Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

These days, there is a great deal of interest in the different types of vision eye surgery that is offered. Lasik is one of the most popular of the various kinds of corrective eye surgery options because it can be done in under an hour, recovery time is very quick, and the risks are quite low. In addition, for many with vision problems, the cost of Lasik eye surgery is quite low when they take in to account the many benefits they receive, especially not having to deal with breaking (or constantly losing) their glasses or the need to deal with the hassle of contact lenses.

In general, the cost will vary quite a bit depending on the exact type of corrective eye surgery that you need. The price of a Lasik procedure can also be affected by the type of facility you choose, whether the Lasik eye surgery center is affiliated with a hospital or not, the country where you reside and the region of the country where you live.

While it is easy enough to find slick advertisements that claim the cost of Lasik eye surgery can be as low as $500 per eye, this is generally not the full cost. After more careful study, people will find the true cost to be closer to $1,000 (per eye) and if a particular Lasik eye doctor is wanted for the procedure, then it could be upwards of $2,500 per corrected eye.

Unfortunately, aside from the many benefits of corrective eye surgery, the high cost simply puts it out of range for many people. This is especially true for those who have no type of insurance coverage to help pay for some of the expense. Even for those who do have optical insurance, many will find their coverage limited. Many insurance policies exclude this type of laser eye surgery altogether because they consider it to be optional and not necessary, since in most cases the vision can be improved with some type of corrective lenses.

However, there are many people who have sufficient resources and motivation that are not at all put off by the cost of eye surgery. Some people value the convenience of never having to wear glasses again. Others look forward to never having to deal with the fuss of changing and cleaning contact lenses. Still other’s are motivated by vanity and don’t want anyone to know that they had a vision problem that needed correction.

Regardless of the reasons why people seek out corrective eye surgery, there are many laser eye surgeons being kept happily in business by the demand of this procedure, regardless of the cost. Part of the reason why it has become such a popular practice is because a large segment of the population is comprised of the baby-boomer generation, ranging in age from 45 to 65, who are experiencing vision deterioration.

No matter what the cost of Lasik eye surgery, it is not able to correct all types of vision problems. There are three main problems that Lasik laser eye surgery can improve: nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. If you have other kinds of vision problems, you would need to look to other kinds of corrective laser surgery or stick with corrective lenses.

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The procedure for wavefront lasik eye surgery.

Let’s walk through what a client experiences when attending a Lasik center for a Wavefront Lasik procedure.  The procedure itself generally only takes between five and ten minutes for each eye in total, and both eyes are done during the same procedure.  The actual time to reshape the eye with the Lasik excimer laser is usually less than 15 seconds per eye.

Any person’s vision problems are generated by small “aberrations” within the eye that prevents the light from focusing objects as they should.  The Lasik equipment locates and classifies these aberrations and then processes them so that the Lasik physician will correct these and allow the light to focus properly once the eye has healed.

In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the patient stares at one point while a light is sent into the eye, which is reflected back and read by a Lasik Wavefront sensor.  The distortions in this reflected light are mapped using a small computer within the Lasik system, and then this information is used to guide the laser that treats the eye.
Once the light creates the map for the eye, the Lasik surgeon has to create a small flap to access the cornea.  This is done using a laser (this type of Lasik procedure is known as IntraLasik, or bladeless Lasik) or a small blade known as a microkeratome.

This flap is then opened to allow the cornea to be reshaped by the Lasik system.The excimer laser actually reshapes the cornea, which is the crucial part of the Lasik procedure.  In order to determine exactly how to reshape it, the map created earlier by the Wavefront sensor is used to direct the beam of light accurately.  The Lasik physician uses these precise tools to get the clearest vision results possible.

This custom Lasik procedure can not only correct such standard problems as nearsightedness, but can also address aberrations that create light halos, glare, haze, or starburst patterns.  Once the Lasik physician determines that all relevant aberrations have been eliminated, he replaces the flap in its proper position, where it adheres normally and will heal naturally.

As mentioned earlier, this entire Lasik process takes between ten and fifteen minutes per eye.  A patient gets a mild sedative and eye numbing drops to make the procedure both relaxing and painless.  Most people notice an improvement in vision due to Lasik almost immediately.

Once the Lasik procedure is finished, you will get some eye drop medication to lubricate and protect your eyes.  This medication (and the liquid in the drops themselves) may cause some blurring, and so for this reason (and to avoid any eyestrain) you should arrange for someone else to drive you home.  It is also a good idea to go to sleep as soon as possible after the Lasik operation in order to promote even faster healing.

To promote optimal healing the Lasik physician often gives a plastic shield to wear over your eyes for the first night or two.  Follow closely any recommendations by the Lasik physician. Do further investigation into this great new Lasik procedure, and get a clearer focus on your future!

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The Lasik eye surgery pioneer!

