Why Eye Lasik Is Necessary For Athletes

Most people would have the misconception that eye lasik is a cure to short-sighted or long-sighted problems. The fact is eye lasik surgery is designed to improve the vision of the person under-going the surgery. It is not intended to give you super sharp vision or extreme clear focus. The expectation need to be correct. Many athletes with minor short-sighted eye problem would opt for eye lasik surgery. Now you might ask, why do they do so?

The number one reason is improve on their current performance with the sport they are in. Take for example Tiger Woods, the professional golfer, with severe shor-sightedness and need to wear contacts lens for each of his game. He is always concern about the weather condition like windy or rainy day which can affects his judgement.After his lasik eye surgery, he claim to experience an improvement in viewing the holes on the green. And until now he is still happy with his vision. Many golfers would agree to opt for this eye cosmetic treatment which ultimately can potentially helps in their overall scoring.

Another great benefit to the sportsman is that they not longer need to wear their contact lenses or vision aid device during their training. This would mean one less worry for them. Especially for swimmers, they no longer need to wear degree fitted googel,specticle or sunglasses. The cost in saving can be alot over a period of a few years.

An interesting finding shows that footballers, golfers, basketball players and hockey players are among the top group of people who opt to have an eye lasik surgery. This is followed by divers and swimmers.

With the in-born talent and training, athletes should be able to excel in the sports that they love. Althletes should not be put down by the problem of poor eye sight which hinder the growth of their career as a sportsman. Perhaps the biggest obsticle to the althlete is the risk involved. However, with the advancement of technology in eye lasik surgery operation, the risk factors would no longer be of concern.

About the Author:

Adwin Ang is a freelance publisher based in Singapore. He publishes articles in various ezines and free downloadable eye lasik related reports and provides information on Lasik eye surgery at http://www.AboutEyeLasik.com

Lasik. Better To See You With My Dear

Lasik works! Are you frustrated with losing, breaking, or having your glasses fall off all the time? After enduring the stinging sensation of improperly washed contacts, for the millionth time I had had it. I recently became one of the many enjoying the benefits of better vision and less hassles through lasik.

I am cheap. The thing that was holding me back was the price. A couple of thousand dollars per eye will buy a lot of cheap glasses and disposable contacts. There are now clinics advertising the procedure for $300 per eye, when that flyer fell out of the Sunday paper, I was there the next day. I had just sat on my ‘good’ glasses to read the paper. I’d like to tell you about the process you can expect at one of these clinics.

The first thing was a thorough eye exam to see if I was a good candidate (about 80% of people are). I figured even if I flunked I would use the exam to get yet another pair of glasses. I passed. It was carefully explained that the procedure does not guaranty ‘perfect vision’, although most folks get very close to 20/20.

The next decision was on the type of laser to use. This clinic had 3 different types priced at $300, 800, and $1,300 per eye. This is quite a spread, (and an ‘upsell’). The more expensive CustomLasik has the potential to improve night vision and the quantity of what you can see as well as the quality. Well, I had no need to spot quarters on the ground flying 30,000 feet overhead, and like I said, I am cheap.

Some things you may not know and want to ask about:

The procedure may not be permanent and you may need a touch up, ask the cost of it. My clinic offered ‘insurance’ for more procedures, but its cost was 50% again the original price.

The need for reading glasses should be discussed. Chances are if you need them now you may need them more after the procedure. The amount of benefit you get is individual and cannot be guaranteed.

The procedure itself is virtually painless and brief, but you will have to sit for a couple hors with your eyes closed afterward. There are drops used in the eye that numb it. The only sensations aside from a little pressure felt, were a little itchiness afterwards.

You may get dry eyes. You cannot rub your eyes, for an extra fee a small plug can be put in your tear duct to alleviate dry eyes. You will also not be able to drive for a day or three. Make sure you can head right to the drugstore for eye drops.

I noticed improvement in my vision within a day. There will be two or three follow up visits to check healing and vision. My distance vision, which was the main problem, got better and better over the course of two weeks. As was explained my need for reading glasses increased slightly. It has been about 8 months now and the only thing I regret is not getting it done sooner. I no longer feel I am hiding behind glasses.

Any elective surgery is a personal decision, but here is a case where the technology is getting better and better, costs are coming down, and reasons not to do it are disappearing.

