LASER EYES

Doubts About The Laser Eye Surgery

2011-12-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

LASER EYES

Doubts About The Laser Eye Surgery

Obviously, any person who is to undergo refractive surgery (laser eye surgery) often have fears and doubts about how it will be the operation and how will it all. Therefore, it is best to check all these concerns with your physician attends us even when we think they are questions that do not make much sense. Clarify all questions will help the patient to be more calm and relaxed to the operation in order to meet laser eye surgery in the best way possible.

Some Of The Most Frequent Questions of Laser Eye Surgery Are :

*) Does it hurt the operation? some people feel a little pain during or after laser eye surgery, but not deep pain. The operation is so short that does not give much time to feel anything.

*) What if I blink? During operation uses a small machine that undertakes to keep the eye open preventing any flicker. In addition, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops of which are delivered before the operation.

*) What is the recovery after the operation? Recovery from laser eye surgery is rapid and simple. Most people after one or two days and can return to their activities by taking certain precautions. Some people may need a little more time or may take a while to recover all her vision.

Can you go wrong? Like any surgery, laser eye surgery risks and complications can occur. However, statistics show that this happens in very few cases. Some of the most common complications are infections, hypersensitivity to light and seeing halos and glare. In some cases it may not be achieved the desired correction and a second operation necessary.

Myopia Laser Surgery

2011-12-23T03:32:00.000-08:00

LASER EYES

Myopia Laser Surgery

Myopia is a disorder of the eye (refractive error of the eye) can not focus well away objects. People with myopia can see close objects well but not far away. The myopic focus on the objects in front of the retina rather than directly on the retina.

It is generally a widespread belief that the causes of myopia are often hereditary. Myopia is caused by the person's eyes are larger or more elongated than normal (the eye is more oval) and consequently the formation of images are produced in front of the retina.

With laser surgery, the ophthalmologist reshapes the cornea of the eye with the laser to the eye to focus objects on the retina rather than before it. In this way, and thanks to this operation, you get correct this refractive error.

A special case of myopia is that, depending on the degree of myopia of the patient, a patient who suffers from myopia that no eye surgery, you may never need glasses to see up close when suffering from presbyopia or farsightedness. in these cases, corrects nearsightedness and negates the need for glasses to view the case cansada.En undergoing laser surgery, the person will get rid of glasses for distance but after about 40-45 years need (high probability) for near (eyestrain).

7 tips for LASIK Eye Surgery

2011-12-08T04:51:00.001-08:00

LASIK Eye Surgery

7 tips for LASIK Eye Surgery to See if You Are a Good Candidate

LASIK eye surgery is a great option for many people suffering from poor vision. The word "LASIK" Laser Assisted In Situ means Keratomilesis, laser refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Check out these 7 points to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery

1. Age. If you are under eighteen, you are not eligible for LASIK eye surgery
2. Personal history of his vision. Recent history is most troubling when it comes to LASIK eye surgery. The risk of complications increases if you are in a period known as "refractive instability." Basically, this means your vision may change, because it has changed much in recent times. If you were seen by an ophthalmologist in the past year, and has new corrective glasses prescribed, you are not a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. The view is often changing in the young and pregnant and lactating women
3. The rest of his story. When deciding whether LASIK eye surgery is right for you, consider the rest of your medical history Are you diabetic? You have a virus like HIV compromises the immune system, or an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis? Diseases such as these can seriously hamper the recovery process after LASIK eye surgery. You are not a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery if you have any of these conditions.
4. The corticosteroid, for example - can complicate recovery from LASIK eye surgery, as well as increasing the risk that the result is not so good.
5. Profession. LASIK eye surgery, may be prohibited in their field. Talk to your employer to ensure that his career will not suffer if you choose LASIK eye surgery
6. Hobby. Do you practice a sport or participate in activities in which the eyes and face may suffer an impact? If contact sports are your passion, you may not be suitable for LASIK eye surgery. Rugby players, boxers, wrestlers and everyone else that can be easily achieved in the face often, maybe should avoid LASIK eye surgery.
7. You are able to pay for the procedure? The price of LASIK eye surgery has decreased, but this is as true as ever. There is a good chance that your insurance does not cover the procedure.

Talk to your ophthalmologist about your willingness to consider LASIK eye surgery as a means for better vision.

Together, you can find a clinic to do the LASIK Laser eye surgery and whether you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.

Laser/Lasik Eye Center

2011-12-08T04:50:00.001-08:00

Laser / Lasik Eye Center: WebMd Overview LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.

All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. LASIK is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.

What Are the Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery ?

LASIK has many benefits, including:

1. It works! It corrects vision. Around 80% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An enhancement can further increase this number.
2. LASIK is associated with very little pain.
3. Vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after LASIK.
4. Usually no bandages or stitches are required after LASIK.
5. Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision.
6. After having LASIK, most patients no longer need corrective eyewear.

What Are the Disadvantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Despite the pluses, there are some disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery:

1. Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK.
2. Corrections can only be made by additional LASIK.
3. LASIK is technically complex. Problems may occur when the doctor cuts the flap, which can permanently affect vision.
4. LASIK can cause a loss of "best" vision with or without glasses at one year after surgery. Your best vision is the highest degree of vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery ?

Some patients experience discomfort in the first 24-48 hours after LASIK eye surgery. Other side effects, although rare, may include:

1. Glare
2. Seeing halos around images
3. Difficulty driving at night
4. Fluctuating vision
5. Dry eyes

How Should I Prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery ?

Before your LASIK eye surgery, you will meet with a coordinator who will discuss what you should expect during and after the surgery. During this session, your medical history will be evaluated and your eyes will be tested. Likely tests include measuring corneal thickness, refraction, corneal mapping, air pressure, and pupil dilation. Once you have gone through your evaluation, you will meet the surgeon, who will answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, you can schedule an appointment for the procedure.

If you wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses, you should not wear them for three weeks before your surgery. Other types of contact lenses shouldn't be worn for at least three days prior to surgery. Be sure to bring your eyeglasses to the surgeon so your prescription can be reviewed.

On the day of your surgery, eat a light meal before going to the doctor, and take all of your prescribed medications. Do not wear eye makeup or have any bulky accessories in your hair that will interfere with positioning your head under the laser. If you are not feeling well that morning, call the doctor's office to determine whether the procedure needs to be postponed.

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Laser Eye Surgery Risks

2011-11-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

LASER EYES

The Risks Of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery Risks

As with all forms of cosmetic surgery, laser eye surgery is not without its risks and possible complications. There are many risks associated with laser eye surgery ranging from infections and delayed healing of damage or loss of vision but the reports and studies suggest that the chances of a serious complication that endangers vision are minimal . It is very important that you know and understand the risks and complications before considering eye corrective treatment.

Risks of laser eye surgery include;

Infection

Infection after laser eye surgery is rare and is usually treatable, but some cases can not be easily controlled with medication, which could cause some reduction in vision or loss of vision in extreme cases.

