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Friday, August 29, 2008

Wavefront - Better Than Conventional Lasik Eye Surgery?

Traditional LASIK surgery achieves a simple correction of focusing power by reshaping the cornea with the aid of a laser. Wavefront LASIK is a variation of that conventional procedure and accomplishes a spatially varying correction based on readings from a wavefront sensor. In essence, a wavefront sensor measures the eye itself. It detects any aberrations by directing a weak laser source into the eye, and by sampling and processing the reflection off the retina.

Wavefront measurements reveal the irregularities of the lens, which cause optical aberrations (any deviation from a desired perfect planar wavefront). Wavefront custom sculpts the cornea to accomplish corrected vision. In many ways, Wavefront offers better results than traditional LASIK. The procedure is carried out by an ophthalmologist, with the aid of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment.

LASIK has certain potential side effects including halos or glare, which are caused due to induced spherical aberration. Wavefront has helped reduce instances of such cases where patients complain of post-operative halos or glares. A drop in such complaints is owing to the precise measurements provided by the wavefront sensor.

Thus Wavefront can help achieve a more optically perfect eye, since the corneal tissue area to be carved is measured more precisely using advanced technology and tools. But, wavefront aberrations are not the sole cause for all types of vision impairments. Therefore, Wavefront LASIK should not be treated as a panacea for all kinds of vision defects. However, eye surgeons claim that a great deal of success has been accomplished in patient satisfaction, relative to earlier refractive surgery procedures.

Though wavefront technology has been used for years by astronomers who require adjusting their telescope optics, its application to human vision has been discovered only recently. It’s true that Wavefront is a superior procedure, but it’s certainly not required by or suitable for everyone. It is imperative that you go through an elaborate wavefront diagnostic to determine if you are a potential candidate for it.

About the Author:

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about laser eye surgery at Your Lasik Information http://www.Your-LASIK.info. The 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.

Monday, August 25, 2008

What You Should Know About Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery has been big news on the vision front. With many people flocking to have the procedure done it has become one of the most popular eye surgeries. The idea that lasik is a solution for anyone with bad vision also proves that much is unknown about lasik. Before committing to the surgery patients should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision.

Lasik stands for laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. Lasik is where the surgeon cuts a small flap in the cornea and then uses a laser to reshape the inner area of the cornea. The cornea can be related to many vision issues. Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), and Astigmatism can all be solved through lasik eye surgery.

Before getting lasik a patient is examined by their eye doctor. During the examination pictures of the cornea will be taken to see what corrections need to be made. The overall health of the patient and patient’s eyes are also considered when deciding if a person is a good lasik candidate. Any conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, may affect a persons ability to get lasik.

After lasik the patient can go home and within a few days is usually recovered enough to resume daily routine activities. Most people experience success and will see clearly right after the surgery. Some people may experience side effects like night time vision problems and light sensitivity. Rare side effects like infection can also occur, but most often can be avoided by following doctors orders.

Lasik is a fairly new procedure and long term data has not been studied. Some people do require the use of reading glasses as they age even though they have received lasik and achieved good results. The patient should discuss all concerns and expectations with their surgeon before the lasik procedure to ensure they completely understand the process and outcome possibilities.

About the Author:

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides information on Lasik eye surgery at Your Lasik Eye Surgery!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Lasikplus: Providing The Best Lasik

Today, with lasik being a commonly chosen surgical procedure for the eye, there are a large number of clinics and hospitals across the country that offer this facility to patients. However, it is always better to get a specialized procedure such as lasik done by people who take that extra step in ensuring care for the well-being of your eye. It is after all one of the most important parts of your body, it helps you see, and is a delicate organ that requires careful handling. LasikPlus is a place where you can get the best lasik surgery facilities for your eye.

The LasikPlus Vision Center is one of the leading lasik facilities in the US, with a presence spanning the breadth of the country and covering 30 states. The center provides state of the art technology and boasts of service by America’s finest ophthalmologists. The company has been around for over one and a half decades, and was one of the first to provide specialized eye care in the form of lasik surgeries in the US. Today, it is counted among the top three lasik surgery providers in the US.

At LasikPlus, you can avail a variety of lasik procedures for your eye. The center provides correctional procedures for nearsightedness, farsightedness, as well as astigmatism. To make use of the services of LasikPlus, you can either visit one of their centers spread across the US. The other option is to visit their website, which offers all the information that anyone wanting to know about lasik – the procedure itself, price, location, etc.

