Research A Lasik Institute Thoroughly

Since it was first performed in the United States in 1991, Lasik eye surgery has grown to be one of the most popular elective surgeries performed in the modern world. As more and more people turn to Lasik to free themselves of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the industry continues to keep pace by building a burgeoning crop of Lasik surgery centers to meet the demand of prospective patients.
But not all surgery centers are the same and in order to ensure that you have a comfortable experience and a successful outcome, it is necessary to find a Lasik institute with a reputation for offering patients state-of-the-art technological procedures and a superior standard of quality patient care.
A Lasik institute is a surgical center where the Lasik procedure is performed. There are a variety of centers around the world – from small privately owned companies to large chains that operate centers in cities around their country. Finding a reputable Lasik institute requires research and perseverance on your part as a patient. But the effort that you put into the search in the front end will more than reward you on the back end in the form of a comfortable experience and successful outcome.
Lasik surgery is a refractive eye surgery that works to correct light refraction in our eyes. In a normally functioning eye light is captured by the lens of our eye – the segment of our eye located directly behind the iris (or colored part) of our eye. The light is then refracted – or bent – from the lens to the retina which sits in the very back of our eye. The retina’s role is to take those refracted light rays and convert them to signals sent to the optic nerve in the form of visual images. When our eyes experience refractive difficulties through illness, injury, heredity, or aging it manifests itself through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Ultimately, when the light is not refracted properly the optic nerve –located in our brain – receives a signal of a blurry image. During Lasik surgery, a skilled surgeon makes corrections to the way in which our eyes refract light by resurfacing the cornea – the transparent covering of the eye. This resurfacing is done with laser technology and allows for crisper, cleaner light refraction and better vision.
Any Lasik institute that you consider should perform this procedure on a daily basis and employ surgeons who are vastly experienced with Lasik technology. Begin by collecting recommendations from people you know and trust including friends and family who have had the procedure performed, your general eye doctor, and even your primary care physician. Once you have narrowed down the list of possible candidates – based on only glowing recommendations – continue on by researching the centers themselves.
The Internet is your best friend when it comes to conducting research on a Lasik Institute; thoroughly educate yourself on the institute’s history, patient care standards, and reputation in the industry. Follow this up by visiting the institute in which you are interested to assess the cleanliness of the institute, the level of technology being used, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, the organization of the institute, and the financial options they provide their patients.
Finally, a Lasik institute is really only as good as the surgeons who work there. Meet with the surgeon who will perform your procedure to gage their commitment to patient care; and do research on your own to establish the credentials and reputation of the specific surgeon. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the surgeon – as well as the institute – is as much committed to a pleasant experience and successful outcome as you are.

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.

Refractive Eye Surgery - Is Lasik The Best Option?

Refractive surgery is a general term referring to the collection of many different surgical procedures, all with the key intent to fix the refractive error of the eye. Refractive surgery is the preferred treatment for rectifying a variety of vision impairments. Its popularity is owing to the fact that it produces efficacious and predictable vision improvement without any major side effects.
Essentially speaking, refractive surgery is any eye surgery employed to improve visual acuity and decrease dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The refractive surgery field encompasses operative procedures for all types of refractive errors, be it myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia. The most common procedure is to use lasers to reshape the corneal tissue.
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. Especially recommended for treating nearsightedness, it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to carve the tissue underneath and give it the desired shape. The eye surgeon may either use a microkeratome (a precision surgical instrument) or a laser to cut a flap of the corneal tissue. Then onwards, the underneath tissue is reshaped with the aid of the excimer laser (a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser).
Other refractive surgery procedures include Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelium Keratomileusis (LASEK), EPI-LASIK, Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), Radial keratotomy (RK) and arcuate keratotomy (AK), among others. Cataract extraction and intraocular lens implants may also be considered as types of refractive surgeries, since the key intent is to extract the lens with a refractive error and replace it with a new lens that provides clear and improved vision.
As of now, LASIK is a clear winner among the available eye corrective surgical procedures. All the above listed refractive surgery procedures have potential complications. However, LASIK has a minimal complication rate of a mere 5%. With the technology in hand and with proper pre-operative examination, your laser eye surgery would go as smooth as a walk in the park.

About the Author:

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

Qualifications For Lasik: California Residents Listen Up!

