Without question, LASIK eye surgery has exploded in popularity since the mid-1990’s and continues to revolutionize the world of ophthalmology. While there are some inherent risks to LASIK, the overall satisfaction rate of this life-changing procedure is very high. Knowing whether you are a candidate for LASIK depends on many factors including: age, sex, pre-existing conditions (i.e. eye diseases, diabetes, AIDS, MS, etc.) and any medications or drugs you may currently be using. Consult a specialist for a thorough evaluation.
So what should you consider in determining whether LASIK is right for you? GURU 4 EYES suggests a basic understanding of the following areas:
- What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?
- Risks and Complications of LASIK
- Cost and Financing Options for LASIK
- Find a LASIK Surgeon
What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?
Simply put, LASIK is the procedure of shaping your cornea with a laser beam to improve your vision. Optic nerves in our eyes transmit vision information to our brain. When the cornea is not rounded perfectly, thereby not reflecting light rays properly, the images we are looking at can be distorted by our brain. Common problems may be blurry, indistinct or disoriented vision. LASIK surgery utilizes ultraviolet light beams known as "excimer lasers".
Since 2002, Wavefront LASIK Surgery has become the most favored and most accurate method of LASIK approved by the FDA. Over 90% of patients receiving Wavefront technology have resulted in 20/20 vision afterward. The procedure generally follows these steps:
- A computerized device beams a light at each eye, landing on the retina. The purpose is to provide a 3-D precise map of the person’s cornea. In doing so, the computer can accurately track the irregularities of their eye, thereby providing the excimer laser a customized, mathematical formula for correcting their vision.
- The surgeon will verify the results submitted by the computer to ensure accuracy.
- Next, the surgeon will cut a round, thin flap from the surface of the cornea, enough to flap it open without disconnecting it entirely. The excimer laser, which is programmed with the mathematical formula by the Wavefront LASIK computer, is directed onto the stroma of the eye.
- Within seconds, the laser is painlessly removing tiny amounts of eye tissue and irregularities that cause poor or defective vision.
- The flap of cornea surface is returned and treated. The patient is instructed to rest and how to care for their eyes; most importantly – DO NOT TOUCH OR RUB YOUR EYES. Within days your vision will likely be corrected; the patient will notice improvment within hours.