At LasikPlus, you are guaranteed the services of some of the leading ophthalmologists in America. The team at LasikPlus is in fact one of the first to have used the lasik procedure in the US. That itself is a big plus. Besides, between them, the surgeons at the facility have a collective eat the facility have a collective experience spanning over 700,000 operations. That is a huge amount of experience. With that kind of experience, you can be sure about one thing – you are in the hands of skilled professionals who will provide their best services, using their vast experience and through cutting edge technology. The result is there for you to see.

Patients have had a lot of good things to say after using the services of LasikPlus. From the extreme competence of the surgeons, to the advanced technology they use, right to the extremely professional and friendly ambience at the clinics, patients have had mostly positives to speak of. For first timers to the procedure, it is a good idea to visit the LasikPlus website and go through the testimonials section. It will be a very reassuring experience, and will make you feel easier and relaxed about getting the procedure done for yourself.

To sum it all up, if you are thinking of getting a lasik procedure done for your eye, and are wondering where to go, look up LasikPlus Vision Center. It is one of the pioneers in America, and certainly one of the best. As the line says, "It’s not just lasik, it's LasikPlus."

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 the Lasik Plus.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Lasik Procedure

Lasik is basically a two-phase process. The first phase is the pre-operative phase, while the second phase is the procedure itself. The pre-operative phase of lasik varies for different patients. While some may be asked to stay without their contact lenses for a week, in some cases the timeline may extend to 10 days.

The pre-operative phase is vital to the success of the procedure in its entirety, as it helps the patient prepare for life without glasses or contact lenses, while enabling doctors to examine the shape of the patient’s cornea and determine the kinds of irregularities existing, if any. This helps the doctor know if the patient suffers from astigmatism, a distortion of the shape of the cornea that results in poor vision.

The examination of the cornea itself is a scientific process that involves using a scanner, controlled by a computer to create a map of the patient’s cornea by shooting low-power lasers at it. Once the corneal surface has been mapped, the surgeon works out the different parameters critical to the success of the surgery. These include the amount of tissue to be removed from the cornea, the location of the tissue, and other related parameters. During this phase, the doctor usually advises the patient to use a mild antibiotic. This step is taken to ensure that there are minimal chances of an infection after the actual procedure.

The operation itself is quite simple, and is performed using a local anesthetic. This is usually an eye drop, and the patient remains awake during the procedure. Depending on the requirements of the patient, and also his general physical condition, the surgeon may opt for general anesthesia. However, this is an exception, and is not done usually.

The surgeon first uses the microkeratome to make an incision into the cornea. Other choice of application may be a femtosecond laser. Afer making the incision, the surgeon next cuts out a flap of the cornea at the appropriate location which he has determined from his studies of the corneal surface during the pre-operative phase.

Cutting out the flap of the cornea exposes the mid-section of the cornea, the stroma. The third step in the process involves the surgeon realigning the stroma using an excimer laser. During this entire process, a computer continuously monitors the position of the eye itself. The computer operates at very high speeds; the computer tracks the eye movement up to 4,000 times per second.After realigning the stroma, the surgeon places back the flap of cornea.

As seen above, lasik offers numerous advantages to patients and surgeons. However, it is not totally without side effects. While the complications are not commonplace, they do exist. There are quite a few complications related to lasik, and while all of them are not seen in a patient, different patients may exhibit different symptoms, or a combination of symptoms.

A patient, during the post-operation phase, may sometimes experience starbursts when he is near a light source. The patient sees this kind of an illusion usually in the form of a halo. Other common side effects include double vision, a wrinkling of the corneal flap, induced astigmatism, which is basically secondary astigmatism (the patient may not have had astigmatism prior to the operation), sensitivity to light, under- or over-correction of the corneal defect, fluctuation in visual acuity, and also decentered ablation.

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 the Lasik.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Unsure About Lasik? Alternatives To Lasik Surgery

It’s true that LASIK is one of the most prevalent types of eye surgery. However, a few people are either not comfortable with, or not suitable for LASIK surgery due to inadequate thickness of the corneal tissue. There are several alternatives to LASIK surgery, each possessing certain characteristics that make it more appropriate in a particular situation. The procedures may be different, but the key intent is to correct the vision. The following are a few of the major alternatives to LASIK surgery.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomiluesis) is a recent addition to the refractive surgery catalog. As noted above, the density of the corneal tissue is inadequate in some patients, and hence, LASIK is not a possible option for them. In such a scenario, procedures like LASEK or PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) can be viable alternatives. These procedures produce the same results but require less tissue removal when compared with the LASIK procedure. That is, a thinner flap is cut in the corneal tissue.

