Poor eyesight is an inconvenience that may be a result of short or long sightedness. Over the past two decades, the field of ophthalmology has made advances and come up with LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) that may restore sight to damaged eyes. Though a common procedure, patients should take care to research about it. Patients should investigate surgery options and try to get as much information as possible about the procedure and the hospitals that perform the surgery. The following 4 factors may play an important role in deciding on the surgery
· Who is suitable for LASIK?
· Where is the surgery performed?
· What does the treatment involve?
· How much does LASIK cost?
An Overview of the Procedure
People wearing glasses and contact lenses and are 18 years or older may be suitable candidates for Los Angeles LASIK surgery. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people suffering from vascular diseases that may leave blood vessels prone to damage may be advised against the treatment. In LASIK surgery, an incision may be made in the cornea with a precision blade to produce a flap which the surgeon may fold back to reveal the corneal tissue beneath. Whether or not LASIK is the right procedure may be determined by the degree of sight deficiency that needs to be corrected. A standard LASIK surgery may cost anywhere from $635 to $2000 per eye.
LASIK tries to restore the flap to the original position and hold it in place on the corrected cornea by virtue of surface tension. This ability of the LASIK flap to the cornea is limited. If it also does not heal completely, any trauma to the eye may cause the flap to reopen exposing the cornea to infection. FDA and American Academy of Ophthalmology has developed guidelines as per which a person looking for LASIK should be at least 18 years of age or, 21 years in some cases. Similarly, people who use prescription medicines such as Accutane or oral predinosine are suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye or cataracts are suggested to avoid the procedure.
The Right Surgeon for Better Results
It is important to find a qualified and experienced LASIK surgeon to perform the procedure. The skills of the surgeon are as important as an office equipped with great technology. There are different types of LASIK surgery Los Angeles, one bladeless LASIK and the other that uses a blade. Whether done with a total laser or a combination of a laser and a blade, it may require the expertise of a skilled surgeon to cut a thin hinged flap in the cornea of the eye. The laser may then reshape the cornea to improve vision. Though both methods are available, some less experienced doctors claim bladeless technology to be completely safe.