Too Much Correction

How each and every person's eyes respond to surgery of the eye can not be guaranteed. As a result, the laser can correct over or under your eyes. While this can be helped with corrective lenses or glasses, a second procedure may also be necessary to improve outcome.

Excessive Corneal Haze

Corneal haze is a normal part of the normal healing process after PRK. In general, it has little or no effect on the final vision and can only be seen by an ophthalmologist with a microscope. However, there are some cases of excessive haze that interferes with vision.

Dry Eye

This is common after laser eye surgery and are usually cured, but can persist in the long run.

The High-Order Aberrations

Usually associated with old age, high-order aberrations can be produced by laser eye surgery. Symptoms include the halo effect, stellar and ghosting and double vision. The halo effect is when a bright ring seen around light sources. Starburst usually occurs below the correction. Starbursts appear around light sources and are a scattering of light like a star. Ghosting and double vision refers to when you can see two of each object.

Anisometropia

It is a difference in refractive error between both eyes. Can occur if one eye is treated and continued use of glasses or contact lenses carpet is needed to balance the two eyes.

In general it was reported that the risks and complications of laser eye surgery are minimal and rare. However, other risks include permanently poor night vision, reduced visual activity, and sometimes even a partial loss of vision may be experienced. The cornea may be damaged and needs to be sutured or a graft. A botched operation can lead to retinal detachment, keratectasia, which is when the cornea is cut too deep, and in some cases even laser eye surgery can induce astigmatism.

The above risks, although rare, are always possible and encountered complications are similar between different types of laser eye surgery such as LASIK, PRK, LASEK and wavefront.

LASIK COMPLICATIONS

2011-11-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

LASIK COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO INTRA

KERATOTOMY USING THE MANUAL

microkeratome "Died LSK-ONE"

LSK-ONE microkeratome MORIA.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS

1. Vacuum pump for fixation of the eyeball through the suction ring.

2. Suction rings, six in number, called: +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 and "H".

3. Microkeratome heads, three in number, 100, 130 and 160 microns in court. They introduced the Teflon plate assembly and blade.

4. Handpiece which includes the turbine. Nitrous oxide moves the turbine, and this, through an eccentric shaft, move the Teflon plate and blade.

5. Head stops or brakes, six in number, distributed in two rings: 1.er ring: 7.0 / 7.5 / 8.0 / 8.5 and 2. Second tier: 8.0 / 8.5 / 9.0 / 9.5.

The combination of suction rings and head caps allow obtaining keratotomy diameters between 8.0 and 11.0 mm in 0.5 mm. Diameters between 8.5 and 9.5 mm are often used to correct myopic defects and diameters between 9.5 and 10.5 mm. for hyperopic. There is a nomogram provided by the house Moria, to calculate the cutting diameter as the original keratometry.

It is considered a manual microkeratome lamellar cut as occurs when the surgeon makes a simple movement of the head on the suction ring. The head and the ring is coupled by means of horizontal guides and speed during the cutting step also depends on the surgeon's hand.

The system is versatile, because it enables you to adjust the cutting diameter at a given cornea and a certain refractive error. Its design also allows viewing the cornea at the keratotomy.

It can be considered a very safe lamellar cut with a minimal complication rate, and which greatly influence the particular clinical case and the experience of the surgeon.

Loss Of Suction

Frequency: In our first 5,000 cases, this complication was presented three times, which is 0.06%.

Cause: In most cases the origin is excessive pressure on the eyelids of the patient. Risk situations occur in very flat corneas, corneas with astigmatism in high and haw too lax. We check for proper suction before cutting (taking eye strain) for the passage of the microkeratome does not trigger the complication.

Consequences: loss of suction can cause an incomplete lamella, in whole or sectioned (Image 1 and 2).

Image 1. Incomplete cut suction loss lamella integrity.

Image 2. Incomplete cut by loss of suction with rupture of the lamellae.

Attitude: If the court has exceeded the pupil area can attempt a manual with a dissector dissection and complete corneal surgery. If the court does not exceed the pupil area it is best to suspend surgery and corneal lamella repositioning. After a few months (between 3 and 6) can make a new cut, or plan a fotoqueratectomía refractive (PRK) if the reason for the loss of suction and advised the refractive permits.

FULL COURT

Frequency: In our first 5,000 cases, this complication occurred in four cases, representing 0.08%.

Cause: The most common is an improper combination of the suction ring and the top of the head. Barring this possibility, the complete cutting can occur when the suction ring is placed off center to the nasal area. Risk situations are considered, farsightedness, for trying to cut large diameter and small diameter corneas. If we have a margin of safety in cases committed, we must be cautious in choosing the suction ring and top of head and safe to use corneal dissector to extend the hinge everything you need.

Consequences: The full court, as such, has no serious consequences, but one difficulty in the handling thereof and an increase in drying time (Image. 3).

Image 3. Full Court hyperopia, once the flap repositioned.

Attitude: Once we have located in the corneal lamellar microkeratome head, face epithelial identified based on previous brands and the different aspect of the two sides of the lamellae. The place in the nasal conjunctiva stromal face up and proceed to the planned photoablation. Then put it in the correct position according to the markings epithelial and proceed to the drying of the cut line. In these cases it is advisable to extend the drying time to achieve good adhesion. No need to put a contact lens but whether to a more rigorous postoperative control.

COURT SURFACE

Cause: In connection with the microkeratome causes are too slack a head with respect to the suction ring, a defective blade, poor suction and speed of the microkeratome pass too high. If the head has clearance with respect to the suction ring, and during the cutting path tilts it up, you get a thin lamella. If the blade has certain characteristics (measured in relation to the Teflon plate) we get a shallow cut and uniform. If the blade has a highly localized defect on the edge, you get an irregular cut at two levels, with the typical image of an exposed Bowman's membrane (Image. 4). If the defect is extensive edge you can get to drag the epithelium without an effective lamellar cut. In relation to the cornea, a thin section is more common in flat corneas and large diameter.

Image 4. Faulty blade superficial cut on its edge. The triangular glow seen in the bed is exposed Bowman's membrane.

Consequences: The fine and uniform cutting prevents photoablation but can be a source of folds and grooves, it can also be a source of unexpected undercorrection. The thin, irregular cut at two levels photoablation discouraged.

Attitude: In case of a uniform fine and complete the surgery can prolong the drying time to ensure adhesion. If the cut is thin and irregular surgery should be discontinued and try a new cut past few months. In the reoperation should use a suction ring that allows for cutting larger diameter and deeper.

DEEP CUT

Causes: In connection with the microkeratome causes are also a head with too much slack, a defective blade, strong suction and a slow cutting speed. Unlike the case before, if during the course tilting the head down, get a deep cut. If the blade has certain characteristics in their morphology, we also obtain a thick lamella (Image. 5). In relation to the cornea, a deep cut corneas is more common in small-diameter curves.

Image 5. Thick cut checked by intraoperative pachymetry. This measure is mandatory in all cases.

Consequences: The thick-cut can be a source of corneal ectasias deferred if the residual bed after photoablation is not sufficient to maintain corneal architecture (Image. 6).

Image 6. Delayed corneal ectasia (9 months after surgery) secondary to cut too deep.

