Lasik Eye Surgery

Although Lasik eye surgery is a very popular means of correcting vision, many people still do not have a full understanding of what it is and why it works.  For some people who have spent a lifetime wearing contact lenses or glasses, this type of surgery gives them a new lease on life.  By reshaping the cornea, better vision can be achieved.  In fact, some people will actually end up with better vision after surgery than before with contacts or glasses.

For this type of procedure, Lasik eye surgery uses a special laser beam.  During the surgery, cornea tissue is removed but without causing damage to any part of the eye.  The process begins with the IntraLase method, which creates a hinged flap on the cornea.  Next, tissue is removed and the way in which the flap is repositioned is what gives the person improved vision.  Interestingly, while most people think it takes a long time for the eye to heal after having Lasik eye surgery, the truth is that the eyes heal quite fast.

The procedure itself causes no pain although most people who choose to have Lasik eye surgery will experience some level of discomfort during the healing phase.  Additionally, the surgeon will use a small device to keep the eyes open during the surgery, which can also cause a little discomfort.  However, using special drops and listening to instructions offered by the surgeon results in little pain and quick healing.  In fact, this type of vision correction surgery is one of the most popular because of the fast healing time.

Today, experts estimate that more than one million people have undergone Lasik eye surgery with no end in sight.  This particular surgery is carefully monitored and regulated by the FDA, for the surgery itself but also instruments used to perform the surgery, specifically the lasers.  The only aspect of Lasik eye surgery that the Food and Drug Administration does not have control over is price.  Therefore, when people shop around for the right surgeon, they will discover a broad range of prices.

Another aspect of Lasik eye surgery is that not everyone makes a good candidate.  This medical procedure is most effective for people with nearsightedness and farsightedness.  Sometimes, people with astigmatism would also benefit.  For people who are nearsighted, Lasik eye surgery brings everything far away into focus whereas for farsighted people, objects up close become clear.

Along with the many things that Lasik eye surgery can help with, some conditions would not qualify.  As an example, someone with Presbyopia, a condition that strikes people 40 and older, the surgery would not work.  Regardless, anyone interested in Lasik eye surgery should look for a reputable and qualified doctor before making a final decision to have the procedure done.