Discovering Whether LASIK is Right For You

Many many people need to wear glasses or contacts to correct their vision. Lasik can be a way to negate the need for corrective lenses. Lasik is an anagram for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A laser permanently changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision.

The procedure is not necessarily appropriate for all. As with any medical procedure there are some risks involved. The procedure is also not covered by many insurances. Even with the price coming down, the cost can still be limiting.

Vision needs to be stable for at least a year before the procedure is done. If your prescription keeps changing, it means that the eye is still curving. Surgery done at this time will not be effective.

Always compare before settling on a doctor. The procedure will vary from doctor to doctor and device to device. Experience and number of surgeries that the doctor has performed will also play a role.

Do not base the decision solely on cost. While cost can be a big factor, it is important to remember that this procedure will last a lifetime. Do not settle for the first doctor or eye center you look into.

Do your homework and know what you are getting yourself into. Educate yourself by reading all materials your doctor gives you and asking questions. Any doctor you choose should be willing to talk about all the outcomes of their surgeries, including complications.

There are steps that need to be taken before, during and after surgery. Before surgery it is important to get a baseline eye measurement. This initial exam is to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.

If you are a contact lens wearer it is important to remove them before the initial exam. Contact lenses can change the shape of the eye. If the shape of the eye is not accurately measured there can be negative consequences. Since the surgery reshapes the eye, a true eye measurement needs to be taken before a surgical plan can be made.

If soft contacts are worn they should be removed 2 weeks before surgery. Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed at least 3 weeks before surgery. Hard lenses should be removed at least 4 weeks before the procedure. Sometimes eye measurements need to be made more than once before the procedure especially if hard lenses are worn. Switch to glasses while the contacts are out.

The day before surgery stop using all lotions, creams, makeup and perfumes. These products can increase the likelihood of infection. Debris along eyelashes can also cause problems, so your doctor may have you scrub along the eyelashes before the operation.

On the day of the operation be sure you have arranged for transportation to and from the procedure. The surgery itself should only take about thirty minutes. You will be lying on your back. A numbing drop is placed in the eye and the eye is held open. You will be asked to stare at a light to hold the eye in place. Once the eye is in position, the laser cuts off part of the eye to correct the vision. After the procedure a shield will be placed over the eye since stitches are not used.

After surgery there should be regular visits with your doctor within the first 6 months. It may take up to six months for vision to stabilize after the surgery. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery. Hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 8 weeks after the procedure.

According to surveys 92-98% of patients are satisfied with their Lasik. Sometimes retreatment is needed, but most people still find it worth it.

We hope the supplied information about LASIK is beneficial. Visit here for Tampa Florida lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about laser eye surgery in Honolulu.