Attitude: If intraoperative pachymetry to detect a cut too deep for myopic photoablation scheduled, we must consider again the calculations in an attempt to save microns. This is achieved by decreasing the ablation optical zone (if the pupil diameter allows it) or decreasing the number of diopters to correct (intentional undercorrection). If you're trying hyperopia is usually not necessary programming changes.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THICKNESS OF THE COURT

In our opinion, is fundamental to the programming of a myopic correction, secure the slice thickness between optimal limits. Defining this parameter, we can build a table to relate all the factors that make surgery safer in terms of corneal thickness. We have developed a model (Table I) which contains all the values to be considered. In it are reflected as follows:

*) Initial pachymetry (P.I.).

*) Slice thickness (fixed in 25% of the total thickness of the cornea) (EL).

*) Photoablation in microns (default at 20% maximum) (FA).

*) Diopters to be corrected by optical zone. VISX S2 (zo zo 6.5-6.0).

*) Postlaser bed as a percentage (default at 55% minimum) (LR).

*) Theoretical final pachymetry (P.F.)

In all that concerns us in this chapter is the thickness of the cut. To achieve the desired thickness (maximum 25%), one of the factors that we believe to be most influential, is the blade, so often we select. If it's a new blade, its action on a Teflon plate to determine the thickness of the cut. If it is a reused blade thickness obtained in the first cut is the approximate value for the second. Normally the second is always thinner than the first and not recommend more than one reuse (two patients, four eyes). With the selection mentioned, we obtain a deposit of optimal cutting blades that allow us to safely deal with borderline cases.

Finally, as we said before, it always scan before starting surgery, the cutting edge, but is new, a defect in the same leads to irregular cuts.

CUT OFFSET

Causes: poor placement of the suction ring or technical default because it is a small corneal astigmatism or higher.

Consequences can result in an off-lamella (Image. 7), a free lamella, bleeding limbal epithelial injury or drag. These latter two situations are described as possible causes of a mild interstitial keratitis postoperatively.

Image 7. Decentered Court has no clinical significance.

Attitude: Continue with the surgery, and be careful with the center of the photoablation. If the offset of the flap prevents the correct treatment with the laser, it can act on the hinge with a corneal dissector to enlarge the surface of stromal bed. If there is bleeding limbic, avoid excessive handling, and if there is displacement epithelial facilitate adhesion of epithelial integrity has been maintained, prolonging the drying time.

LIMBIC COURT

Causes corneas is common in small or in the treatment of hyperopia.

Consequences can lead to bleeding limbic (Image. 8) or epithelial injury and subsequent drag, mild interstitial keratitis.

Image 8. Limbic Court required in a patient with myopic and 9 mm corneal diameter.

Attitude: As in previous complication, avoid excessive manipulation of the stroma and, where possible, maintain epithelial adhesion.

SKIN INJURY

Causes we dystrophies including epithelial and Bowman's membrane, older than 45 years, contact lens wearers with secondary epithelial alterations, superficial cut, a cut off-or limbic, and a technical defect.

Consequences are usually sparse, although the visual recovery is usually slower. The failure to maintain adhesion of the epithelium at the end of surgery (Image. 9), postoperative edema can have a lamellar located in the affected area, a shift lamellar interstitial keratitis, and even in the late postoperative period, a epithelialization of the interface.

Image 9. De-epithelialization of the lower third of the cornea.

Attitude: depends on the morphology of the lesion, whether localized or extensive, whether it is a simple shift of the epithelium or if there to shatter, or if the affected area is central or peripheral. In general, try to keep the largest expanse of epithelial possible, with careful handling and prolonging the drying time to facilitate their accession, sometimes it is beneficial to a partial resection with scissors, because stretching the residual epithelium provides adherence . If the de-epithelialization is extensive you can place a therapeutic contact lens for a few days.

CONCLUSIONS

Lamellar keratotomy for Lasik technique using the LSK-ONE microkeratome MORIA can be considered effective and safe. The two situations are committed in principle, such as loss of suction and full cut, occur infrequently and have little functional impact. The other complications are discussed together frequently and can have major impacts such as postoperative interstitial keratitis, epithelization of the interface and corneal ectasias deferred.

Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery

2011-10-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery

The cost of laser eye surgery can vary widely depending on the area of the country in which LASIK is performed, the level of expertise that the surgeon, the technology used during surgery and the degree of refractive error of the patient. The price of LASIK eye surgery can range from $ 499 to $ 2,500 per eye. However, it is important to remember that the choice of surgeon should not rely solely on the cost of LASIK eye surgery, it is possible that a less experienced ophthalmologist charge a lower price for LASIK, but may not have the same experience, training or equipment accuracy than a more expensive doctor.

Cost Of LASIK by Region

Many patients are curious to know if the cost of LASIK varies by region, and to some extent is true. Patients will see that the price of LASIK eye surgery is higher in larger cities or metropolitan areas in which physicians have increased competition and access to the latest laser technologies. However, despite these influences, the average price of LASIK eye surgery in the United States remains fairly consistent from region to region.

LASIK Cost Breakdown

The cost of LASIK eye surgery may or may not include some of the following :

*) Royalties corresponding to the laser manufacturers;
*) Purchase and maintenance of surgical equipment and technical personnel;
*) Masks, gloves and surgical gowns and other disposable supplies and sterile;
*) Medications used before, during and after surgery, including anesthesia, eye drops and oral analgesics;
*) Rental of office facilities and operations;
*) Salaries for office staff and surgical;
*) Fees for advertising;
*) Pre-and post-surgery for a maximum period of one year after surgery, and

Postoperative improvement, if necessary.

As many of these price quotes from LASIK eye surgery vary by office location, the technology used and are certain factors that are specific to each surgeon, it is important that prospective patients to perform a thorough investigation about what they will pay when subjected a LASIK laser eye surgery. Be sure to ask surgeons to clearly indicate what to include or not include the price of LASIK before agreeing plans and payment methods.

What factors increase the price of LASIK ?

Another cause of variation in the price of LASIK eye surgery is the type of laser and the technology used. LASIK with IntraLase, which uses a laser instead of a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap has a cost of $ 250 to $ 500 or more per eye. Custom LASIK, which uses t echnology wavefront to map the cornea of the patient, can cost $ 200 to $ 500 or more per eye. While many patients find that these higher fees are worth it, it is important that those wishing to undergo the LASIK conduct a full investigation of these new techniques to see if they are appropriate for them. If you want more information on financing options for laser eye surgery, visit our LASIK Financing.

Discounts on the price of LASIK eye surgery: What You Should Know

Many experts recommend avoiding eye surgery centers offer discounts on laser intensive advertising campaigns. These centers often use deceptive tactics to attract customers, and the promise of a price of LASIK eye surgery to low then add a great deal of additional fees to the final cost of the surgery. Some surgeons advertise a low price, but patients then find that this price applies only to minor corrections, and corrections generate a cost much higher than LASIK eye surgery. Many surgeons also charge less for LASIK because they lack the technology or experience other surgeons, with higher costs, may possess.

