LASIK - A now common procedure

One of the first things that springs to mind when considering corrective eye surgery is the term, "LASIK". An acronym for "laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis," this rather common procedure is used to correct certain vision problems through refractive surgery.

Since its debut in the 1980s, there have been conflicting stories about what LASIK entails and whether or not it's truly successful.

Laser eye surgery is typically used for those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Until the advent of LASIK, eyeglasses and contacts were used to treat these issues, but only served as aids to vision rather than corrections.

Those who have undergone a successful laser eye surgery procedure should find that their need for such aids are extremely diminished or eliminated altogether.

Reshaping your eyes

Technically speaking, LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea from within the eye itself using laser to accomplish the task.

If, for instance, your cornea is not shaped correctly to fit the dimensions of your eye, this procedure may be effective. By utilizing laser to extract bits of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it, the refractive error can be corrected and the visual images will then be focused directly onto the retina, which may eliminate the need for aids such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.

After a thorough eye examination, you'll be expected to choose a doctor to perform the LASIK eye surgery. Once this has been done, you'll be scheduled for a consultation with the doctor to discuss the process, and you'll have the opportunity to voice whatever questions or concerns that you may have prior to the procedure.

Don't wear your glasses for up to a month before the op'

You should expect to be instructed not to wear your glasses or contact lenses for two to four weeks prior to your surgery, in order for the cornea to return to its natural shape, without interference from external visual aids.

When an individual wears contact lenses, for instance, the shape of the cornea is changed, so it's important to remove these and leave them out for up to a month before surgery. In addition, your doctor will instruct you not to apply any lotions, creams, make-up or other products around the area of the eyes for awhile prior to the procedure.

On the day of your LASIK eye surgery, you'll receive anesthetic drops in each eye in order to eliminate pain. You'll then be placed on a table which is positioned underneath the laser equipment, and the doctor will instruct you to look up at a small blinking light.

During your laser surgery, a special instrument will be utilized to hold your eye open, allowing the doctor to perform the LASIK surgery, while the other eye is protected by a shield.

With a couple of hours you'll be on your way home

After making a small incision, the doctor will then expose the cornea, and apply the laser technology that's needed to reshape and repair the eye. Once accomplished, the flap that was cut open to expose the cornea will be put back into position and will heal on its own, without the need for stitches. An hour or two after the surgery is completed, you'll be allowed to go home.

Depending upon the individual, the amount of corrective treatment that was administered and the quickness of the healing process, what can be expected after surgery will vary from person to person. Speak with your physician regarding recovery expectations before and after the surgery and follow any instructions that are given, in order to ensure a successful LASIK eye surgery experience.

Laser Eye Surgery: Demystifying LASIK Mike Spencer is dedicated to helping people protect all aspects of their health - including their eyesight. Here he reviews the pros and cons of laser eye surgery and LASIK, with the aim of helping make a decision is the procedure is right for them. Get all the facts to help you in your choice - Lasik / Laser Eye Surgery: Demystifying LASIK

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Lasik... 7 Tips-What to Expect with Laser Eye Surgery Have you ever thought about having laser eye surgery performed to correct a vision problem? If you have, what is stopping you? Do you simply want more information as to what happens during the surgery? If so, keep reading. The following information is meant to answer your questions regarding the procedure that is called laser eye surgery. 1- When you are contemplating laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK eye surgery, the first step is to speak with your eye care professional. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you are indeed a candidate. During the prescreening phase, they will go over a list of requirements such as: No change in eye prescriptions with in the last year That you have no eye diseases That you can sit still for an hour straight That you fully understand after surgery care 2- When you go to the clinic for your procedure, you will be taken to a room with a recliner. This is where you will be seated. Your eye will be numbed and the eyelid...

Lasik, Lasik Eye Surgery News

Icon LASIK Announces Sunglass Trunk Shows at Its Cherry Creek Eye Care Center DENVER, CO-- - ICON LASIK announces several eye wear and sunglasses Trunk Shows in Denver during early 2012. The Trunk Shows feature major sunglass designers including Fendi sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli ... Avedro Announces Canadian Approval for Lasik Xtra™ Avedro, Inc. announced today that the Company’s proprietary Lasik Xtra procedure has received Canadian Approval. Lasik Xtra is a two minute procedure used in conjunction with standard Lasik to restore biomechanical integrity and strength to the cornea after a standard Lasik procedure. Lasik surgery improves vision for almost everyone DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve worn glasses and contact lenses for years. I just scheduled LASIK surgery. What will happen during this procedure? Ask Dr. K: LASIK improves eyesight for most Dear Dr. K: I've worn glasses and contact lenses for years. I just scheduled LASIK surgery. What will happen during this procedure? Dear Reader: LASIK is a type of eye surgery for people, like you, who want to avoid wearing glasses or contact lenses.