About the Author:

Are you hiding behind your glasses? Why wait to learn the truth about LASIK? Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Decide now to improve the quality of your life. Click here: http://www.lasik-surgery-locator.com/

Your Guide To Lasik Surgery

Most of the population not only in the United States, but also in most part of the world suffers from some kind of eye problems. In United States alone, there are millions of individuals suffering from eye problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness and some other complications which often call for surgery. In the start of this decade, eye surgery could lead to many complications as there was no proper technique that could assure the best remedy while dealing with this delicate part of the body. Not only that, after the surgery the patients had to be under observation for a couple of days in the hospital itself. It was the time when nobody ever heard of LASIK surgery. This technique of eye surgery has since then changed the whole scenario making the whole process of correcting vision a matter of couple of hours.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye. Many of us are aware of the LASIK surgery and consider it to be safe (which it is) and get assured of the elimination of eyeglasses or contacts and restoration of a correct vision. But if you believe the experts, then this common perception is indeed wrong. Although LASIK is a vision correcting surgery performed with ease and complete safety, the scenario of undergoing this surgery has to be dealt with a more practical and clear understanding of the procedure and the outcome.

Not everyone having some eye problem is a LASIK candidate. A large number of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Also the patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable for undergoing this surgery. The doctor has to decide and determine if you are a good LASIK candidate by having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you. It is better to understand that LASIK surgery does not guarantee the elimination of eyeglasses or contacts as is the common perception. It is a surgery to correct vision problems and in some cases the patients still have to wear glasses or contacts.

LASIK is performed as an office procedure in the comfort and convenience of an excimer laser eye surgery suite. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes per eye or approximately 15 minutes for both eyes. Not everyone can perform this surgery. Better choose an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist. Never fail to ask questions regarding your surgeon's experience and complication rate. Get all your doubt cleared from the surgeon about the surgery. In the United States only ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) are permitted to perform LASIK. It is no such thing as "minor eye surgery" which is generally propagated by advertisements. If not performed correctly or due to the patient's health condition, complications such as overcorrection, under correction, making the pupil off center, damaging the cornea, inflammation, and infection can leave you miserable.

About the Author:

Get the information and tips you need before you get LASIK surgery at Lasik Surgery Facts!

When Should You Consider Wavefront Guided Lasik Eye Surgery?

In order to understand the effectiveness of wavefront-guided LASIK, we must first have a quick roundup on the natural imperfections of the eye. The cornea and the crystalline lens are not perfect, and light rays passing through the eye are subject to being distorted due to these imperfections. These distortions are termed as “aberrations”, which are categorized as lower order and higher order aberrations.

Lower order aberrations constitute a major chunk (90% or more) of these aberrations, and lead to the more prevalent refractive errors, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. These vision anomalies can be compensated for by corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses, or can be treated through conventional surgical procedures like PRK, LASIK or LASEK. However, the remaining 10% optical aberrations, also known as higher order aberrations, give birth to anomalies that cannot be cured via conventional LASIK.

Such a scenario necessitates the use of wavefront-guided LASIK.

Since higher order aberrations are entirely unique to a particular patient, much like fingerprints, a wavefront analysis system (known as an Aberrometer) is used to measure these aberrations. The Aberrometer is digitally interfaced with a sophisticated, computer controlled laser, which is directed in a precise manner over the cornea. In essence, the laser custom sculpts the cornea – a completely customized reshaping of the corneal surface.

The procedure employed by the wavefront analyzer to measure higher order aberrations would appear quite complex to a layman.

At first, a ray of light is passed through the eye and is reflected off the retina as an outgoing wavefront. This wavefront is compared against a planar wavefront, in order to determine both lower and higher order aberrations. These aberrations are displayed on a monitor screen in the form of precise 3D images. This information is then used for a custom ablation of the cornea, with the aid of an excimer laser eye surgery system interfaced with the Aberrometer.

On the whole, the conventional LASIK procedure would suffice for the treatment of common lower order aberrations, such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.

However, higher order visual defects normally call for a much advanced surgical procedure like wavefront-guided LASIK.

If you find a LASIK doctor that you are confident about you will be able to get more information about wavefront guided LASIK.

About the Author:

Nicola publishes articles, reports, news, views and information about LASIK surgery problems at http://www.Your-LASIK.info. LASIK Surgeons Directory http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com is a useful resource. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. Copyright http://Your-LASIK.info

The Cost Implications Of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is generally considered to be more expensive than other more conventional surgical procedures. This can in part be attributed to the use of high-tech equipment such as lasers.

