive Keratectomy, commonly known as PRK, is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness, and mild farsightedness. In this eye surgery, surface tissue is removed from the cornea (reshaping the eye) using a laser. Like LASIK eye surgery, this surgery takes less than a minute per eye as a general rule.

Non-Excimer Laser Procedures are surgeries in which new lenses are actually places in the eye. The eye is then reshaped using radio waves, lasers, or scalpels. The main Non Eximer Laser Procedure is Astigmic Keratotomy, otherwise known as Limbal Relaxing Incisions. This eye surgery is used to help correct mild astigmatism. Scalpels are used to reshape the eye and the surgery is often used as an enhancement to another eye surgery.

If you are considering eye surgery, you need to know all of your options. This list is a general learning tool but it is recommended that you do further research on any surgery you are interested in or your eye care professional suggests. Keep in mind that each surgery is much like the others, but they are all different as well.

While on surgery may be fine for some peoples lifestyle, it may not be fine for yours. For instance, as a general rule, the older surgeries fit budgets better, but have longer healing times. You need to consider all aspects of eye surgery and how they will impact your life. When figuring healing times into the equation, it is best to plan on the longest healing time named for that surgery. Faster healing is just a bonus, while extended time could cause problems with other life events (such as work).

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/wellness/did-you-know-that-you-have-options-in-surgical-eye-care-procedures.html

There are numerous products on the market that are designed for the elimination of stretch marks. For the most part, these products function similarly to a moisturizer in healing the skin. Laser surgery stretch mark removal is the most radical approach that exists today. Laser surgery is one of the most prolific technological advancements in the medical industry. It seems that just about any procedure can be performed using lasers. If you are considering laser surgery stretch mark removal, there are some pros and cons of the method that you should consider before having the procedure.

There are reports of people who experience positive results with stretch marks products. Until recently, people who had old stretch marks had very little hope of being able to successfully treat their skin condition. Laser surgery for the treatment of stretch marks involves using lasers to repair the skin’s natural synthesis of collagen. This is what most topical solutions available on the market aim to do to treat stretch marks. The reason laser surgery stretch mark removal is much more successful is associated with the direct treatment of the underlying levels of the skin. Other products on the market are applied to the top layer of the skin and are absorbed in the skin, but do not penetrate to the layer where collagen is produced.

One important downside of laser surgery stretch mark removal is that it generally takes a sufficient amount of time and treatment sessions for you to see an improvement in the skin. This information is generally disheartening to people with stretch marks because they want to see results quick. Although laser surgery can diminish the appearance of stretch marks, you will have to continue the laser sessions that are considered expensive. You will need to commit to spending the time and money to have the sessions on a regular basis. Before you considering laser surgery stretch mark removal you should weigh the pros and cons and decide if the procedure is the best method for you.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/beauty/laser-surgery-stretch-mark-removal.html

Many people believe that laser eye surgery especially LASIK eye surgery is far too expensive for their budget. However, just because new high tech equipment is being used does not necessarily mean that the surgery is out of the reach of most people. It is really a matter of how much you can afford to stop wearing corrective lenses to see the world clearly.

Laser eye surgery is not the same as going out and purchasing a new outfit. The outfit will be out of date before you know it, but your eyesight will last the rest of your life. If you take the average amount of money it costs for laser eye surgery, which is around $1,344 in 2005 and divide it out over the years that you will need your good vision you are not paying hardly anything. Think about it. If you get the surgery when you are 35 and your life expectancy is 85. That is 50 years of good eyesight. Now, divide the $1,344 by fifty years, the amount would only be $26.88. If you had to have your eyes examined and buy eyeglasses or contacts yearly you would have to pay more than that amount yearly. Therefore, if you receive laser eye surgery, in the end, you would be paying less for clearer vision.

If you still believe that this type of surgery is too expensive then take a look at the expenses of the ophthalmologist which include the purchase or lease of the laser, maintenance of the blades, maintenance of the laser equipment, rent on the building where they perform the laser eye surgery, gowns, masks, gloves, surgical solutions, medications, cleaning supplies, advertising costs, insurance, and in some cases when the laser is leased the ophthalmologist has to pay fees to the developer or manufacturer of the laser.

There are some things you can also do to learn exactly what you are paying for and compare prices from one licensed ophthalmologist with others.
Questions you should ask include:
In case of complications, or more surgeries, will I be charged?
What is included with the laser eye surgery?
What is not included?
What are the average costs of medications such as pain medication or anti-inflammatory medications?
Will I still have to wear temporary contact lenses or eye shields and if so, are they included in the fees?
Will follow up visits be included in the fee or are they extra?