Intraocular Lens Implant – In essence, this surgery is the same as cataract extraction with placement of a clear intraocular lens. The natural lens, the one having a refractive error, is extracted and replaced with a clear lens that provides clearer vision. This procedure is especially beneficial if the patient is suffering from hypermetropia (farsightedness) and that too with a high refractive error.

Spectacles or Contact Lenses – Glasses and contact lenses have been a popular choice for many years now. They are an affordable alternative to LASIK surgery. Spectacles or contact lenses are certainly a much safer proposition, since any sort of surgery has a potential for side effects and complications. There can be nothing as simple as wearing spectacles or contact lenses. With an elaborate series of new designs and makes, your spectacles can be strong fashion statement as well.

Don’t hastily jump on a conclusion. It is advised that you carefully examine all the above alternatives prior to going in for a surgery. Do your best to avoid any surgical treatment. If you suffer from a minor refractive error, one that can be easily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses, there is no point going in for a LASIK surgery.

About the Author:

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about 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 are included.

Friday, August 15, 2008

What Is Lasik Plus?

You have heard about Lasik surgery for several years and you know many people that have had this life changing surgery. But, what is Lasik Plus? You have never heard about this-is it better or just different? Actually, it is a special place dedicated to helping people who want to have Lasik surgical procedures done.

Lasik Plus claims that their surgeons are high skilled and certified through many different medical boards such as the AMA, ABO and NCQA. They have a dedicated medical team that has been performing these surgeries for over 15 years and they have an excellent track record in the Lasik area.

Lasik Plus patients, are treated with sophisticated FDA-approved laser technology. Their centers are outfitted with new generation laser platforms, including Bausch & Lomb, VISX, and Alcon LADARVision. They understand the importance of having different lasers that can provide you with personalized results. This gives you with the ability to be an active participant in your vision correction plan.

They will offer you a choice of both the traditional and custom Lasik platforms. No one laser is suited for every patient or all conditions. There are differences in prescription, corneal thickness, and pupil size that may make the doctors choose with one laser over another with the goal of making your surgery successful.

They know that all Lasik providers are not the same and they tell you that their medical group is setting the standard for the entire industry. They have superior results because of the advance medical laser platforms, technical skills of their staff and their progressive training programs. All procedures are performed by lasers that are computer guided and have eye-tracking technology designed for your personalized treatment.

Lasik Plus facilities charge competitive rates and have promotional financing available to help everyone who wants to have this procedure performed.

If you think you want to have lasik plus performed on your eyes, you should check into the procedure. It is not for everyone and there are risks involved. You might want to read books, magazine articles, and newspapers to see what the latest developed are in this field. Medical procedures are constantly changing and being improved. Maybe you were not a good candidate 10 years ago when you first thought about having this done. But, with the advancements in technology, you may now be a good candidate.

You have made up your mind that you want to use Lasik Plus for your eye procedure. Work with them to ensure that you have all of the information you need and want, that all of your questions have been answered, and that you are ready to move ahead.

Schedule your procedure, following all of the instructions provided by the doctors and medical staff and relax. You are in good hands and soon you will be one of the many people who is able to talk about the wonderful freedom you now have since you do not wear glasses or contact lenses. Soon, friends and associations will be asking you for advice about Lasik Plus and what you thought about it.

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 plus.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

What To Understand About The Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery has become the preferred method of treatment for the correction of vision problems like near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism, which affects billions of people around the world on a daily basis, especially when they reach their 40s. However, there are also some things to consider before opting for this kind of non-cutting eye surgery, because it is extremely expensive.

To understand the cost of Lasik eye surgery, one needs to know a little about the procedure, because it's the technology that you're paying for, not the time it takes to perform the operation. Lasik surgery is performed with a laser light beam, not traditional surgical tools and settings like scalpels and operating rooms with full staff and general anesthesia. Lasik qualified ophthalmologists can perform in a doctor's office, or eye correction facility on an outpatient basis, no overnight hospital stays necessary.