Having said that, I think it is worthwhile to mention that the cost of LASIK continues to come down. This is in part due to improvements being made to the overall process, such as the use of more efficient and cheaper lasers.

According to the FDA, the average cost of LASIK eye surgery was in the region of $1,344 in 2005. This is a significant reduction from the original numbers listed in 2002 of nearly $1,600.

However, be as it may, when deciding on the type of LASIK eye surgery or surgeon, price should never be the overriding factor. Remember you’re not buying shoes, you’re taking a risk! So why not take the best calculated risk by going to someone who has built up a good reputation?

Here are a few things that may help you understand why the costs of LASIK laser surgery are high.

• The fee of leasing the building where the surgery is located.

• The leasing or purchase of the laser as well as maintenance of the blades or lasers can increase LASIK cost. Surgeons may also be upgrading to newer and more efficient lasers.

• There may be additional, per eye fees to be paid to the developer or manufacturer of the laser, if the machine is leased.

• You may need special gowns, masks, gloves, medications, or surgical solutions to keep the operating room sterile and safe.

• There may be advertising and insurance for the office.

When you are considering different LASIK surgery options it may be a good idea to ask your surgeon the following:

• What is and what isn’t included in the cost of the LASIK eye surgery?

• What if complications occur or if enhancements are needed. Will I be charged and if so, how much?

• What about the cost of LASIK medications such as anti-inflammatory or painkillers?

• Will I need temporary contact lenses after LASIK? Are they included in the cost or will they be paid for
separately?

• What about follow-up visits after LASIK? What are the costs if they are not included in the fee for the surgery?

Don’t forget to contact your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of LASIK laser surgery. Some insurance companies don’t cover the cost of LASIK because they see it as a cosmetic enhancement.

If financing is not a problem you should strongly consider using a LASIK surgeon who best fits your needs and addresses your concerns.

For those who already had successful LASIK procedures, the cost of LASIK laser eye surgery is a small price to pay compared to the joy offered by their newly improved vision.

About the Author:

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

Article Tags: cost, eye, lasik

Why Does The Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery Vary?

As far as the cost of LASIK eye surgery is concerned, the only worldwide standard is that prices are quoted per eye. However, the cost depends on several factors and varies from one provider to another. A strong reason behind such a variation is that different providers perform different levels of pre-operative testing. A thorough pre-operative examination can avoid LASIK complications, and hence it’s imperative to determine if appropriate pre-operative testing is included in the quoted price.

The cost of equipment used for pre-operative testing and surgery also varies, and this reflects in the overall procedure fee. Computer-controlled scanners to determine the exact shape of the cornea, eye tracking device, tear film analysis, the laser used to make incisions, and all other pertinent equipment vary in cost from one medical center to another.

A few unscrupulous practitioners may advertise their services at a discounted price. Don’t be fooled if an ad says, “LASIK for $500 per eye”. The truth is that not all patients are eligible for a discounted price. A particular patient may require an extensive refractive surgery in the first place, or frequent follow ups after the surgery. Furthermore, it is typically the case that a discounted price does not include the essential pre-operative testing. Hence, make sure what features are being offered for the quoted price. Cases have been reported where medical institutes have been found guilty of misrepresenting the actual cost of LASIK eye surgery.

As the popularity for LASIK eye surgery rises, so does the incurred cost. A leading refractive industry newsletter reported that the average cost for LASIK eye surgery in the second quarter of 2005 was 1,965 USD. The study was based on a comprehensive research of various medical facilities, ranging from regional practitioners to nationwide networks. Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK eye surgery, since they consider it as a cosmetic procedure.

People are tempted to choose a surgeon that offers a discounted price. But that may be an act of foolishness. The smarter thing is to choose the best surgeon available who has experience of this procedure. There is no point risking your vision for the sake of a petty few dollars.

If in doubt you should seek further information.

About the Author:

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about the Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info Copyright http://Your-LASIK.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links remain intact.

Understanding The Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

In this modern world of medical and surgical advancements, there are a rare few of us who have not heard of Lasik eye surgery. A procedure that utilizes the power of lasers to correct – and in some cases transform – our vision, Lasik has changed the way in which we deal with commonplace vision impairment. Gone are the days of simply paying high prices for glasses or struggling with uncomfortable contact lenses. Such eye surgery has become our second chance for superior vision.