You should take all of this into consideration when you are considering the cost of laser eye surgery.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/wellness/affording-laser-eye-surgery.html

There are reports emanating from consumer experts that suggest that patients who undergo laser eye surgery are not being informed about the risks that accompany such treatment methods. In spite of this, laser surgery continues to rise in popularity and an associated risk with laser surgery is that the doctor performing the surgery may begin operating after just a few days of training and does not require any specialized courses or degrees.

Since the laser eye surgery procedure is perceived by patients as being simple and quick and has also received many celebrity endorsements it is quite popular in spite of the accompanying eye surgery risks that may not fully be taken into account when making a decision on the type of treatment required.

Low to Negligible Risks

There are different perceptions about laser surgery risks and these vacillate between non-existent to relatively low risk. There are however, in some rare cases, the risks of complications arising which may lead to corneal ectasia in which fluid pressure mounts in the eye and patients may require a corneal transplant to rectify the situation. A serious laser eye surgery risk, indeed!

Minor laser surgery risks include dry eyes or problems related to night vision that may result in not being able to drive or work in the evening or even in low lighted conditions. A major cause for concern in laser eye surgery risks is that the use of such surgeries have not been known for very long and so there are not adequate studies that can help define what the attendant laser surgery risks really may be. As with any surgical procedure, patients should be told that there is bound to be some amount of risk associated with laser eye surgery as well.

Laser eye surgery very often may cause the patient to feel a certain amount of discomfort and also have blurry vision for the first couple of days following surgery. However, these eye surgery risks are generally not serious problems. Common laser surgery risks include lasik and damage to the corneal flap, PRK and infection, under-correction, problems with night vision, no improvement in condition after the surgery as well as long term complications.

In the case of lasik, the laser surgery risk is very slight and is as low as one in five hundred who might need to have their corneal flap to be cut off or it may become damaged as a result of the surgery. In approximately six percent of patients the surgery may result in under-corrected vision and the operation may need to be performed again. It has also been noted that as few as four to as high as 30 percent of patients may still have problems with night vision.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/health/medicine/laser-eye-surgery-risks-are-quite-low.html

By: Richard Cussons

Before you decide on Lasik eye surgery you probably best find out more…

For those of you that don’t know Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In Lasik the surgeon cuts a small flap in the cornea and uses a laser to reshape the inner area of the cornea. Problems with the cornea can be related to many vision troubles such as; Hyperopia or farsightedness and Myopia or nearsightedness). Also problems like Astigmatism can also be caused. The good news is that eye surgery and lasik in particular resolve many of these eye defects.

The sheer number of different of surgical procedures for correcting vision problems can leave you uncertain of the best one for you. However, whatever may be your procedure of choice, attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery, and hence it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience.

If you are thinking of going in for lasik eye surgery then this is what you can expect. Before getting lasik you will be examined by a qualified eye doctor or ophthalmologist. During this examination standard eye tests and computer images of the cornea will be taken to build up a picture of the eye and ascertain what corrections need should made. In addition your overall health is also considered when deciding if you will be a good lasik patient. Any conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, may affect your ability to get this type of eye surgery, but in these cases other treatment may be available.

You will be able to go home on the same day as you eye surgery and should have recovered within just a few days. Minor irritations may take up to a month to disappear. The vast majority of people who undertake this surgery will be able to see much more clearly straight after surgery and this improves still further over the next few days.

Some people may experience some side effects like light sensitivity or night time vision problems. In even more rare cases other difficulties like infections can also occur, but most often, if you follow your doctors orders these things can be avoided or cured quickly with eye drops of medication. Other side effects are more long term. These can occur for 6 months or longer. These are: dry eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, glares, and vision fluctuations. If you cannot handle any of this, then this eye surgery is not for you. Attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. Lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery for many, and so it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience and who is using the best medical equipment available.

This type eye surgery has been big news over resent years as the changes to people’s vision and quality of life can be astounding. People who could not see without glasses are getting almost 20./20 vision and word of mouth about these ‘miracles’ spreads fast.. With many people flocking to have the procedure done it has become one of the most popular eye surgeries. However, before committing to the surgery you should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision in general and your sight in particular.

Before committing yourself ask to speak to people who have had the operation with the organization you are thinking of using yourself. Ask about the good and bad points of both the operation and the company itself.

As lasik is a fairly new medical procedure the long term risks are not known and it is not possible currently to cure the need for reading glasses as this is problem is more connected with the weakening of the eye muscles over time rather then the corner. As a potential candidate for lasik you must discuss all your concerns and expectations with your surgeon before the procedure is carried out to ensure you completely understand the process and outcome possibilities for you as an individual.

Finally, many people can’t even think about anyone touching their eyes, never mind someone pointing a laser into them. If you are reading this article and are feeling a bit squeamish then perhaps lasik is not for you!

Source: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/3-22-2006-91659.asp