One of the first publicized physicians that perform the Lasik eye corrective operation was Dr. Boothe, of Dallas Texas.  He has performed the Lasik operation for a number of different clients, including members of the NFL Dallas Cowboys football team.  There are countless testimonials of how satisfied his Lasik clients were with the surgery, even a number of years later.

One of the important considerations for any doctor is kindness, and Dr Boothe’s Lasik patients comment on this trait after their procedures.  They all agree that Dr.  Boothe made them feel very relaxed about the procedure, and took time to answer any and all questions that they might have.  This is especially important with the Lasik process, as eye health is crucially important, and confidence in the doctor makes considering the Lasik option much more feasible.

Dr. Boothe became a specialist of the eye, and especially the cornea, in 1987.

He has performed more than 80,000 Lasik laser vision corrections in that time.  He has also contributed to the field of expanding Lasik practice, with the new VISX three dimensional wavefront procedures.  These procedures are especially useful for those people with unusual configurations of their eyes.

One of the other newer Lasik procedures uses only the laser, instead of the usual Lasik operation using both scalpel and laser.  He is the leader in the performance of this field, and has done more than 45,000 of these operations.  This type of Lasik procedure holds new promise for the field, and should be investigated by anyone considering any type of Lasik procedure.

Looking at some of Dr. Boothe’s background will help prospective Lasik clients to look for a physician of similar quality in their area.  Dr.  Boothe’s center itself is located in the Dallas metropolitan area, but there are many fine doctors that practice Lasik procedures in all parts of the country.  He has taught a number of other laser eye surgeons in the technique, and so one question that should be asked is where the physician received his training in the Lasik procedure, and which doctors taught the technique.

A most critical part of traditional Lasik surgery is using the microkeratome to make and lift a flap in the eye.  Dr. Boothe’s love of medicine and absorption in furthering the techniques used in Lasik make him a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.  He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and emphasizes that any patient should check the board certification for any physician they are considering for performing the Lasik procedure in addition to standard medical certifications, such as the American Medical Association.

One reason that Dr. Boothe entered the field of Lasik surgery was because a good eye surgeon can dramatically improve the quality of life for his patients, as is attested by his many thousands of satisfied patients.  The doctor that a patient selects for the Lasik procedure should have high standards for safety, accuracy, and precision.  This should be reflected in the results and opinions of the patients that the doctor has.  Lasik can be a life improving procedure, and careful selection of a physician in the same mold as Dr. Boothe can make it much more certain.

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What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

The first significant step before the Lasik surgery is to have a comprehensive eye examination, in order to be sure that you are a good candidate for the Lasik procedure.  A map of your eye will be created during this exam.  This map is used in order for the Lasik physician to determine how to reshape your eye to give you the clearest post-operative vision possible.

This eye exam will do several things.  Your eyes will be dilated in order to see if there are any irregularities within the eye itself.  The thickness of the cornea will be measured, and a precise map of the cornea will be generated.  The “refractive error” (or the reason why your vision isn’t currently perfect) will be accurately analyzed in order for the Lasik procedure to get the best results possible.  Finally, how your eyes generate tears will be closely looked at, as good tear production is essential for the health of every eye.

Before or after these measurements, the Lasik physician will discuss your past medical history to see any previous operations or any ongoing health problems.  A few chronic conditions may make the Lasik procedure not a good option for some people, and also women currently expecting should wait for some time after delivery.  The physician also will discuss the expectations the Lasik client has about the operation and subsequent changes in their lifestyle.

Though most people pass through this Lasik eye exam with flying colors, be prepared for some suggestions or serious discussion.  Your eye map may indicate that a newer form of Lasik procedure might be better, such as one that generates a three dimensional waveform for each eye.  Tear production issues may indicate that the Lasik procedure is not the best option for you, and the Lasik physician may recommend another solution.

If all goes well and the Lasik procedure is scheduled, the physician will review the treatment plan and what the client should do to prepare for the Lasik surgery.  This plan may vary slightly between patients, but in general will look something like the schedule below.  Always follow the recommendations of your Lasik physician closely.
First, contact lenses should be avoided for several weeks prior to Lasik vision correction, since contacts can slightly affect the shape of your cornea.  It is important to let your eyes rest in order to get the most accurate Lasik vision improvement possible.  Hard contacts should be avoided for a month, soft contacts for at least two weeks.

Stop using any lotions, makeup, or anything else that could possibly get into the eye the day or two before surgery.  It is important to have your eyes as rested as possible before the Lasik operation.  Also, arrange for someone else to drive you home after the Lasik procedure itself.

These are the most common steps to prepare you for an easy and successful Lasik procedure.  Make sure you give the doctor all information needed for your case, and follow his directions closely.  The Lasik eye surgery will give you a new outlook in life!

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What is Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery ?