When it comes to lasik, California has the largest number of doctors that provide this surgery. But, remember, numbers don’t mean anything. Lasik eye surgery is a wonderful innovative technology that allows you, the patient, to improve your eye sight to near perfect standards. For this to happen, several key things must play a role in the process. You need to have the right diagnosis and the right equipment to take care of you. One of the foundations of your care will come into play with the skill of the professional eye surgeon that will do the work, too.
There are many aspects of that doctor’s care that should be addressed. For lasik, California does have the largest sector of qualified physicians, but even this should not be enough for you. There are key elements that you must address.
• What type of experience does the doctor have? Good and bad should be discussed.
• What type of equipment will your doctor be using? It must be FDA approved lasers that are specific for this procedure.
• What type of personality do they have? Are you comfortable with them and put at ease? Do you feel as if you could ask anything?
• What type of follow up care do they provide? IS this included in the charge or does it become extra cost?
• What do they see as your potential benefits and drawbacks?
All of these things are essential to ask and to know about the eye surgeon that you take into account. Although there are plenty of physicians that can provide lasik, California residents need to invest the time and research to find out who is the best qualified to provide their services. With the skill that’s necessary and the understanding that makes the difference anyone can feel good about having their lasik procedure done.
About the Author:

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

What Happens Before, During, And After A Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure?

Since LASIK was approved by the FDA in the early 1990’s, the procedure has grown to become the most widely-performed eye surgery in the United States. LASIK is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to correct an individual’s vision and reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which literally means to "reshape the cornea from within using a laser.” The procedure has broad applications to treat refractive errors of the eye and can be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (an elongated cornea).

LASIK works by improving the ability of the eye to properly focus light. In a perfectly formed eye light entering the eye bends and directly hits retina, allowing the eye to produce a clear image. The majority of people, though, have imperfectly shaped corneas. Imperfectly shaped corneas do not properly refract the light on the retina, with the result that the viewed image is blurry and distorted. LASIK can correct these refractive errors by permanently changing the shape of the cornea. Once reshaped, the cornea is able to better focus light, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

LASIK patients will be given a detailed set of instructions to follow, beginning a few weeks before the procedure is to take place. It is critical that these instructions are followed if the surgery is to be a success. Patients wearing contact lenses will be advised to stop wearing their lenses anywhere from 2-4 weeks before the procedure, to give their eyes a chance to resume their natural shape. Certain foods, vitamins, beauty products, and medication can also affect the health of your eyes and may need to be avoided prior to LASIK. Failure to follow pre-operative instructions may result in a failed LASIK procedure, or the need to completely redo the surgery.

Patients remain awake and alert during surgery, although the doctor may administer a mild sedative to help keep the patient calm and relaxed. Numbing eye drops will be applied to the eye to serve as a local anesthetic. Since the eye’s natural tendency is to blink when it comes into contact with foreign items, it is necessary to secure the eyelids to keep them out of the way of the laser. This is done using an instrument called a lid speculum. Once the speculum is in place and the eye is cleaned, a small ring is placed on the cornea to apply a strong suction to the cornea. This part of the procedure can be a bit uncomfortable, but the strong suction ensures that the eyes remain immobile throughout the rest of the surgery.

Next a flap is cut into the cornea, leaving a small hinge to keep it attached to the eye. This flap may be made using a small razor sharp knife called a microkeratome, or by using a laser – also called IntraLase. The suction ring serves as a precise guide for the microkeratome to ensure that the flap is made cleanly and accurately. After the cut has been made the suction ring is removed and the flap is gently teased away from the cornea and peeled back (towards the hinge) to reveal the underlying stroma.

The doctor will then dry the eye and ask the patient to stare at a fixed light, without moving, until the end of the procedure. Once the eye is in the proper position, the excimer laser will be activated. The surgeon will have already programmed the laser to remove the precise amount of tissue from the exact location(s) on your eye before the start of the procedure. More severe refractive errors will require a longer laser treatment, since more corneal tissue will need to be removed. As the laser pulses a beam of light into the eye to remove the excess tissue from the eye, the patient will hear a ticking or zapping sound and may smell an odor similar to that of burning hair. Once the laser has ceased pulsing, the surgeon will replace the corneal flap on the eye and smooth it out to ensure no surface wrinkles develop.

Since an eye is vulnerable after LASIK, it is very important to take extra precautions to protect the eye during the healing process. The doctor will give the patient an eye shield to wear immediately after the LASIK procedure. This shield should be worn while sleeping to prevent a person from rubbing their eye and dislodging the flap. The eye shield also prevents a person from inadvertently putting any pressure on the eye. Antibiotic ointment should be used to prevent infection from forming, while eye drops may be used to keep dry and scratchy eyes well-lubricated as they heal.

The doctor will make a follow-up appointment to evaluate the patient’s eyes within 24-48 hours from the time of surgery. This will allow the physician to monitor the healing process, evaluate the eyes for any potential problems, and begin accessing the success of the LASIK procedure. After the initial follow-up appointment, the patient will be asked to return for regular visits every few weeks, then every few months, until such time that the surgeon is confident that the procedure was successful.

Keep in mind that LASIK is not a risk-free procedure and that not all individuals are good candidates for LASIK. If you are interested in finding more about this procedure, contact your ophthalmologist and request an appointment.

