LASIK Eye Surgery HQ

For those who aren’t familiar, Lasik Eye Surgery (frequently referred to as Laser Eye Surgery) is a relatively new type of surgery that promises to correct eyesight problems and restore a patients eye-sight to 20/20. Corrected vision allows patients to live freely without needed contact lenses or even glasses. Imagine the improvement to your quality of life. Simply put, LASIK Surgery is quite quite a remarkable surgery!

So you may be wondering, “Is LASIK eye surgery right for me?”

If you suffer from any of the following, LASIK is definitely a viable option:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism

If one of the above conditions does not apply to you should definitely consult your doctor to learn if LASIK if right for you.

History of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery has been around since the early 90′s. Since its inception as a viable eye corrective surgery, over 20 million people world wide have had operations completed. In fact, each year over 1 million Americans opt to undergo a LASIK eye operation.

The surgery is conducted by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) who used a laser to help reconstruct the cornea to sharpen the patients vision. The surgery involves cutting a thin flap on the eye that is then folded over, exposing the cornea. Then the tissue below is reshaped using the laser. The flap of cut tissue is then repositioned on the eye where it will heal.

During the procedure the patient is usually awake and able to move. The patient is given eye drops that are anesthetic. It’s common that the patient will also receive a mild pain killer / sedative.

To prevent the eye from moving during the operation, a circular suction tool is used to hold the eye in place. Only after the eyeball is secured can the flap be made.

To make the flap, a small blade or tiny laser is used. The flap is cut leaving just a small hinge of tissue attached. After the flap is cut it is folded over which can sometimes be uncomfortable for the patient. Once the flap is folded though, the reshaping of the cornea can begin.

A tiny laser is then used to reshape the cornea area for a shortwhile. Afterwards the flap can be unfolded. It remains in its former place through natural adhesive properties.

After the surgery patients are supposed to rest for quite a few days. Additionally patients are required to use antibacterial eye drops and well as moisturizing eye drop to keep their eyes from getting infected or dried out.

Protective glasses are sometimes needed to protect the eyes from additional sensitivity to light. Also a protective mask is sometimes needed while sleeping to prevent the patient from rubbing his or her eyes during sleep.

LASIK has been approved by the FDA for patients over the age of 18. It’s very important to take into consideration all the potential risks and benefits that come with a LASIK operation before deciding whether or not its right for you.

According medical authorities on the matter, LASIK eye surgeries have a 96 percent satisfaction rate among patients world wide – that’s quite the success rate!