Most people would be stunned to know that Lasik vision correction actually had its beginnings in 1948. Columbian doctor, Jose Barraquer experimented with the removal of over half of the cornea in patients whose vision had been compromised for a variety of reasons. Once the cornea was removed it was frozen and reshaped to allow for better vision. Upon its reshaping, it was sewn back into place in the patient’s eye. This was the rudimentary beginning of corrective eye surgery. In the 1960s, in Russia, technology was developed that allowed the reshaping of the cornea to take place while it remained in the patient’s eye. Such a procedure was done with the use of a scalpel.

The laser technology utilized today did not come to the forefront until the early 1980s in the United States when an ophthalmologist made modifications to laser technology developed by the U.S. military. But the very first Lasik procedure – as we know it today – was not performed until 1991. Today, this procedure is by far the most popular vision correction performed every year. Experience and modifications of technology over the years has streamlined the process and today it is one of the most widely performed procedures in the world.

The word Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis - a form of refractive laser eye surgery. During the procedure, the eye is immobilized using a corneal suction ring, after which a flap is created in the corneal tissue using a laser. The surgeon then folds the flap back so that the stroma – or mid-section of the cornea – can be accessed. Once the stroma is revealed, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to resurface the stroma wherein the thinnest layers of damaged tissue are removed. Once this step is completed, the flap is return to its position and allowed to heal naturally. This procedure often takes less than 10 minutes an eye – and sometimes, far less.

While there are risks associated with corrective eye surgery, it is has been found – in general – to be completely safe and effective. Hundreds of thousands of people have undergone Lasik to date and only 3-6% has reported any long-term complications following surgery – including dry eye, sensitivity to light, double vision, and others.

Most important when determining if Lasik is right for you is to have a comprehensive eye exam by a reputable doctor who can tell you the procedures to which you are likely to respond. Also ensure that you deal only with a reputable and experienced laser eye center that specializes in corrective eye surgery.

About the Author:

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.

The surgery improves the vision in patients who have nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery usually takes less than one minute per eye. Treatment involves reshaping the cornea - the protruding portion of surface of the eye - to improve vision.

Advantages of LASIK surgery

•The LASIK technique takes less than 30 minutes to perform and is very effective.

•The technical advancements incorporated in the LASIK technique eliminates the clinically significant risks leading to visual impairment after a refractive surgery.

•Most surveys show that 92-98% of people who undergo the surgery are satisfied with the results.

Disadvantages of LASIK surgery

•The LASIK surgery, done on the most sensitive part of the eye and is not reversible.

•Even after a LASIK surgery, a person may require reading glasses during midlife.

•The surgery is usually not covered by insurance policies.

•Additional surgery or ' enhancement' may be required to enjoy the best possible result of a LASIK.

Best Candidate For LASIK

A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good candidate.

After LASIK Surgery

•The moments after a major life-altering event are usually filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie, but this usually doesn’t happen after surgery. LASIK surgery is no different than any other surgery, but its drawbacks may be a little different than others.

•The results of LASIK surgery are much akin to the results of being pestered by a pet day after day. Instead of the healing of bruises or incisions, LASIK surgery is accompanied by more burning and itching of an area that you are completely unable to scratch or cool. At this point, any touching of the eye could undo everything the surgery just repaired.

•Your vision will be blurry because of the watering and tearing up of your eye, but you cannot under any circumstances touch your eye. The eye may appear dry or bloodshot for several days, if this occurs you should consider taking time off of work. If you experience severe pain from LASIK surgery at any time you should contact your surgeon.

•Within 24-48 hours after your surgery you should have a post-operative exam to make sure everything is healing well. At regular intervals after the LASIK surgery up to six months you should continue seeing your doctor for checkups.

•At the first visit after LASIK surgery your doctor will remove the shield and make sure your eye is responding correctly to the surgery. You will not be able to use contact lenses for sometime to keep from further irritation and you may have to use drops or artificial tears to help with lubricating the eye.

About the Author:

Vinay Choubey SEO Manager For more details on LASIK visit us at http://www.halfvalue.com and http://www.halfvalue.co.uk For information on Books visit: http://www.lookbookstores.com

Two Things You Do Not Know About Lasik Eye Surgery

The eye can be examined with relative ease as to both its function and its structure. A functional examination includes the ability to move in the orbit and the reaction of the pupil to light and accommodation.

The function of the eye may be tested in several ways. The patient may be asked to identify illuminated letter or objects of varying sizes on what is known as the Snellen chart.