Lasik surgery typically costs $1500 to $2500 per eye. Yes, you read that right. You might see deals advertised for Lasik surgical procedures that cost $500 per eye, but keep in mind two things: first, that's just the basic cost of the surgery and does not include the use of additional equipment and supplies, nor the fees that will be added for the operating suite, the equipment used to perform the procedure, or the fees of the physician. Always ask before you sign what the final costs, per eye, are going to be. Second, that cost is determined by the severity of your eye trouble. The $500 listed may be for a very minimal eye vision correction, and is not to be taken as a baseline for what your procedure may entail, depending on your own vision diagnosis.

Also keep in mind that while Lasik eye correction surgery is accepted by many insurance companies around the world, the United States is lagging behind in that department, as many companies in America still consider Lasik to be a completely cosmetic surgery that is not vital to eye correction. They continue to hold to the belief that eyeglasses and contacts are perfectly acceptable and are unwilling, in most cases, to foot the bill for the cost of Lasik eye surgery. Hopefully, that attitude will change in the very near future, for Lasik offers less complications, less chance of damaging the eye during surgery, and fewer medical costs because of its outpatient procedure opportunities.

Though the basic cost of Lasik eye surgery is roughly $2,000 an eye, that may increase or decrease by a small amount depending on where you live. Lasik eye surgery can be completed in about 10-15 minutes in most cases, per eye. When thought of that way, the cost may seem astronomical, but considering the options, it's actually a pretty good deal. No more glasses, contacts, or supplies and repairs. Instant eye correction, and the decreased risk of complications or damage to your most vital sense. When considering the high cost of Lasik eye surgery, try to remember that you are paying for a non-invasive method to correct your eyesight, and the cost won't seem so prohibitive after all.

About the Author:

Is the cost of lasik eye surgery stopping you from having your vision corrected permanently? Find out more at http://LasikRevealed.com .

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What To Expect With Lasik, San Diego

Having lasik? San Diego is one of the largest areas throughout California and the United States to have patients undergo this surgery. Like any surgery, there are risks that factor into the benefits of having it done. The good news is that many patients do find excellent results from the lasik procedure that they have done. One of the things that you may be interested in is to understand just what happens and what to expect during the surgery. Although it may sound difficult to do, or even painful; it really is not so bad for those that have it done.

The best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for what will happen during your lasik procedure is to educate yourself. Start with talking with your doctor. The key ingredients in a successful surgery are his skills and his equipment. Ask about these aspects and learn as much as you can about what is likely to happen based upon his experience.

In short, the procedure is quite straightforward. Your doctor will prepare you and then will use a knife to remove a flap of the cornea. Since your cornea is not lying correctly which is what causes your vision to not be perfect, he needs to remove some of the stroma, or the layer of tissue directly under the cornea so that it will lay correctly. After he has accomplished this, he replaces the cornea (it remains attached during the whole procedure) and you heal. Of course, lasers of the utmost precision are used to do all of this work.

When you go in to see your lasik specialist for the first time, he or she will walk you through the lasik procedure. The goal is to educate you about lasik. San Diego has some of the very best doctors that provide care and follow up that is excellent and they are also very willing to discuss just how the procedure works with you. Ask questions and make sure you know exactly what will happen.

About the Author:

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Lasik Eye Surgery: New York

When it comes to lasik eye surgery, New York has some of the most surgeries of the east coast. In New York, there is a trend for improving your looks and improving your health. Individuals are continuously looking for a way to improve themselves so that they can stand out from the crowd and really make a difference. Lasik eye surgery is just one way that they can make that happen. Other areas of the country, such as Miami, Florida and many cities in California, also have these large numbers of eye surgery performed.

What does that mean for someone that is looking to have their eyes improved with the use of lasik eye surgery? For one thing, there are plenty of qualified doctors in the area. In some cases in some areas of New York, lasik eye surgery is offered by several physicians which means there is a bit of competition for your business. Although prices are significantly higher in these areas because of the cost of living in those areas, it is still possible to get an affordable price on the surgery.

Of course, the cost should be one of the last things that you think about when it comes to having lasik eye surgery. New York is filled with qualified physicians that provide for the best possible reduction of risks and the best results possible. Still, there are those out there that aren’t as experienced and perhaps don’t have the best training. For that reason, you should invest in finding out as much as you can about the physician that will be handling your surgery.

There is no question that you can have an excellent lasik eye surgery in New York. By insuring that you learn as much as you can about the surgeon that will be handling your surgery, you also improve your risks and get the best possible surgery.

