Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK) in Panama?

The number one benefit of having Lasik surgery in Panama is the Cost. People from all over the world (mainly Canadian, Europeans and Americans) are moving to Panama not only for its warm climate and booming economy but also for its medical and health benefits.

What Is Lasik?

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery. See other sections of this site to learn about what you should know before surgery, what will happen during the surgery, and what you should expect after surgery. There is a glossary of terms and a checklist of issues for you to consider, practices to follow, and questions to ask your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about.

Latest Eye Care News

Laser vision corrective eye surgery is becoming extremely popular in today’s age due to the general affordability and the desire of many in society to maintain good vision without the help of glasses or annoying contact lenses. This surgical procedure is offered in such a varied number of individual avenues that there is certainly a type of laser vision corrective eye surgery that is right for anyone.

Eye surgery is also known as “ophthalmic surgery” or “ocular surgery”. Laser vision corrective eye surgery is not necessarily the same as “refractive surgery”, although many often assume the terms to be interchangeable. Refractive surgery does not always involve lasers to make the incision but rather refers to the general purpose of the procedure to reshape or “refract” the cornea.

The FDA first approved the laser as a surgical tool in 1995, so the advances in the field of laser surgery are generally recent. The agency did, however, restrict the use of the laser to trained surgeons experienced in the field of laser surgery and in the operation of the laser, specifically.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

There are many types of laser vision corrective eye surgery that can repair many ailments that affect vision and the eye. Cataracts refer to a clouding of the vision or the eye’s lens. They tend to affect the elderly the most and can distort vision to degrees mirroring legal blindness. Laser surgery can correct the problems that come from cataracts by simply reshaping and removing the “clouds” and changing the environment that creates them.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to blindness due to blood pressure on the eye. Affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, glaucoma is known as the leading cause of blindness. There are several types of glaucoma which are mostly classified due to the urgency of the onset. Laser surgery can stop the spread of the symptoms by relieving the pressure on the eye.

Macular regeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly and those 65 years of age or older. Macular regeneration affects the retina in that it breaks down or “regenerates” thus causing problems with the area of the eye responsible for sharpness and contrast in vision. Laser surgery can treat macular regeneration but cannot entirely cure it, so the symptoms can be controlled but the process cannot be entirely stopped.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery can repair and ease the pain of several eye ailments and improve the quality of life for many.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/Seeing-Straight-with-Laser-Vision-Corrective-Eye-Surgery.php

 

 

Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure consisting of the use of laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea. It is used to improve myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (long sightedness) or astigmatism. The first information on laser eye surgery dates back from over twenty years ago.

During laser eye surgery, an excimer controlled by a computer is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The aim of the procedure is to restore normal vision, relieving the patient from wearing glasses or contacts.

In one type of laser eye surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, also called epithelium, is removed and an excimer laser is used to reshape underneath tissue. This procedure is called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

In a newer procedure, a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the corneal tissue, which is then lifted and an excimer laser is used to reshape underlying tissue. In the end, the flap is put back to its place. This type of laser eye surgery is called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Nowadays, it is more commonly used than PRK.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

The excimer laser is a special type of laser that does not burn the corneal tissue, but vaporizes a small quantity of the cornea each time a beam is pulsed onto the eye surface. The number of pulses and diameter of the beam are carefully controlled by a computer to enhance accuracy.

Local anesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye. The actual time when the laser is used for reshaping the corneal tissue is generally less than a minute.

Various eye conditions require different types of treatment:
l Myopia - the central peak of the cornea has to be flattened in order to reduce short-sightedness and improve vision.
l Hypermetropia - the central peak of the cornea has to be made steeper in order to improve vision. The laser is applied to the edges of the cornea.
l Astigmatism – this is a condition where the cornea is not evenly curved. The laser is applied more linear to improve vision.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery – Post Surgery

After laser eye surgery, you should expect some minor discomfort. However, you should be able to see, although not very clearly. You won’t be able to drive on your own, so you need to have someone drive you home or take a cab.