Conversely, the examination of the structural part of the eye may be made in several ways. Tension within the eyeball is measured by a “tonometer.” In certain diseases, especially in glaucoma, the tension in the eyeball is increased markedly.

However, it should be well remembered that a patient with an eye problem might have other problems as well. Often other physical conditions are primary and affect the eye as a consequence. The appearance of the eye can alert the patient and the physician to difficulties in some disturbances of other parts of the body even before other symptoms present themselves.

Consequently, one’s dependence on sight is emphasized when one faces a temporary or possible permanent loss of this vital sense. Hence, when corrective measures are sought, certain forms of vision correction such as contact lenses or eyeglasses are prescribed.

On the other hand, some people are bothered with the fact that they have some framed lenses or contact lenses in front of their eyes.

For this reason, advanced surgical operations were established to encourage decreased utilization of contact lenses or glasses. One of which is the now popular LASIK eye surgery.

Basically, LASIK eye surgery is the short term for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.” Like its tangible counterpart, LASIK eye surgery is another form of vision correction. The only difference is that with this type of surgery, one’s vision is corrected permanently.

With LASIK eye surgery, the refractive errors in the cornea are permanently transformed. This can be done using an “excimer laser.”

The main purpose of this surgery is to create a threadlike, rounded “flap” in the cornea using a blade known as “microkeratome.” In a series of unfolding and laser processing, the cornea is finally reformed, allowing better the eye to direct more light into the retina.

Popularity vs. Disadvantages

Amidst the growing popularity of LASIK eye surgery, there are still disadvantages that people must know. Probably, the main reason why this type of eye surgery has become well accepted is because most of its cases had been successful.

However, in spite of its success, there are still some drawbacks. Here is the list:

1. It is an operation applied to the most sensitive part of the eye

Because LASIK eye surgery involves the operation of the retina, which is one of the most sensitive portions of the eye, most people say that the operation can be very risky.

In other words, a simple error could almost cause an individual’s lifetime blindness. Hence, it is important to consider many factors before deciding whether LASIK eye surgery is the right corrective measure one has to undergo.

2. It is not a perfect procedure

LASIK eye surgery may correct your vision but it does not necessarily mean that it can give you a perfect vision. Even if statistical reports show that 70% of the patients may have 20/20 vision, this does not necessarily mean they have ideal vision as well.

Given all these things, it can be deduced that, in spite of the popularity of the operation, LASIK may not always be the ideal eye surgery the way most people view it.

About the Author:

http://eye-care-hq.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Eye Care. If you want to read or share information on health and fitness, you're always welcome! Link To Article: http://www.eye-care-hq.com/2006/06/01/two-things-you-do-not-know-about-lasik-eye-surgery/

Which LASIK Surgeon Is Right For You?

Have you determined if you are the right candidate for LASIK laser surgery by considering all the things that can go wrong, and looking at all the available options? If you have, and you still think it is the right thing to do, then the next logical step is to start looking for a LASIK surgeon.

Even though the risks associated with LASIK are relatively smaller than other conventional types of surgery, you should still take researching a LASIK surgeon seriously. Do your homework by compiling a set of criteria and evaluating each surgeon against this set of criteria.

Carefully consider what each LASIK surgeon regard as their procedure of choice. Do they use the traditional LASIK that uses a blade to make the incision or do they prefer "bladeless" InterLase lasers to make all the cuts. Ask them as to what they regard as the most reliable and what they mostly use.

Don't limit your criteria to cost or experience alone, but look at what you feel most comfortable with. This decision will affect you for the rest of your life, so don't do something to please anyone.

Be skeptical about claims such as "20/20 vision" or "your money back guarantees." Once you vision is messed up, no amount of money may be able to restore it. Go as far as checking these doctors against the consumer affairs office or better business bureau to verify that they are in good standing. Know and understand your rights as it relates to surgery and LASIK in general.

Appreciate what can happen during the surgery and ask your potential LASIK surgeon how he/she would deal with a situation that could potentially end a procedure. Mistakes can happen which can lead to your eyes damaged permanently without even a chance to have corrective surgery.

Also ask your LASIK surgeon how he/she would handle the following situations that may come up after surgery. For example:

-the migration of the flap,

-the inflammation or infection,

-intensive eye drop treatments, or

-additional procedures that may be necessary after
the initial surgery.

There is a FDA standard that all LASIK surgeons are held to, which relates to the type of laser used during the surgery. Find out what type of laser your potential LASIK surgeon uses and compare it to the FDA's approved list.

About the Author:

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.