On the other hand, a higher price does not necessarily guarantee that the LASIK surgeon is the best. Make sure you find a LASIK surgeon trained: take the time to investigate the references of eye surgeons in your area.

Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Eye Surgery Or LASIK Laser

2011-10-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Eye Surgery Or LASIK Laser

LASIK is the name of eye surgery that is done with a laser beam to help improve eyesight. The laser beam a few tiny cuts that change the shape of the clear covering of the eye, the cornea. If surgery is done well, it is possible that the person no longer needs so much wear glasses or contact lenses.

Most patients are very pleased with the results. But, as with all surgery there are risks.

Is LASIK right for me ?

Consider the following

*) Cost: Most insurance plans do not pay this kind of surgery.
*) LASIK operation will not succeed if your vision changes often. Have you needed a change of your contact lenses or glasses in the last year? Changes in vision are more likely if the person:

- It is 20 years early

- Have diabetes or certain types of diseases

- Are pregnant or nursing

- Are you taking any medications that cause changes in vision, such as steroids

*) Laser surgery is not recommended for people who play contact sports. For example, boxing, wrestling, martial arts.
*) Laser surgery is not approved for persons under 18 years.
*) In some jobs do not allow employees to take certain types of operations. Check with your employer to see if this type of surgery is permitted.

Got the right doctor

*) How many surgeries has arisen I deem the doctor with the same laser?
*) Has this laser FDA approval?
*) Does the doctor take time to answer all your questions?

What your doctor should you ask before surgery

Your doctor must determine if you have any of the following health conditions:

*) Any eye disease, now or before, such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension
*) Eye injuries or laser surgery
*) Large pupils, thin corneas or dry eyes

If you opt for LASIK surgery
Before surgery:

*) Your doctor should give you a form where you give your consent after receiving the necessary information. Read it and make sure you understand. Ask and get answers to your questions.
*) Order a thorough examination of the eyes.
*) Make plans to avoid having to drive or work immediately after surgery.

After the surgery :

*) Take at least two days off work to rest and feel better.
*) Feel some pain for a few days.
*) For a few days you can not see clearly. To get the final results may have to wait several months.

For a complaint reliza

The FDA controls the sale of lasers used for LASIK. If you have any problems with LASIK eye surgery, first talk to your doctor. Then, report the problem to FDA Program Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting (MedWatch) by phone 1-800-332-1088. Or go to: "MedWatch: Medical Product Reporting / Safety Information" on the FDA website http://www.fda.gov/

Laser Eye Surgery

2011-10-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Laser Eye Surgery

Do I submit to the Eye Surgery ?

If you are considering undergoing laser eye surgery, the first thing to know is whether or not a good candidate for this operation. This will depend on whether you have the right age (21 years), the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism you have, if graduation is stable or not, if your eyes are healthy and is well informed about the risks and benefits of surgery Laser eye.

The main advantage is laser surgery the patient is off the glasses, which is a real release for many people who no longer dependent on glasses. Laser surgery has the added advantage that surgery is simple, fast and does not require hospitalization, have a rapid recovery, fewer aches and low risk.

But any intervention also has some disadvantages and risks, which include: dry eyes, overcorrection or undercorrection and halos.

Adding the advantages and disadvantages or risks, 85% of people who have laser surgery say they have improved their quality of life after surgery and 93% reported being very satisfied with the results.

What Laser Operation Corrects problems ?

The laser surgery or refractive surgery corrects the refractive errors of the most important view, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In these cases, the image is formed in front of the retina (myopia), behind the retina (hyperopia) or irregularly (astigmatism). By the action of the laser, the cornea is corrected so that the image is formed directly on the retina, rather than in front or behind it. Laser surgery is also used to correct presbyopia, or farsightedness, glaucoma and other eye diseases.

How to choose a clinic and an ophthalmologist ?

When choosing a clinic, it is important to seek the best and the best eye clinic to treat your particular case. If you are not satisfied after the first visit, you should visit another center. You should also beware of some false advertising, see you well informed about the operation and studying it to you. You should also check the ophthalmologist's experience and is accustomed to perform laser eye surgery. Some questions to ask your eye doctor and some aspects that should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate clinical.

Alternatives to Laser Surgery :

Although LASIK surgery he is the most common, is not the only option and depending on the characteristics of their eyes, it is possible that your ophthalmologist will propose another type of intervention. Other alternatives to LASIK surgery is the method PRK, LASEK or Intralasik. There are other alternatives such as PRK and implantable lenses.

Laser Operation Explained :

Lasik Surgery lasts only a few minutes per eye. In this surgery, the ophthalmologist first gives the patient a tranquilizer and then puts numbing eye drops. Then makes a circular cut in the cornea to the laser. Then applies the laser for a few seconds on each eye and replace the corneal flap in its original place.

Questions Regarding the Operation Laser :

The main questions posed are whether laser eye surgery laser surgery hurts, whether to operate one eye and then the other, or whether to operate them both at once. Some people wonder what happens if you blink during operation and as the recovery. Another frequent question is whether refractive surgery, cure or correct the refractive error of the eye.

What will happen after refractive surgery (laser surgery):

The day of the operation is important that you go to the clinic with someone who can accompany you home after. You should bring sunglasses and be prepared to spend a little time to review the operation is finished. Then you will get eye drops frequently and watch out for a while, if you make any contact sport. No need to rub your eyes and must pass periodic reviews.

Laser Eye Surgery

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

2011-10-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

In this section you can find the information that will help you determine if laser eye surgery (eye) surgery is right for you.

We explain what features should have a good candidate for laser surgery a success and what are the benefits, risks and results can be expected from laser eye surgery.

* ) Who is a good candidate to undergo an operation for myopia: In this article we discuss what features should have a good candidate to undergo eye surgery and for the operation to be successful.

* ) There is to know about the operation eyes (sight): Statistics on the degree of patient satisfaction after the eye operation.

* ) Requirements eye surgery - What are the requirements that must meet a patient, your eyes and your vision or vision for laser eye surgery is a success.

* ) Myopia and hyperopia surgery Advantages - The main advantage of being subjected to the operation of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism is the freedom it represents the abandonment of eyeglasses. The surgery itself is quite simple and fast and most of the people who pass through it are very happy with the results.

* ) Disadvantages myopia and hyperopia laser operation: The disadvantages of this operation are the risks of any surgery and the fact that some people need glasses again after some time or may need a second operation.

* ) Laser Surgery Risks: The risks of this operation are dry eye, photophobia, possible nighttime glare and halos.

* ) Comparison of refractive surgery (vision), eye glasses and contact lenses: comparative table setting out the advantages and disadvantages of refractive surgery (laser eye surgery) compared to glasses and contact lenses

* ) Conclusions Laser eye surgery - Aspects to take into account when deciding whether surgery Laser eye surgery is right for you.