Information on Laser Eye Surgery Possible Side Effects

Just like any operation, laser eye surgery involves a few risks as well. You should have some information on laser eye surgery and its possible complications and side effects before deciding you want to have this type of surgery.
l Treatment not successful – this may be the result of either under treatment and over treatment. You may need another surgery to enhance vision.
l Dry eyes - you might have to use eye drops.
l Delayed healing – the flap or the outer layer of the cornea might not heal properly and require follow-up treatment.
l Infection – in case of an infection, you may need to follow an antibiotic treatment.
l Superficial scarring – a second procedure might be needed to repair scarred tissue.
l Excessive thinning of the cornea – vision problems may return and you might need to use contacts or have another surgery.
l Sensitive eyes - some patients experience excessive sensitivity to glare, which makes driving more difficult.
l Blurred vision – ‘halos’ might result from the surgical procedure, but usually they fade out over time.

Before deciding on a certain type of laser eye surgery, you should consult a doctor to examine your eye condition thoroughly, provide you with information on laser eye surgery risks and benefits and give you some advice on which procedure is best for your specific problems.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/Information-on-Laser-Eye-Surgery.php

 

A good decision is based on a little “market research”. When you are going through the consideration process, you need to find out what the average cost of lasik eye surgery is going to be included in the price can help you to choose the best eye center or doctor.

LASIK Price Increase

In the last years the prices have been rising, on the one hand because new procedures are used such as “custom LASIK” which is more expensive than traditional LASIK, and on the other hand new technologies such as intralase technology, increases procedures costs.

In 2002 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was between $1,550 and $1,600, but by October 2003 the average had risen to $1,710. At the end of 2004 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was a little over $1,800, and in 2005 it was $1,965.

Why the Prices Vary?

One reason prices vary is that different providers perform different levels of preoperative testing so it is very important you should determine if in the quoted price are included appropriate testing.

Also the cost of testing and surgery equipment varies widely. Technologies for tear film analysis, eye tracking, and measurements of corneal thickness, the laser and corneal topography and pupil size, are available at various prices and are reflected in the procedure fees.

What Are You Paying for?

Refractive surgery fees should cover a variety of costs such as lease or purchase and maintenance of the laser, corneal ring segments, microkeratome and/or other devices used. The excimer laser manufacturer receives a royalty fee of $100 to $150 per eye to develop the machine. If it’s a custom procedure the royalty fee per eye is between $145 and $250, depending on the laser manufacturer.

In the cost of lasik surgery are also included masks, gloves, gowns and other items to make sure the operation is kept sterile.

And let us not forget about surgical solutions, medications and microkeratome blades used during the surgery; office and surgical staff benefits and salaries, office equipment, rent, and office administration; insurance, patient acquisition costs, which include seminars and advertising, and surgeon’s fees if he or she is not on staff.

LASIK is a relatively new technology and thus the long-term effects are not well known. You should take into account the average cost of lasik eye surgery but don’t make your decision relying simply on cost, ask your surgeon what is included and what is not included, what will you have to pay for if enhancement surgery becomes necessary or complication occur, and of course a good surgeon is better than a good price!

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/Average-Cost-of-Lasik-Eye-Surgery.php

 

If your spouse or significant other is about to have Lasik corrective eye surgery, it will probably fall to you to see that he uses his eye drops whenever he should and follow all post-operative instructions. If possible, try to be available for a couple of days after the surgery. Your loved one will probably not be in the best of moods just because at first the dry eye and itch can be so irritating.

Make sure he continues to wear the protective covering put over his eye by the doctor. Even while sleeping, hair or bacteria could get into the eye and cause a lot of discomfort, possibly even infection. If you have pets, try to keep them away from him during these first few days to prevent any stray animal hairs from finding their way to his eye. You may also need to assist in administering the eye drops.

