A View into LASIK

Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is a popular surgery that helps end or reduce a person's reliance on corrective lenses.  It is an amazing surgery that has rapidly gained in popularity since its introduction.

LASIK deals with reshaping the cornea.  It usually is a very successful surgery, but in order to make success more likely a person needs to become familiar with the procedure before undergoing the surgery.

A Little Information on LASIK

LASIK cannot fix all eye problems and does have some general risks associated with it. 

It can correct common vision problems only, not diseases.  Generally, it is used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

The basic procedure of the surgery is actually quite simple.  First a flap is cut in the cornea and then the cornea is reshaped with a laser.  Then the flap is laid back into place and the surgery is complete.

During the surgery the cornea is reshaped.  The cornea is the clear part of the eye and it is responsible for how clear images are seen.  When the cornea is not shaped correctly vision is blurred or not clear. 

LASIK Complications

Most complications are a result of a person not following doctors orders.  However, some times they are a result of surgeon error. 

Complications can occur as a result of an under qualified surgeon or a patient not following doctors orders after surgery and most can be avoided by choosing a surgeon carefully and following all orders given.

The major complications that can occur are as follows:

- Ruptured blood vessels;  This is actually quite common and causes the whites of the eyes to be red.  It is harmless and will go away a few days after surgery.

- Flap problems:  If the flap of the cornea that was cut does not heal back into the proper position it can cause further vision issues.  This can happen when doctors orders after surgery are not followed or by a general problem with healing.

- Dry eyes: This can occur due to irritation of surgery.  This is a chronic condition where the eyes do not produce enough moisture.  It requires use of eye drops to help relieve the symptoms.  It may go away in time or could be a lasting condition.

- Over correction or under correction: Both can require additional surgery or the use of vision correction after surgery.

Additionally, there are some people who are not good candidates for the procedure.  People who are on certain medications or who have certain health conditions or have common changes to their cornea shape, such as breastfeeding mothers and teenagers, are not good candidates for LASIK.

LASIK has opened up a whole new world for people who need corrective lenses.  It has a good success rate and is something worth looking into if you are tired of hassling with glasses or contact.

For more information, please visit this website on LASIK Costs and understand more on PRK vs LASIK