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

Types of Laser Surgery : PRK, Lasek, IntraLASIK, Lasik

2011-10-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

Types of Laser Surgery : PRK, Lasek, IntraLASIK, Lasik

There are different types of laser surgery to improve the conditions of your sight. The preferred method is the method of LASIK. Other methods include: LASIK, PRK, Intralasik (or laser "intra") and LASEK (with "E").
They are procedures aimed at correcting vision (in cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) by reshaping the cornea.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK is the method most widely used and preferred by both physicians and patients due to high success rates and the rapid recovery of patients. LASIK laser eye surgery is a treatment that reshapes the cornea. Laser eye surgery involves sectioning, remove and set aside a small surface of the cornea (corneal flap). And then the laser is "polished" or "sculpt" the tissue through the cornea which is then re-cover with the corneal flap that was previously removed.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery

The main difference between PRK laser surgery and laser surgery LASIK is that PRK with the technique does not separate the corneal flap as if done with LASIK. This technique removes the outer layer of cells of the cornea with an alcohol solution. Then it also reshapes the cornea with the laser. This technique is particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas that can be operated with LASIK. Recovery is usually slower and also patients should have their eyes protected with a special contact lenses during the cicatricación.

LASEK (with "E")

The procedure called LASEK (also known as epithelial or E-Lasik Lasik) is a type of PRK, newer. In Lasek used a knife to cut thinner corneal flap. Then apply a more water-alcohol solution to loosen the eye epithelium.
This option is recommended mainly for those patients with the cornea is too thin or too soft, which could cause complications with LASIK.

Intralasik Laser Surgery

Intralasik The method has been developed to solve some of the problems I had laser surgery LASIK and LASEK methods. It is a mixture of both, albeit with a few differences. In intralasik, the corneal flap is cut very thin, with a blade that oscillates. Next, do not use the alcohol solution to loosen the epithelium but does so with a plastic knife.

Types of Laser Surgery

Operation Laser Eye Retouch (Myopia, Hyperopia)

2011-10-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

Operation Laser Eye Retouch (Myopia, Hyperopia)

In some cases it may happen that the results obtained after laser surgery than those initially expected and required of what is known as touch-up surgery to finish correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism . This occurs when the degree of correction achieved in the first laser operation has not been enough (or has tried in excess) and you need a second surgery to correct or stop back to zero graduation.

There are many cases in which this second operation requires surgery (trimming). It is estimated that overall, only about 5 to 10% of operated patients required a second operation with the laser after the first intervention.

When this occurs and the patient does not get the expected results, may be very frustrated. It is therefore desirable that the patient knows in advance that although this rarely happens, can happen. It is important that the ophthalmologist is clear at this point to avoid misunderstandings.

In some cases, surgery may be needed retouching years after the first laser surgery. This may be due to changes that have been causing the eyes to reappear a certain level. In these cases, if the patient so wishes and the doctor saw fit, could use a touch-up surgery. Even if graduation is mild or only require glasses for certain activities, might be a good option to use glasses only during those moments.

Operation Laser Eye Retouch

Light eyes are not the most ill

2011-10-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Light eyes are not the most ill

If you are one of those born with blue eyes should not worry, even if there are comments and myths about it, they are more prone to eye disease or refractive errors are believed in popular slang.

Nor is it true that there is more complication to the surgery or refractive laser surgery, if your eyes are green or blue does not necessarily mean illness or suffering and more delicate, but if they can, in most cases be more sensitive to light, without being an absolute truth.

Before laser eye surgery, the patient was performed tests that take into account eye surgeons to identify which afflict the refractive error, which are produced by the shape of the cornea or eye size but not by the color of iris.

Light eyes are not the most ill

Artificial Tear Eye Drops After Lasik

2011-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Artificial Tear Eye Drops After Lasik

Every artificial tear manufacturer has a slightly different formula for each brand. Some eye drops are thick to provide more protection, others are thin to provide rapid relief without vision disruption, however all can be divided into one of three categories: preserved, preservative free, preservative free on contact.
The preservatives used in artificial tears are a mild toxin. A purpose of a toxin in an artificial tear is to kill anything that may promote spoilage of the eye drops and to keep the eye drops aseptic.

The eye does not like toxins too much, even low level toxins. Toxins in eye drops can cause irritation, redness, even inflammation. An eye healing from conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, NearVision CK, RLE, or any refractive surgery procedure, needs all the help it can get and applying a toxin is not helpful. Even if the eye drops do not cause irritation and feel fine, the toxins may be slowing or negatively affecting the healing process.

Newer "preservative free on contact" artificial tears have an advantage that the toxin quickly dissipates, but the speed at which the toxin dissipates varies greatly. As an example, one such drop dissipates the preservative by exposure to ambient light. If you put in the drops, close your eyes, and go to bed with the lights out, that preservative is not going to dissipate very quickly. Artificial tears that claim to be preservative free on contact are not necessarily appropriate immediately after surgery.

It is always best to use true preservative free eye drops during the immediate recovery period after Lasik or similar laser eye surgery. It is even a good idea to use preservative free eye drops long after surgery, but they are more expensive and after the cornea has healed adequately an artificial tear with a preservative or is preservative free on contact may be appropriate. Check with your doctor.

If eye irritation is experiences with the use of a preservative free artificial tear, it may be the formulation is incompatible. It is possible that something in a particular formula of a particular brand is causing irritation, with or without a preservative. You would need to try different brands to see what works best for you. Listed below are several of the major artificial tears categorized by active ingredients.

Artificial Tear Eye Drops After Lasik

New Laser Eye Surgery Approved

2011-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Technique Performed In Boston

The newest Food and Drug Administration-approved laser eye surgery is now being done in Boston.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Wednesday that doctors at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are using the latest laser technique in the world to correct vision.
"We can treat very high prescriptions or very low prescriptions in less than 10 seconds," Dr. Roberto Pineda said.

There are two parts to the surgery. The first is done while the patient's awake. They use the Intralase laser to cut the top layer of the eye. The patient is then escorted into the next room, where the vision correction procedure is done using an Allegretto Eye-Q.

"We lift that flap that we constructed for the laser surgery using the first laser and then do the laser treatment with the second laser," Pineda said.

Seconds later, the flap is reattached, the surgery is over, and the vision is corrected.
"Because it's delivered in much shorter period of time, if the laser takes over a minute to do the treatment, the cornea can dry out over time and affect the final visual outcome," Pineda said.
Gina Matthews wore contacts for 20 years before having the surgery this fall.

"My contact lenses had become intolerable to wear," Matthews said.

She said that the surgery was painless and that now, her life is easier and a lot clearer.
"Last weekend was the first weekend I went skiing, and I didn't have to worry about my glasses or goggles and things like that, and that is one of the things I was looking forward to, is being able to ski, swim without worrying about corrective lessons," Matthews said.

Like any other elective surgery, most insurance companies won't cover lasik. But doctors said this can benefit people who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.

Technique Performed In Boston

LASIK Starbursts, Ghosting, Halos and Double Vision

2011-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Higher-order aberrations are visual problems that cannot be diagnosed using a traditional eye exam, which tests only for acuteness of vision. Severe aberrations can cause significant vision impairment. These aberrations include starbursts, ghosting, halos, double vision, and a number of other post-operative complications.