A stinging sensation such as sand and dirt in the eye has been reported among some Lasik corrective eye surgery patients. If your loved one complains of this stinging sensation or any other pain, give him the pain pills the doctor most likely will prescribe. Try to be understanding and if you’re up to it, take a supper tray to where he’s lounging

He will most likely be sensitive to light for the first few days so you might want to keep your home darker than normal. When he does venture outside, he will probably appreciate sunglasses for at least a few days. The initial healing process from Lasik corrective eye surgery should just take a few days and then everything will be back to normal.

Don’t allow him to drive until the doctor has given the go-ahead and be sure he makes that first post-operative appointment. Go with him if you can and convey your observations to the doctor, both positive and negative. It may take several months for his eye to completely heal and his vision is likely to fluctuate during this time of healing.

Try to remain optimistic and encourage him. Write down notes about his progress to share with the doctor. Additionally, write down any questions the two of you have to be asked at the next appointment. Of course, if he develops any unusual symptoms or severe pain, contact the doctor immediately.

You may very well feel your nerves on edge a bit during this process but it will be worth it in the end. He’ll thank you for helping him get through the first few days after Lasik corrective eye surgery.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/How-to-Care-for-Someone-Having-Lasik-Corrective-Eye-Surgery.php

So, you have decided to undergo LASIK eye surgery. Your eye doctor has cleared you as a good candidate and you have learned about and considered all the risks involved, and you have decided to have the surgery. But now, a couple of questions remain. How much is the procedure going to cost? And why is there so much variation in the cost of LASIK procedures?

The cost of LASIK procedures depends on a number of aspects. The most variable factor to cost is the patient’s current eyesight. If a person’s eyesight is worse, then the procedure is going to cost more per eye due to extensive correction. A discount LASIK center may advertise their lowest cost, and that cost would be most likely for a person with average or minimum refraction correction. The only constant in costs for LASIK surgery is that the costs are determined per eye.

The cost of LASIK surgery also varies by location. According to the Review of Ophthalmology, in 2003 the average cost for LASIK eye surgery was $1,700. However, the averages in the Midwest and South were $100-$200 less. The lowest minimum cost for LASIK was found in the West in 2003. Next, lowest minimum was found in the Midwest. The survey was compiled out of the responses of 60 surgeons. The Review of Ophthalmology did a follow-up survey several months later and found that prices had risen in just few short months. The average price for LASIK nationwide had increased to over $1,750 by July. The original survey was taken in February; just a four month period. But at the same time, prices increased in regions and decreased in others. Essentially, these statistics further demonstrate the varying costs of LASIK depending on eye refraction correction and the surgeon.

According to All About Vision.com in 2002 the average price of LASIK was between $1,550 and $1,600. By fall of 2003, the number had risen to $1,710 and to more than $1,800 by the end of the 2004. In the second quarter of 2005, it was reported that the average cost of LASIK was $1,965. AllAboutVision.com also reports that the highly-advertised multi center TLC Laser Eye Centers’ prices have also risen over the years. The average in 2002 was $1,800. By the end of 2004, that average price had reached $1,957. By the second quarter of the 2005, the average TLC’s LASIK surgery was running around $1,983.

AllAboutVision also reports on another recognizable name in the LASIK eye surgery market: LasikPlus. The reported average price in the second quarter of 2005 for LasikPlus customers was $1,344. That number is up a bit from the first quarter of 2003. Reported averages from that quarter were $1,173. However, those changes in cost are not as significant as the increases seen with TLC Laser Eye Centers. The differences could be upgrades in technology. More patients could be opting to spend a bit more money to have the latest in technology, or to have custom LASIK performed, which uses a more advanced technology called wavefront.

