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Are you tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Have you hoped for better vision? Does wearing glasses or contacts inconvenience you?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be a candidate for corrective laser surgery. This noninvasive procedure has been vastly improved upon in recent years. Also, the price has lowered enough to make it more affordable for most people.
WHAT EXACTLY IS LASER VISION CORRECTION SURGERY?
This is a procedure where the doctor uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the cornea. Microscopic bits of tissue are removed so the cornea does a better job of focusing images onto the retina. After the surgery, most patients have vastly improved vision. Some, even better than 20/20.
WHAT KINDS OF VISION PROBLEMS CAN THIS PROCEDURE HELP?
Laser vision correction-or LASIK, the most popular procedure-can correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism.
CAN THIS PROCEDURE BE USED TO TREAT OR PREVENT THE NEED FOR READING GLASSES AS I GROW OLDER?
Unfortunately, not at this time. This condition is called presbyopia, and it happens to all of us as we age. However, laser correction treatment for it is in the experimental stages. Hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before presbyopia can be corrected, too.
CAN ANYONE HAVE THIS PROCEDURE TO IMPROVE HIS OR HER EYESIGHT?
No, there are some individuals who are not good candidates for this surgery. They include:
ยท Anyone with glaucoma, infections, cataracts, severe dry eye or any other conditions that might prevent proper healing from taking place.
ยท Anyone under eighteen years of age.
ยท Pregnant or nursing moms. These individuals may have to wait until their fluctuating hormones return to normal. Then, they may have the surgery.
ยท Individuals who have unstable vision that changes frequently.
HOW AM I PREPARED FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
First of all, your eye doctor will perform an exam to confirm that your eyes are healthy. Tests will be taken to make sure you don't have any eye conditions that would prohibit the surgery. Then, when the health of your eye is confirmed, a machine called a corneal topographer will photograph and electronically map your eye. The doctor will use this as a guide to carefully remove the problem areas for the most favorable results.
IS CORRECTIVE LASER EYE SURGERY SAFE?
Yes, it is very safe. As a matter of fact, the FDA recognizes Lasix as a safe and effective treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
ยท You will be seated in a reclining chair.
ยท Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes and a retainer will hold your eyes open.
ยท You will be asked to look at a blinking light.
ยท The surgeon will use the laser to remove microscopic pieces of corneal tissue. The actual surgery usually takes less than a minute while the entire procedure may only take fifteen minutes. Very impressive when you consider how much better your vision will be afterward.
ยท The surgeon will place an ointment in your eyes and you will rest for a short time. Then, you can go home.
WHAT ABOUT POST-OPERATIVE PAIN? ALSO, HOW LONG BEFORE HEALING TAKES PLACE?
Most people report feeling minimal discomfort after the procedure. Often, it is described as a gritty feeling in the eye and possible itching. Some people will go back to work the day after the surgery, but most doctors recommend taking a few days off.
WILL IMPROVED VISION BE IMMEDIATELY APPARENT?
Yes, you will probably notice clearer vision right away. More improvement may be apparent over the next few weeks.
IS IT REALLY AS SIMPLE AS THAT, AND ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
There is always the possibility of side effects with any surgical procedure. Some people may experience dry eyes, and some may see halos or star bursts around lights. Both of these conditions lessen over time.
WILL MY VISION BE PERFECT AFTER I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE?
Unfortunately, that can't be guaranteed. Most people do end up with 20/20 vision or even better. Some people will end up with less than perfect vision, though it will be better than it was before the surgery. If this is the case, the individual may want to wear glasses or contact lenses, or they can have the procedure repeated to fine-tune the results.
WILL HAVING THIS PROCEDURE PREVENT ME FROM EVER WEARING GLASSES?
No, that won't be the case. As mentioned above, the condition called Presbyopia happens to everyone as they age. Usually, it takes place after age forty and reading glasses will then need to be worn. At this time, laser surgery is not effective for this condition but progress is being made.
FINAL WORDS
Laser corrective surgery can help most people leave their glasses or contact lenses behind. It is effective and affordable, and most people are very happy with the results. If you are interested, talk with your eye doctor to see whether you are a candidate for this procedure.
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