There have always been concerns about LASIK because of its tendency to induce higher-order aberrations. The advancement of the LASIK technology has helped reduce the risk of clinically significant visual impairment after surgery.

There is a correlation between pupil size and aberrations. Effectively, the larger the pupil size, the greater the risk of aberrations. This correlation is the result of the irregularity between the untouched part of the cornea and the reshaped part.

Daytime post-lasik vision is optimal, since the pupil is smaller than the LASIK flap. But at night, the pupil may expand such that light passes through the edge of the LASIK flap into the pupil which gives rise to many aberrations, including the appearance of halos surrounding sources of light. There are other currently unknown factors in addition to pupil size that also may lead to higher order aberrations.

In extreme cases in which ideal procedures were not followed by ophthalmologists, and before key advances, some people could suffer debilitating symptoms such as serious loss of contrast sensitivity in poor lighting situations.

Over time, most attention has shifted from other aberrations and centered on spherical aberration. LASIK and PRK tend to induce spherical aberration, because of the tendency of the laser to undercorrect as it moves outward from the center of the treatment zone.

This is primarily an issue for major corrections. There are theories that posit that if the lasers were simply programmed to adjust for this tendency, no significant spherical aberration would occur. In eyes with few higher order aberrations, wavefront-optimized LASIK (rather than wavefront-guided LASIK) may well be the future.

Higher order aberrations are measured in micrometers (µm) on the wavescan taken during the pre-op examination, while the smallest beam size of lasers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lasers is about 1000 times larger, at 0.65 mm. Thus imperfections are inherent in the procedure and a reason why patients experience halo, glare, and starburst, even with small naturally-dilated pupils in dim lighting.

LASIK Safety

2011-09-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

The reported figures for safety and efficacy are open to interpretation. In 2003, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the largest insurer for doctors in the United Kingdom, reported a 166 percent increase in claims involving laser eye surgery; however, the MDU averred that some of these claims resulted primarily from patients' unrealistic expectations of LASIK rather than faulty surgery.

A 2003 study, reported in the medical journal ''Ophthalmology,'' found that nearly 18 percent of treated patients and 12 percent of treated eyes needed retreatment. The authors concluded that higher initial corrections, astigmatism, and older age are risk factors for LASIK retreatment.
In 2004, the British National Health Service's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) considered a systematic review of four randomized controlled trials before issuing guidance for the use of LASIK within the NHS.

Regarding the procedure's efficacy, NICE reported, "Current evidence on LASIK for the treatment of refractive errors suggests that it is effective in selected patients with mild or moderate short-sightedness," but that "evidence is weaker for its effectiveness in severe short-sightedness and long-sightedness."

Regarding the procedure's safety, NICE reported that "there are concerns about the procedure's safety in the long term and current evidence does not appear adequate to support its use within the NHS without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research."

Leading refractive surgeons in the United Kingdom and United States, including at least one author of a study cited in the report, believe NICE relied on information that is severely dated and weakly researched.

On October 10, 2006, WebMD reported that statistical analysis revealed that contact lens wear infection risk is greater than the infection risk from LASIK. Daily contact lens wearers have a 1-in-100 chance of developing a serious, contact lens-related eye infection in 30 years of use, and a 1-in-2,000 chance of suffering significant vision loss as a result of infection. The researchers calculated the risk of significant vision loss consequence of LASIK surgery to be closer to 1-in-10,000 cases.

LASIK Safety

LASIK Complications

2011-09-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Some patients with poor outcomes from LASIK surgical procedures report a significantly reduced quality of life because of vision problems or physical pain associated with the surgery.

Patients who have suffered LASIK complications have created websites and discussion forums to educate the public about the risks, where prospective and past patients can discuss the surgery.

In 1999, Surgical Eyes was founded in New York City by RK patient Ron Link as a resource for patients with complications of LASIK and other refractive surgeries.

Most experienced and reputable clinics will do a full-dilation medical eye exam prior to surgery and give adequate post-operative patient education care to minimize the risk of a negative outcome.

For best results, Steven C. Schallhorn, an ophthalmologist who oversaw the US Navy's refractive surgery program and whose research partly influenced the Navy's decision to allow its aviators to get LASIK, recommends patients seek out what's called "all-laser Lasik" combined with "wavefront-guided" software.
The FDA website on LASIK clearly states: "Before undergoing a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so." Consequently, prospective patients still need to fully understand all the potential issues and complications, as satisfaction is directly related to expectation.

The FDA received 140 "negative reports relating to LASIK" for the time period 1998–2006.
The most common complication from refractive surgery is the incidence of "dry eyes." According to an American Journal of Ophthalmology study of March 2006, the incidence rate of dry eyes from LASIK after the six month post operative healing period was 36%. The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) website states that "dry eyes" may be permanent.

The high incidence of dry eyes necessitates a proper preoperative and post operative evaluation and treatment for dry eyes.

There are a number of successful treatments for dry eyes including artificial tears, prescription tears and punctal occlusion.

Punctal occlusion is accomplished by placing a collagen plug in the natural drain of the eye. Dry eyes, if left untreated can compromise the visual outcome and result in regression of the effect of LASIK or PRK, or in severe cases result in "chronic dry eye" where permanent chronic pain and visual impairment is a possible outcome.

It also must be noted that some incidences of dry eye cannot be successfully mitigated using the above mentioned techniques, so a potential lasik patient must consider that dry eye can be a permanent outcome and untreatable.

The risk for a patient of suffering from disturbing visual side effects such as halos, double vision (ghosting), loss of contrast sensitivity (foggy vision) and glare after LASIK depends on the degree of ametropia before the laser eye surgery and other risk factors.
For this reason, it is important to take into account the individual risk potential of a patient and not just the average probability for all patients.

The following are some of the more frequently reported complications of LASIK:

Surgery induced dry eyes
Overcorrection or undercorrection
Very Low level vitamin D - Sun sensitivity
Visual acuity fluctuation
Halos or starbursts around light sources at night
Light sensitivity
Ghost images or double vision
Wrinkles in flap (striae)
Decentered ablation
Debris or growth under flap
Thin or buttonhole flap
Induced astigmatism
Corneal Ectasia
Floaters
Epithelium erosion
Posterior vitreous detachment
Macular hole

Complications due to LASIK have been classified as those that occur due to preoperative, intraoperative, early postoperative, or late postoperative sources:

Intraoperative complications

The incidence of flap complications has been estimated to be 0.244%. Flap complications (such as displaced flaps or folds in the flaps that necessitate repositioning, diffuse lamellar keratitis, and epithelial ingrowth) are common in lamellar corneal surgeries but rarely lead to permanent visual acuity loss; the incidence of these microkeratome-related complications decreases with increased physician experience. According to proponents of such techniques, this risk is further reduced by the use of IntraLasik and other non-microkeratome related approaches, although this is not proven and carries its own set of risks of complications from the IntraLasik procedure.
A slipped flap (a corneal flap that detaches from the rest of the cornea) is one of the most common complications. The chances of this are greatest immediately after surgery, so patients typically are advised to go home and sleep to let the flap heal. Patients are usually given sleep goggles or eye shields to wear for several nights to prevent them from dislodging the flap in their sleep. A faster operation may decrease the chance of this complication, as there is less time for the flap to dry.
Flap interface particles are another finding whose clinical significance is undetermined. A Finnish study found that particles of various sizes and reflectivity were clinically visible in 38.7% of eyes examined via slit lamp biomicroscopy, but apparent in 100% of eyes using confocal microscopy.
The incidence of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), also known as the Sands of Sahara syndrome, has been estimated at 2.3%. DLK is an inflammatory process that involves an accumulation of white blood cells at the interface between the LASIK flap and the underlying corneal stroma. It is most commonly treated with steroid eye drops, and sometimes it is necessary for the eye surgeon to lift the flap and manually remove the accumulated cells.
The incidence of infection responsive to treatment has been estimated at 0.4%. Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin or a corneal transplant.
The incidence of persistent dry eye has been estimated to be as high as 28% in Asian eyes and 5% in Caucasian eyes. Nerve fibers in the cornea are important for stimulating tear production. A year after LASIK, subbasal nerve fiber bundles remain reduced by more than half. Some patients experience reactive tearing, in part to compensate for chronic decreased basal wetting tear production.
The incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhage has been estimated at 10.5%
Halos or starbursts around bright lights at night are caused by the irregularity between the lasered part and the untouched part. It is not practical to perform the surgery so that it covers the width of the pupil at full dilation at night, and the pupil may expand so that light passes through the edge of the flap into the pupil. In daytime, the pupil is smaller than the edge. Modern equipment is better suited to treat those with large pupils, and responsible physicians will check for them during examination.
Late traumatic flap dislocations have been reported 1–7 years post-LASIK.
Dry eye or in severe cases Chronic Dry eye. Due to nerves that are severed during the Lasik operation (around 70% of corneal nerves are severed), the lubrication system of the eye is affected and nerves may never recover to pre-operative condition. This may leave the patient with potential permanent dry eyes

Intraoperative complications

The incidence of flap complications has been estimated to be 0.244%. Flap complications (such as displaced flaps or folds in the flaps that necessitate repositioning, diffuse lamellar keratitis, and epithelial ingrowth) are common in lamellar corneal surgeries but rarely lead to permanent visual acuity loss; the incidence of these microkeratome-related complications decreases with increased physician experience. According to proponents of such techniques, this risk is further reduced by the use of IntraLasik and other non-microkeratome related approaches, although this is not proven and carries its own set of risks of complications from the IntraLasik procedure.
A slipped flap (a corneal flap that detaches from the rest of the cornea) is one of the most common complications. The chances of this are greatest immediately after surgery, so patients typically are advised to go home and sleep to let the flap heal. Patients are usually given sleep goggles or eye shields to wear for several nights to prevent them from dislodging the flap in their sleep. A faster operation may decrease the chance of this complication, as there is less time for the flap to dry.
Flap interface particles are another finding whose clinical significance is undetermined. A Finnish study found that particles of various sizes and reflectivity were clinically visible in 38.7% of eyes examined via slit lamp biomicroscopy, but apparent in 100% of eyes using confocal microscopy.
The incidence of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), also known as the Sands of Sahara syndrome, has been estimated at 2.3%. DLK is an inflammatory process that involves an accumulation of white blood cells at the interface between the LASIK flap and the underlying corneal stroma. It is most commonly treated with steroid eye drops, and sometimes it is necessary for the eye surgeon to lift the flap and manually remove the accumulated cells.
The incidence of infection responsive to treatment has been estimated at 0.4%. Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin or a corneal transplant.
The incidence of persistent dry eye has been estimated to be as high as 28% in Asian eyes and 5% in Caucasian eyes. Nerve fibers in the cornea are important for stimulating tear production. A year after LASIK, subbasal nerve fiber bundles remain reduced by more than half. Some patients experience reactive tearing, in part to compensate for chronic decreased basal wetting tear production.
The incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhage has been estimated at 10.5%
Halos or starbursts around bright lights at night are caused by the irregularity between the lasered part and the untouched part. It is not practical to perform the surgery so that it covers the width of the pupil at full dilation at night, and the pupil may expand so that light passes through the edge of the flap into the pupil. In daytime, the pupil is smaller than the edge. Modern equipment is better suited to treat those with large pupils, and responsible physicians will check for them during examination.
Late traumatic flap dislocations have been reported 1–7 years post-LASIK.
Dry eye or in severe cases Chronic Dry eye. Due to nerves that are severed during the Lasik operation (around 70% of corneal nerves are severed), the lubrication system of the eye is affected and nerves may never recover to pre-operative condition. This may leave the patient with potential permanent dry eyes.

Other

Lasik and other forms of laser refractive surgery (i.e. PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASEK) change the dynamics of the cornea. These changes make it difficult for your optometrist and ophthalmologist to accurately measure your intraocular pressure, essential in glaucoma screening and treatment.

The changes also affect the calculations used to select the correct intraocular lens implant when you have cataract surgery. This is known to ophthalmologists as "refractive surprise." The correct intraocular pressure and intraocular lens power can be calculated if you can provide your eye care professional with your preoperative, operative and postoperative eye measurements.

Although there have been improvements in LASIK technology, a large body of conclusive evidence on the chances of long-term complications is not yet established. Also, there is a small chance of complications, such as haziness, halo, or glare, some of which may be irreversible because the LASIK eye surgery procedure is irreversible.

The incidence of macular hole has been estimated at 0.2 percent The incidence of retinal detachment has been estimated at 0.36 percent.
Although the cornea usually is thinner after LASIK, because of the removal of part of the stroma, refractive surgeons strive to maintain the maximum thickness to avoid structurally weakening the cornea.
Decreased atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes has not been demonstrated as extremely dangerous to the eyes of LASIK patients. However, some mountain climbers have experienced a myopic shift at extreme altitudes.

In situ keratomileusis effected at a later age increases the incidence of corneal higher-order wavefront aberrations. Conventional eyeglasses do not correct higher order aberrations.
Microfolding has been reported as "an almost unavoidable complication of LASIK" whose "clinical significance appears negligible."

Factors affecting surgery

Typically, the cornea is avascular because it must be transparent to function normally, and its cells absorb oxygen from the tear film. Thus, low-oxygen-permeable contact lenses reduce the cornea's oxygen absorption, sometimes resulting in corneal neovascularization—the growth of blood vessels into the cornea. This causes a slight lengthening of inflammation duration and healing time and some pain during surgery, because of greater bleeding.

Although some contact lenses (notably modern RGP and soft silicone hydrogel lenses) are made of materials with greater oxygen permeability that help reduce the risk of corneal neovascularization, patients considering LASIK are warned to avoid over-wearing their contact lenses. Usually, it is recommended that they discontinue wearing contact lenses days or weeks before the LASIK eye surgery.

Age considerations

New advances in eyesight corrective surgery are providing consumers greater choices. Patients in their 40s or 50s who are considering LASIK surgery to improve their vision might want to consider to be evaluated for implantable lenses as well. "Early signs of a cataract might argue for surgery and implantation of multifocal lenses instead."