Source: http://aboutlasikeyesurgery.com/lasik-cost.html

Wavefront technology is used to measure and track the aberrations in the eye’s visual field to target specific abnormalities that prevent perfect vision. The human eye has many special characteristics that vary from person to person. The wavefront technology attempts to capture that information to help surgeons perform a personalized procedure to get the desired effect out of a LASIK procedure. Combined with the excimer lasers, wavefront has proven more successful in achieving perfect 20/20 vision in patients. The wavefront technology is also approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

The wavefront technology is helping to achieve better results because it detects the intricacies of each eye. Even though two people might share the same eye refraction or prescription, each eve is different. The custom LASIK procedures using wavefront detect those characteristics and the surgery is adjusted to fit the eyes.

However, with increasing and more sophisticated technology, costs do tend to increase. In January 2004, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2004 that adding the wavefront technology to a LASIK procedure increased the cost of the procedure by $100 - $400 per eye. This cost to the surgeon translates into a $500 - $2,500 cost per eye passed along to the patient. Premiums for custom LASIK average between $375 and $500 per eye. Some doctors only do custom LASIK and their fees are priced accordingly as one cost; not an extra fee for wavefront in addition to the conventional LASIK.

There are also other factors that contribute to the bottom line costs of LASIK procedures that patients might not see on their bills, but contribute to the overall cost. Most manufacturers of the lasers, or microkeratome carry a per eye royalty fee per procedure to cover the machine development costs. This cost can be anywhere from $100-150 per eye. There are other costs that trickle down into the bills of patients like the cost to lease equipment and supplies like gloves, masks and other sterile equipment for surgery. Extra costs factored into the overall cost of procedures are also derived from overhead for the doctor’s office and insurance costs.

In addition, pre-operative procedures can add to the cost of LASIK procedures. Candidates for LASIK need to inquire if pre-operative screenings and tests are included in the overall estimated fee for the surgery. However, the importance of pre-operative procedures should not be diminished. It is essential that the doctor you choose performs through pre-operative procedures and tests. First of all, these pre-operative screenings determine if you are a good and healthy candidate for the surgery, and can detect ahead of time if preexisting conditions make you a poor candidate for the procedure. Also, these tests help to avoid problems before and after the procedure. If you are opting for the wavefront, custom LASIK, you might find that the pre-operative screening is more extensive, and should plan for additional costs related to the advanced technique.

Source: http://aboutlasikeyesurgery.com/wavefront-lasik.html

The cost of Lasik vision correction can be a deciding factor for many people who depend on corrective lenses everyday. Lasik eye surgery can be quite expensive and for many, this is cost-prohibitive. Most insurance companies do not pay for Lasik surgery because it is considered elective. There are ways however, to pay for Lasik, even for those who are on a budget.

For people who wear corrective lenses, the idea of Lasik vision correction is very appealing. The technique used during a Lasik procedure is highly precise and customized for each patient. The result of improved eyesight is usually immediate. While Lasik often does not completely eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, it can greatly enhance eyesight. Most insurance companies do not pay for Lasik. There are many employers that offer expanded vision insurance the help cover the cost of Lasik procedures. Some companies also have agreements with certain Lasik centers to offer their employees a reduced rate on Lasik.

There are many different payment options for people who do not have expanded vision plans. Most Lasik surgery centers offer some sort of payment or finance options. There are ways for people who want Lasik to easily find ways to pay for their procedures. When choosing a Lasik surgeon it is often tempting to go with the one that charges less for the procedure. This is most often not a good idea, however, as this surgeon may have considerably less experience or may not use the latest technology. It is always wise to choose a Lasik doctor that has the most experience for the type of procedure that you need. This will ensure that you have the best possible outcome from your Lasik procedure.

Another important factor you should consider when choosing a Lasik doctor is the fee that is charged if you need a second surgery, also called enhancement. The cost of the second procedure varies from doctor to doctor. Many people end up needing this second surgery. Some Lasik doctors do not charge a fee if the enhancement surgery is done within a certain time frame from the initial surgery. Some will charge a small fee. Others may charge a full price, so it is important to ask this before choosing a Lasik doctor.