About the Author:

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Importance Of A Reputable Lasik Eye The Importance Of A Reputable Lasik Eye Surgery CenterSurgery Center

For anyone considering Lasik eye surgery, the importance of finding a reputable and experienced Lasik eye surgery center is absolutely crucial. Just as you would never embark on a surgical procedure with doctors that you didn’t know or trust, you should never entrust the health of your eyesight to random surgeons you find in the yellow pages of the phone book.

In order to get what you need from Lasik surgery – in a safe and effective way – you must find a surgical center that extends quality, dependability, experience, and professionalism to their patients – at all times.

Lasik eye surgery – for the uninitiated – is a refractive procedure that works to correct the way in which our eyes refract light. When light is captured by the lens of our eye – the portion of the eye located directly behind the iris, or colored part of the eye – the lens refracts, or bends, the light to be then captured by the retina, a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye.

The retina then takes those light signals and converts them into messages that can be understood by the optic nerve in our brain. When there are refractive difficulties in our eyes – through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – the light is not refracted to the retina properly and the brain receives a message of a blurry image.

During the Lasik procedure, a laser is used to resurface the cornea – the thin, transparent covering that blankets the iris and lens of the eye – thus clearing the way for refractive clarity. Lasik is generally a painless procedure that can be performed in mere minutes. Skilled surgeons who work within a Lasik eye surgery center and perform this procedure on a daily basis are in the best position to assess your candidacy for the procedure and what will work best for your eyesight.

Begin your search for a Lasik eye surgery center by looking in your immediate area; logistical convenience should be your first consideration but it shouldn’t be your only one. Speak to people who have had the procedure performed in your area in order to get a sense for the more popular and reputable surgery centers.

If you are interested in a particular Lasik eye surgery center, then speak to patients who have had the procedure performed in that center and who are willing to share their experience. Finally, visit the centers in which you are interested to assess their organization, patient care including pre-operative and post-operative care, cleanliness, professionalism of the staff, and financial options available to you.

Once you have decided on a Lasik eye surgery center it is important to then research the surgeons who work within the center and who will be assigned to your case. With the assistance of the Internet it does not take very long to investigate the education, experience, and reputation of any surgeon in which you are interested. Meet with the surgeon yourself to get a feel for his/her standard of care and what systems they put into place to ensure your comfort and successful outcome.

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 Vision Institute.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Understanding The Lasik Procedure

Lasik eye surgery – one of the most popular elective procedures performed today – continues to grow in popularity as more and more people choose to leave their eyeglasses and contact lenses in the dust and embrace clearer vision through advanced surgical procedures.

The Lasik procedure is one that had its start in a myriad of technological breakthroughs dating back to the late 1940s but did not come together into the procedure we know today until 1990. The Lasik procedure as we know it today was first performed in the United States in 1991.

Lasik itself stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a combination of several technologies developed throughout the years. It essence, Lasik is refractive eye surgery wherein corrections are made to the way in which our eyes refract – or bend – light.

In a normally functioning eye, light is received through the lens of the eye – the segment located directly behind the colored part – or iris - of the eye. Once the lens receives light it then refracts or bends to the retina of the eye – found in the grouping of cells lining the back of the eye. From there, the retina converts these light signals into a message that it can deliver to the optic nerve in our brain. The optic nerve receives these signals as a visual image or picture.

Through heredity, illness, injury, or aging our eyes can experience refractive difficulties in the way of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, among other conditions. When this occurs light is not refracted properly and eventually the message or signal that the optic nerve receives is translated into a blurry image.

During the Lasik procedure surgeons use laser technology to resurface the cornea – the transparent covering of the eye – thus clearing the way for crisper, cleaner refraction of light. The Lasik procedure should always begin with the proper choosing of a surgical center through comprehensive research. The surgeon who will perform the procedure will ordinarily begin with one or two pre-operative visits during which time candidacy for the procedure is determined and overall health is assessed.

The Lasik procedure itself begins with the numbing of the eye with the use of eye drops. Once the eye is numbed, the patient is asked to lie on his/her back and the eye itself is held open with a speculum that is placed on the upper and lower eyelids. The eye is then immobilized with the use of a corneal suction ring. Once the eye is immobilized the surgeon makes a very small incision in the top layer of the cornea in order to create a flap.

The flap is then folded back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea – known as the stroma. The surgeon then used low-powered laser technology to resurface the stroma after which the flap is replaced over the eye. The procedure itself takes very little time – usually no more than 10 minutes for each eye.

Healing begins immediately and happens naturally. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the Lasik procedure and only mild discomfort following it – which generally disappears within 24 hours following the 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.