The wonderful results of Lasik surgery have been improved by research adding new methods, such as Wavefront technology.  This technology gives a Lasik physician the ability to see and accurately map even slight variations in the surface of the eye.  This gives the physician the ability to more accurately tailor a Lasik operation to the individual, and result in even clearer vision.

The concept behind Wavefront technology was originally developed by astronomers, in order to indicate if a mirror or a lens had slight imperfections in it.  It is very important in astronomy to get near perfect optics in order to clearly see the small light sources million of miles away in the universe.  In the 1970s a sensor was created to electronically check these surfaces, and a type of this sensor is now used in the Wavefront guided Lasik procedures.

The idea to apply this technique, or to use this sensor, to the field of ophthalmology and later to the specific area of Lasik vision correction, was begun in Germany.  The physician Josef Bille began using the sensor in his practice, and this started others to refine the sensor and how it is used and to apply it to Lasik technology.  In 1997 the improved sensor, with greater accuracy and speed, was announced to the Lasik laser manufacturers.  This allowed the companies that manufacture the Lasik equipment to develop tools using the Wavefront concept for each of their own laser systems.

The FDA approved the first Wavefront guided Lasik vision correction system for general use.  Initially, the Wavefront sensor makes a map of the eye’s imperfections, and this map is sent to the laser that is used in the Lasik vision correction portion of the operation.  This allows for precise eye alteration in order for Lasik to present the best vision correction possible.

The Wavefront technology used in Lasik can be described easily at an informal level.  A small, flat sheet of light (called a wavefront) is passed through the eye, reflected off of the retina, and passed back through the eye and is captured by the Wavefront machine.  If the eye were perfect, the light would return as a flat sheet and be captured that way by the Lasik machine.  However, any imperfections changes the way that the light returns, and this is detected by the Wavefront part of the Lasik process.

A number of these small, flat sheets of light are sent into each eye from various directions and the results returned generated a three dimensional map of the eye to be used in the Lasik vision correction process.  In addition to the commonly known problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, there are more than 60 other patterns that are known and can possibly be corrected for.

All of this information generated by the Lasik sensor is converted by software into a set of directions to be carried out by the Lasik excimer laser.  Ask your doctor about this exciting advance in Lasik vision correction, and see if this procedure is right for you!

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The differences between Lasik eye surgery and ICL

A number of people who are considering the Lasik procedure to correct their nearsightedness or farsightedness have of some potential problems of Lasik, and are wondering if there are other options.  Though more than 95 percent of the Lasik patients have a very successful procedure without any major side effects, there are choices for people who wish to improve their vision.  Let’s compare two, and discuss these choices with a reputable ophthalmologist.

Traditional Lasik eye surgery uses a scalpel to create a small flap in the eye, and then a laser reshapes the eye in order to focus accurately.  There are two more recent forms of Lasik, one that entirely uses a laser and does away with the scalpel.  Another variation uses a three dimension waveform for people with unusual eye shapes, and both of these are worth discussing with your ophthalmologist.

Those people with very thin corneas or other issues that make Lasik not a good candidate for their particular case can consider implantable contact lens surgery.  This is known as ICL in the eye surgeon’s lingo, and is a good alternative to Lasik to permanently correct vision.  These lenses function in exactly the same way as removable lenses, except that they remain permanently in the eye.  Like Lasik, they reshape the eye in order for it to focus accurately.  The patient will not feel the lens once the operation has been performed.

Lasik and ICL are similar in several ways.  Lasik can improve vision affected by nearsightedness and astigmatism, and ICL can improve these vision deficiencies also.  Both Lasik and ICL also have some of the same risks, one of these being that the correction is not accurate after the first operation is done.  Lasik is a much more frequently performed procedure, and less than 3 percent (according to the FDA) of these patients need to undergo additional surgery to further correct vision after the first Lasik procedure is done.

Like any operation, there is a chance of infection in either a Lasik procedure or an ICL operation.  Good post-operative care by the patient will minimize this and regular checkups at the Lasik or eye care center will nearly always clear this up without further complication.  In a small percentage of the cases, either Lasik or ICL patients may not achieve perfect vision and may need to continue to wear corrective eyewear, though usually not at the same strength as the original eyewear.

One advantage of ICL over Lasik is that ICL is a reversible procedure, where the implanted lens can be removed later if that becomes necessary.  Lasik involves the reshaping of the cornea to bring objects accurately into focus, and is permanent.  However, for a typical, healthy patient either Lasik or ICL will generally bring about the desired improvement in vision.

Lasik is generally a less invasive procedure, and this is reflected in the current cost of the operation.  The current price for a Lasik procedure is between $500 and $2500 per eye, depending on the type of procedure and the presiding physician.  A typical price for ICL is between $1500 and $3000 per eye.  Do some investigation into the options offered, and select the eye procedure that is best for your personal case.

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Technorati Tags: laser eye surgeon, Laser Eye Surgery, lasik eye surgery