It is also important when considering Lasik surgery to see what is included in the price that the doctor gives you for your procedure. Find out if all parts of the procedure is covered in the cost, including any follow up appointments, initial testing, medications and eye drops you may need, and second surgeries. This can make a big difference when you are trying to pay for your Lasik procedure on a tight budget. Most Lasik doctors do included all of this in their price, but it is always a good idea to ask so you are not surprised with any last minute expenses.

Look for Lasik centers that offer finance options: This is often the easiest way to pay for a Lasik procedure when you are on a budget. Most Lasik surgeons do offer some sort of financing or payment options that fit the needs of most people. Also, many Lasik surgeons can recommend a local or national back that can provide low monthly payment places. They might also allow patients to pay for their surgery procedure in installments.

See if your employer offers flex-spending accounts: Sometimes employers offer their employees flexible spending accounts that can be spent on procedures such as Lasik. Flex spending accounts, also sometimes called cafeteria plans can be used for Lasik. This is when a portion of the money you earn goes into an account to be used for medical expenses or other discretionary items that your insurance may not cover. Often, this money can be used to pay for co-payments or procedures. If you have an account such as this, you may be able to use the money to help pay for your Lasik eye vision correction. This can help reduce or completely pay for your procedures depending on how much money you have in your flex account.

Check to see if your Lasik procedure can be deducted from your income tax: Sometimes people are eligible to deduct the cost of their Lasik vision surgery off of their United States federal income tax as a health claim. Before deciding to go this route to help with the cost of your Lasik procedure, you should always seek advice from your tax accountant. Your tax accountant will be able to tell you whether or not you are eligible for this tax deduction.

Source: http://www.solveyourproblem.com/lasik-eye-surgery/lasik_on_a_budget.shtml

The latest in Lasik vision correction technology benefits both the patient and the doctor. Doctors have the benefit of perform the surgery as personalized and accurate as possible. Patients in return have the best possible outcome with the newest technology.

Lasik is fast becoming a popular method for improving vision. The surgery is quick-usually under two minutes per eye and relatively painless. Patients are able to walk out of the recovery room and recovery time is minimal. Within a week, most patients are able to perform all of their regular activities. For those who rely on glasses and contacts, having the Lasik vision correction procedure drastically improves their quality of life.

In the past, the only way Lasik was performed was by using a hand held blade to cut open the cornea. This method did not always have the desire affect and relied on the doctor to be extremely experience while making the cut. While no Lasik procedure can promise to completely eliminate the need for contacts or glasses, new technology in Lasik is making that more of a reality. There are several new Lasik techniques that now offer more accuracy and better vision results.

When having the Lasik procedure, the surgeon uses a tiny laser called an excimer to cut a flap in the cornea. After the flap is pulled out of the way, tiny bits of corneal tissue is removed. Often more patients fear the creation of the flap more than any other part of the Lasik procedure. One new technique used in Lasik is called the Intralase. This is a laser that is safer than any other type of laser used in Lasik. When Intralase is used, the computer-guided laser assists the Lasik surgeon in creating the corneal flap with a beam of light. The use of this laser ensures that the flap has the exact corneal centration, thickness and diameter. Because of this innovation, more exact results are achieved. As opposed to the old hand-held microkeratome blade, this is often the most preferred.

Another popular form of Lasik technology is the Custom Lasik procedure. This procedure used the wavefront-guided method and is set to exactly match the needs of the patient. With Custom Lasik, the laser maps out three-dimensional scans of the eye. The scan shows all vision impairments so the exact amount of corneal tissue is removed. This gives the surgeon more accurate results. This often does away with the possibility of needing a second “enhancement” surgery to remove more corneal tissue. Custom Lasik can help correct and improve vision problems such as hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. It can also correct worse vision problems that affect a patient’s vision. These can include starbursts or seeing halos around objects at night, sensitivity, and complications from traditional Lasik surgery. Many Lasik surgeons offer this method of Lasik surgery. Often, doctors recommend this method to help patients achieve a safer, more accurate vision correction surgery.