The FDA has approved LASIK for age 18 and over. More importantly the person's eye prescription needs to be stable for at least one year prior to surgery.

LASIK - What is LASIK ?

2011-09-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

LASIK or Lasik (''laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis'') is a type of refractive surgery for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK is performed by ophthalmologists using a laser.
LASIK is similar to other surgical corrective procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy, PRK, (also called ASA, Advanced Surface Ablation) though it provides benefits such as faster patient recovery.
Both LASIK and PRK represent advances over radial keratotomy in the surgical treatment of vision problems, and are thus viable alternatives to wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses for many patients.
There are several necessary preparations in the preoperative period. The operation itself involves creating a thin flap on the eye, folding it to enable remodeling of the tissue beneath with a laser. The flap is repositioned and the eye is left to heal in the postoperative period.

Preoperative

Patients wearing soft contact lenses are usually instructed to stop wearing them 5 to 21 days before surgery. One industry body recommends that patients wearing hard contact lenses should stop wearing them for a minimum of six weeks plus another six weeks for every three years the hard contacts have been worn.
Before the surgery, the patient's corneas are examined with a pachymeter to determine their thickness, and with a topographer to measure their surface contour. Using low-power lasers, a topographer creates a topographic map of the cornea.
This process also detects astigmatism and other irregularities in the shape of the cornea. Using this information, the surgeon calculates the amount and the locations of corneal tissue to be removed during the operation. The patient typically is prescribed and self-administers an antibiotic beforehand to minimize the risk of infection after the procedure.

Operation

The operation is performed with the patient awake and mobile; however, the patient is sometimes given a mild sedative (such as Valium) and anesthetic eye drops.
LASIK is performed in three steps. The first step is to create a flap of corneal tissue. The second step is remodeling of the cornea underneath the flap with the laser. Finally, the flap is repositioned.

Flap creation

A corneal suction ring is applied to the eye, holding the eye in place. This step in the procedure can sometimes cause small blood vessels to burst, resulting in bleeding or subconjunctival hemorrhage into the white (sclera) of the eye, a harmless side effect that resolves within several weeks.
Increased suction typically causes a transient dimming of vision in the treated eye. Once the eye is immobilized, the flap is created.
This process is achieved with a mechanical microkeratome using a metal blade, or a femtosecond laser microkeratome (procedure known as IntraLASIK) that creates a series of tiny closely arranged bubbles within the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back, revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. The process of lifting and folding back the flap can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Laser remodeling

The second step of the procedure is to use an Excimer laser (193 nm) to remodel the corneal stroma. The laser vaporizes tissue in a finely controlled manner without damaging the adjacent stroma. No burning with heat or actual cutting is required to ablate the tissue.
The layers of tissue removed are tens of micrometres thick. Performing the laser ablation in the deeper corneal stroma typically provides for more rapid visual recovery and less pain than the earlier technique, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
During the second step, the patient's vision will become very blurry once the flap is lifted. They will be able to see only white light surrounding the orange light of the laser, which can lead to mild disorientation.
Currently, manufactured Excimer lasers use an eye tracking system that follows the patient's eye position up to 4,000 times per second, redirecting laser pulses for precise placement within the treatment zone. Typical pulses are around 1 millijoule (mJ) of pulse energy in 10 to 20 nanoseconds.

Repositioning of flap

After the laser has reshaped the stromal layer, the LASIK flap is carefully repositioned over the treatment area by the surgeon and checked for the presence of air bubbles, debris, and proper fit on the eye. The flap remains in position by natural adhesion until healing is completed.

Postoperative care

Patients are usually given a course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. These are continued in the weeks following surgery.
Patients are usually told to sleep much more and are also given a darkened pair of shields to protect their eyes from bright lights and protective goggles to prevent rubbing of the eyes when asleep and to reduce dry eyes.
They also are required to moisturize the eyes with preservative-free tears and follow directions for prescription drops. Patients should be adequately informed by their surgeons of the importance of proper post-operative care to minimize the risk of complications.
The surveys determining patient satisfaction with LASIK have found most patients satisfied, with satisfaction range being 92–98 percent.
A meta-analysis dated March 2008 performed by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery over 3,000 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 10 years in clinical journals from around the world, including 19 studies comprising 2,200 patients that looked directly at satisfaction, revealed a 95.4 percent patient satisfaction rate among LASIK patients worldwide.

LASIK - What is LASIK ?

LASER EYES

Doubts About The Laser Eye Surgery

LASER EYES

Doubts About The Laser Eye Surgery

Some Of The Most Frequent Questions of Laser Eye Surgery Are :

Myopia Laser Surgery

LASER EYES

Myopia Laser Surgery

7 tips for LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

7 tips for LASIK Eye Surgery to See if You Are a Good Candidate

Laser/Lasik Eye Center

Laser / Lasik Eye Center: WebMd Overview LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

What Are the Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery ?

What Are the Disadvantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?

What Are the Potential Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery ?

How Should I Prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery ?

Laser Eye Surgery Risks

LASER EYES

The Risks Of Laser Eye Surgery

Infection

Too Much Correction

Excessive Corneal Haze

Dry Eye

The High-Order Aberrations

Anisometropia

LASIK COMPLICATIONS

LASIK COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO INTRA

KERATOTOMY USING THE MANUAL

microkeratome "Died LSK-ONE"

LSK-ONE microkeratome MORIA.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS

Loss Of Suction

FULL COURT

COURT SURFACE

DEEP CUT

IMPORTANCE OF THE THICKNESS OF THE COURT

CUT OFFSET

LIMBIC COURT

SKIN INJURY

CONCLUSIONS

Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Cost Of LASIK by Region

LASIK Cost Breakdown

Postoperative improvement, if necessary.

What factors increase the price of LASIK ?

Discounts on the price of LASIK eye surgery: What You Should Know

Eye Surgery Or LASIK Laser

Eye Surgery Or LASIK Laser

Is LASIK right for me ?

Consider the following

Got the right doctor

What your doctor should you ask before surgery

If you opt for LASIK surgeryBefore surgery:

After the surgery :

For a complaint reliza

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery

What Laser Operation Corrects problems ?

How to choose a clinic and an ophthalmologist ?

Alternatives to Laser Surgery :

Laser Operation Explained :

Questions Regarding the Operation Laser :

What will happen after refractive surgery (laser surgery):

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

Want to make laser eye surgery ?

Types of Laser Surgery : PRK, Lasek, IntraLASIK, Lasik

Types of Laser Surgery : PRK, Lasek, IntraLASIK, Lasik

Types of Laser Surgery

Operation Laser Eye Retouch (Myopia, Hyperopia)

Operation Laser Eye Retouch (Myopia, Hyperopia)

Operation Laser Eye Retouch

Light eyes are not the most ill

Light eyes are not the most ill

Light eyes are not the most ill

Artificial Tear Eye Drops After Lasik

Artificial Tear Eye Drops After Lasik

If you opt for LASIK surgery
Before surgery: