People with eye-related problems are becoming more and more interested in laser eye surgery and its benefits because this is known to be the most exciting ophthalmologic procedure.
To be more precise, this is a refractive eye surgery that can correct all types of refractive errors such as: astigmatism (distorted vision), myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Even if the medicine offers various types of surgical techniques for correcting refractive errors, the laser eye surgery was labelled by the American Academy of Ophthalmology the most technically advanced and precise one.
The excimer laser was the first laser ever approved for eye surgery and it’s used to correct myopia. Now, this laser is used in two different procedures: Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
The surgeon maps and measures the patient’s eye before the procedure in order to analyse the problem. Then, he uses a few local anesthetic eye drops and reshapes the cornea eliminating tiny amounts of tissue from the outer surface.
Next, the doctor uses an ultra violet beam of light and cuts notches the size of human hair. Each pulse of light can remove a 39 millionth of an inch of cornel tissue in only 12 billionths of a second.
According to same studies, only 5% of the patients still use permanent glasses after the surgery while 15% need visual aids only when driving.
Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
The LASIK procedure is more complicated than PRK but it’s a solution for solving all types of myopia.
The surgeon uses the Microkeratome to cut a corneal tissue flap in order to replace it. Everything depends on the doctor because with LASIK he has to make a very precise incision.
The patient only feels a little discomfort and sometimes an irritation but those won’t last too long. In most cases, the patients returned to their normal life in only two or three days.
With LASIK there can be only one side effect and that is occasional glare at night.
Anyway, everyone should know that even if the results are said to be permanent, the age can influence the final results and in some cases the doctor may even suggested re-surgery.
By: Ricky Lim
Posts Tagged ‘Lasik Procedure’
How Laser Eye Surgery Works – Lasik and Photorefractive Eye Surgery
January 29th, 2010LASIK and Beyond: Can You Throw Away Your Glasses Now?
January 1st, 2010LASIK is the most commonly vision correction surgery in the United States. For millions, the thought of living without glasses has become a reality. So, once you’ve had the LASIK procedure, can you throw your glasses away? Ophthalmologists will tell you yes and no.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, LASIK is the most studied elective procedure around. As such, those studies have shown that the procedure is both safe and effective, with complications only happening in rarely. The long-term results from those studies have shown that visual acuity of those who have undergone LASIK can be 20/20 to 20/40, but on average is around 20/25.
However, as with any aging body part, vision may continue to change. Patients should not only have realistic expectations about their vision outcomes, but also have a good idea of what to expect long-term.
Realistic LASIK Post-Op Expectations
After the initial healing period of 3 to 6 months, most LASIK patients find their vision has stabilized. LASIK results have proven to be fairly constant.
Post-Op Expectations for Those Beyond Age 40-45
Again, by the six month time frame, LASIK patients should know the cumulative effect of LASIK surgery and have stable vision. The ophthalmologist will want to check the patient’s eyes at this point in a follow-up visit to assess current vision. Visual acuity should remain fairly constant for those that are 40 to 45 years of age for the rest of their lives, assuming that cataracts or other age-related eye diseases don’t develop.
Post-Op Expectations if Below the Age of 40
As anyone approaches their forties, their near-sightedness will change, as it does even for those who never needed glasses or contacts. This is due to presbyopia, which usually takes place between the ages of 38 and 42. While distance vision remains crisp from the previous LASIK surgery, it may be more difficult to see things close up. People at this age often complain that their arms need to be five inches longer to focus on a page. At this point, most LASIK patients will likely need some type of correction for reading, unless they choose to have further surgical treatment called a LASIK touch up.
Considering a LASIK Touch up
Follow-up LASIK treatments may be advisable if normal and natural vision has changed since the original procedure. Some people will choose to forego or postpone LASIK touch ups by utilizing glasses or contacts. However, after a life without visual aids, most patients choose to have an enhancement done. Follow-up procedures are rarely as extensive as the original LASIK surgery, so patients can consider a touch up LASIK procedure if:
Vision has changed in one or both eyes A strong preference for life without glasses exists A sufficient corneal thickness remains ( an ophthalmologist can make that determination through testing)
By: Erich Shrefler