Another popular Lasik procedure that utilizes the latest technology is called Wavefront Guided Technology. When a doctor uses Wavefront, it can give the most accurate results. Wavefront technology uses micro sensors and wave light that is directed from a laser mean through the eye to the retina. When the light is reflected back to the eye, it allows corneal irregularities to be measured. It serves as a virtual blueprint to the patient’s eye. These irregularities can be mapped out on a three dimensional map. The problems with the eyes are recorded and transferred to the actual laser that is used to reshape the cornea during the Lasik procedure. This method is often chosen to give extremely accurate results and for patients that experience more severe vision problems.

There are many forms of Lasik surgery. Each one essentially uses a laser to map out the eye, target vision problems and reshape the cornea. Each surgery is designed to help doctors give patients the most accurate results possible. When the latest technology is used, patients often experience a better outcome with their Lasik vision correction surgery. Your eye care professional will be able to tell you through a thorough eye exam which Lasik surgery most fits your needs. As with any medical procedure, questions regarding these new forms of Lasik technology should be directed towards your Lasik surgeon.

Source: http://www.solveyourproblem.com/lasik-eye-surgery/latest_in_laser_lasik_technology.shtml

Lasik eye surgery is an amazing advancement in technology that has helped millions of people who want to obtain better vision. Though the concept behind Lasik surgery is essentially the same from surgeon to surgeon, the actual tools used can be slightly different. In fact, some surgeons prefer using the “all lasers” approach, while others use a microkeratome.

Recent Advances

Recently, developers have created the IntraLase system, which seems to improve the safety of the Lasik procedure. This is because IntraLase uses laser energy rather than the microkeratome in order to cut a thin flap in the eye’s cornea. The microkeratome, on the other hand, is a cutting tool that does not utilize this advanced technology.

Once the flap is but and lifted, energy from the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. This reshaping process helps to achieve a sharper focus. After the procedure is complete, the flap is put back in place and acts as a sort of natural “bandage” in the healing process.

Benefits of IntraLase

Complications during Lasik surgery are rare, but of those that do occur, most are the result of the oscillating blade of the microkeratomes. The metal blade of the tool can create uneven edges on the flap. This results in abnormal surfaces on the cornea, which can lead to vision defects like astigmatism.

The metal blades of microkeratomes also have been traced back to the formation or improper or incomplete flaps, which can lead to scars that distort vision. Many surgeons feel that this type of scarring is less likely to happen with the IntraLase system.

The IntraLase system creates flaps using laser energy by inserting an exact pattern of many small overlapping spaces. This pattern is created below the surface of the cornea. The laser of the IntraLase system is capable of operating at the very high speed of pulses every one quadrillionth of a second. This helps target the tissue and divide it a molecular level, rather than with heat or by impacting the surrounding tissue.

The IntraLase laser also makes it possible for individuals with thin corneas to undergo the procedure. Previously, those with thin corneas (of about 500 to 600 microns) were considered to be ineligible for the procedure because the microkeratomes cut about 100 to 200 microns. This caused too much of the cornea to be cut away. The IntraLase laser, on the other hand, can cut a flap as thin as 100 microns because it is more consistent and reliable.

Another advantage of the IntraLase laser is that it follows the cornea’s curvature. This creates a flap with more manageable vertical edges, rather than the thin edges created by microkeratomes. These thicker edges are less likely to tear. In addition, this reduces the likelihood of cells growing beneath the flap and pushing it up, which will create an irregular surface on the cornea. Partially formed flaps, or “buttonholed” flaps, are also less likely to occur with IntraLase.

The sterility of the IntraLase laser also decreases the chances of developing an eye infection.

