LASIK Laser Vision Correction

LASIK laser eye surgery is a highly successful treatment for many common vision problems. LASIK minimizes or even eliminates your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASIK surgery entails a 15-minute procedure in the comfort of an ophthalmologist's office. The results are rapid and permanent. Which is why over 1.7 million procedures have been performed globally, and the number is rising by the thousands each day.

LASIK is the most technologically advanced method available today to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Choose the Right LASIK Surgeon

Take the time to research the surgeon and the practice you are considering. Begin with people you know. A word-of-mouth network often provides a good initial source of information. Additional leads can be obtained from an optometrist or ophthalmologist whom you trust.

Experience counts. Numerous studies have shown that surgeons experience a learning curve with the laser surgical procedure. So find out as much as you can about your surgeon.

Some of the questions you might ask are:

How many refractive surgeries has the doctor performed? Try to choose a doctor who has done at least 300 treatments - as we said, numerous studies indicate that complications decrease and overall outcomes improve once a doctor has performed at least 300 treatments. Does the doctor perform surgery in a multi-physician center or in his/her own office? Doctors who can control their treatment environment, staff, technology and can maintain the laser and instrumentation in their own facility may be preferred. What is the doctor's enhancement rate? Enhancement is "fine tuning" of the final refraction. In general, patients requiring higher degrees of correction should expect the possibility of an enhancement being necessary. A very rough rule of thumb is a 1% chance of enhancement needed per diopter of correction necessary. (An example is if a patient has a -7.00 diopter correction needed, there would be a 7% chance that he or she would need an enhancement). What is the doctor's complication rate for the treatment? Doctors who represent that they have no complications should be viewed cautiously. The doctor under consideration should be willing to freely discuss the complications involved in the surgery and their experience in handling them. For a full list of questions to ask a doctor you are considering for refractive surgery, go to http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-surgeon-questions.shtml

Are You a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Now that you've asked questions of your doctor, don't forget to ask yourself some questions to see if you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Some of the questions you should ask yourself are:

• Do your glasses or contacts prevent you from enjoying every day living?
• Do you feel very dependent upon your glasses or contacts?
• Are you scared of the thought misplacing your glasses or contacts?
• Would you like to just wake up and see clearly?
• Do your hobbies or occupation require "perfect vision"?
• If you are a contact lens wearer, do your lenses get dry and/or gritty during the day?

For a full self-assessment profile that can help you make the right decision, go to http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-candidate.html

Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK:

• Is the Effect of Laser Eye Surgery Permanent?

Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of the treatment is lifelong.

• How Long Does the Surgery Take?

In many practices, the treatment is performed as an office procedure in the comfort and convenience of an excimer laser suite. The entire treatment takes about 5 to 7 minutes per eye or approximately 15 minutes for both eyes.

• How Many Times Do I Need To be Seen Following the Treatment?

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits.

• Can I Have Both Eyes Treated at the Same Time?

Treatment can be performed on both eyes on the same day. This decreases the troublesome effect of being nearsighted in only one eye between the two treatments. You may elect to have one eye done at a time.

For answers to more commonly asked questions, go to http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-questions.html