Possible Complications of IntraLase

Although the IntraLase system is associated with far fewer Lasik complications than using microkeratomes, surgeons are noticing one possible complication of the system. Recently, some surgeons have reported that patients who undergo the “all lasers” Lasik procedure experience the postoperative complication of having an unusual sensitivity to light. According to reports this complication has occurred in 1-20% of IntraLase patients, although one surgeon only reported the 20% figure.

Fortunately, many surgeons also have reported that this postoperative complication is only temporary. In fact, they report that using steroid eye drops for a couple weeks seems to rectify the problem.

For those surgeons who prefer to use the IntraLase system, they argue that the side effects of IntraLase are only temporarily. The side effects of microkeratomes, on the other hand, are more serious and can be permanent.

Cost of IntraLase

Using the IntraLase system instead of microkeratomes may have an increase in overall safety, but it also increases the cost of the procedure. According to one report, using the “all lasers” approach adds an additional $300 per eye to the cost. Often, patients are given the choice between using a microkeratome or the IntraLase system. Some surgeons, on the other hand, exclusively use the IntraLase and automatically include it in their fee.

Source: http://www.solveyourproblem.com/lasik-eye-surgery/lasik_all_laser_or_microkeratome.shtml

Are you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Are you tired of scratches on your eye glasses? Does the thought of sticking something in your eye every morning make you cringe? Do you lose your eyeglasses? Do you have to put a chain on your glasses to avoid loosing them? Do you have to “put your eyes in” to see anything? If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then maybe it is time you consider a new option that could reduce or completely eliminate the need for eye glasses or contact lenses. Lasik is a new technology that can surgically repair your eyes. For some it restores their eyes to 20/20 vision or better.

But to let someone shine a laser in their eye and potentially blind them for life is more than most people can handle. It is a scary thought, but educating yourself on lasik is the best way to over come those fears. If that does not help, your eye doctor may be able to get you in touch with a clinical psychologist that may assist you.

One way that you can overcome your fear of having lasik eye surgery is to watch it being done to someone else. Most doctors will allow you to watch it being done. They usually have it on video tape, and if they don’t most will allow you to sit in on a surgery at the patients consent. Once you see how simple, painless and quick the procedure is, most get over their fear. If you get to sit in on one of the surgeries, you can ask the patient what it felt like, how they are feeling now and any other question or concern that you have. Knowledge is Power. That old cliché never fails to be true when it comes to educating yourself about the pros and cons of lasik. The best way to overcome your fears is to learn as much about the surgery you can beforehand. The more you know, the better prepared you are for it to happen to you. Watching a surgery can also put your mind at ease about what happens. Your eyes are open the whole time, but you can’t see what’s going on around you because your head and eyes are kept in a stationary position. This can scare many people. Watching a surgery can alleviate many of those concerns.

If watching a surgery is not what it takes to get over your fear, you may want to consider counseling. If you want lasik bad enough, you will do it. Any good psychologist can cure people of most phobias. It is one of the things they went to school for. Some use methods such hypnosis and visual aids to help one overcome such fears. A good psychologist will have you ready for surgery in no time flat. If you can’t afford a good psychologist and watching a procedure does not help, something you may consider is meditation. Meditation can help calm your mind and body. It can help you lose weight, relax, get rid of headaches, and even get rid of phobias. Once you educate yourself on everything there is to learn about lasik, you should then do some research on meditation. “Meditation for Dummies” is a good book that will teach you what meditation is and how it can help you.

These are all good ways to get over your phobia. One of these could help you get over your phobia, but you may need a combination of several of these. Only you can decide what is going to get you over your phobia. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way over your phobia. If you want to see, then you will find a way. Once you overcome those fears and finally have the surgery, you will be glad you did. The benefits of not having to wear glasses or contacts will be well worth the work you put forth to get over that fear.

Please keep in mind that if you never get over your fear, you may be stuck wearing glasses forever. That thought should be the motivation you need to get over your fear.

Source: http://www.solveyourproblem.com/lasik-eye-surgery/overcome_eye_phobia_before_lasik.shtml

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