About the Author:

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about LASIK eye surgery and LASIK eye surgeons, visit us.

What Are Your Chances Of 20/20 Vision After Lasik Eye Surgery?

You might have come across eye centers touting outrageous offers of "20/20 vision or money back". The whole concept of 20/20 vision has been ballyhooed immensely when it comes to laser eye surgery. In essence, the value 20/20 refers to a way of measuring visual acuity via the Snellen eye chart – the same old alphabet chart that you might have seen at a nearby eye care center. As an instance of Snellen measurement, people with 20/40 vision can see clearly at 20 feet what people with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 40 feet.

With the latest technological advancements in laser eye surgery, the conventional LASIK procedure has been augmented with superlative techniques like wavefront LASIK, and its add-on, iris registration. With such enhancements there is an even greater chance of 20/20 vision relative to that with conventional LASIK. By wielding wavefront technology there is a great, around 95%, chance of 20/20 vision. However, with the iris registration technology, the possibility of 20/20 vision skyrockets to an overwhelming 99%.

20/20 vision is what you aim for while undergoing any type of refractive surgery – it's used as a benchmark. However, some people hold a somewhat dissenting opinion about 20/20 vision, as far as laser eye surgery is concerned. The argument put forth is that visual quality matters more than visual acuity. As is evident from a number of cases, laser eye surgeries, for instance LASIK, have potential complications. A patient might experience blurry vision, halos, ghost vision or double vision, glare, and starbursts surrounding light sources at night.

Normal vision is crisp and sharp. But after laser eye surgery, a person might have to deal with debilitating side effects, which typically diminish vision quality. Though the patient might still be able to decipher a 20/20 line on the Snellen chart, the vision might be blurry. Unless the complications subside, eye surgeons' famous promise of 20/20 vision is merely a myth.

In general, the degree of refractive error and the pupil size are the only criteria while determining the candidature of a patient for laser eye surgery. Most patients are not tested on other grounds, such as contrast sensitivity, glare and depth perception. The data pertinent to such aspects is fairly anecdotal. A comprehensive preoperative test regime is necessary for achieving authentic 20/20 vision (with enhanced vision quality) after laser eye surgery.

If you find a LASIK surgery that you are confident with, you will be able to get more information about 20/20 vision.

About the Author:

Nicola publishes articles, reports, news, views and information about LASIK eye surgery 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

What Are The Long Term Results Of Lasik Surgery?

Recent encouraging news about the long term results of lasik surgery will no doubt please the 1.4 million Americans who elected to have Lasik vision correction surgery last year.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is still cautious; it believes that laser companies have not yet presented enough evidence to enable final conclusions about the effectiveness or the safety of enhancement surgery.

However, the recent news is encouraging. The American Academy of Ophthalmology was told at its annual meeting in November 2006 a follow-up study of people who had undergone lasik and PRK (photorefractive keratotomy)10 years earlier was very positive.

The researchers found that while there had been some regression, on average patients had maintained 20/25 vision.

A 2005 Irish study of patients who had had lasik surgery in 1998 and 1999 was also positive. There had been some regression, but surgeons had been able to correct eye defects with a great deal of accuracy, and there was a high level of patient satisfaction.

The popularity of the lasik option for people who depend on eyeglasses or contacts therefore appears to be well-founded, and the results can often be dramatic.

Some 95 % of all patients report improved vision almost immediately. Quite often eyesight improves to 20/40 or better.

The first modern Lasik surgery was performed in America in 1991, so many surgeons now have nearly 20 years experience, and equipment and techniques are continuously improving.

Still, the FDA is cautious. Its website notes that "Long-term data is not available. Lasik is a relatively new technology. The first laser was approved for Lasik eye surgery in 1998. Therefore, the long-term safety and effectiveness of Lasik surgery is not known."

Lasik surgeons agree, and caution that lasik is surgery, and therefore some risk.

The FDA list of potential problems is sobering:

Some patients lose lines of vision (on the eye chart) that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or further surgery;

Some patients have troubling side effects that can include glare, halos or double-vision. Situations of low contrast, such as driving in fog or at night, can become a real problem for those who lose some visual acuity ("sharpness"), even if they have 20/20 vision;

Patients may be over- or under-treated, which may require further surgery, called enhancements, to correct;

Patients may develop severe "dry eye" problems;

Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors - although this is an issue that most surgeons will highlight at the very first examination, and will probably recommend against lasik in such circumstances.

The FDA is worried that the benefits of improved vision may not be permanent. While the recent studies support the view that there may be a gradual regression, but it does appear to be just that - gradual.

There is always the possibility that even with the surgery, a patient may still need to wear glasses; this will be particularly true of older patients.

On balance, therefore, the new findings suggest that as long as you have investigated the issues properly, you have chosen your surgeon carefully, you understand the potential side effects, and you are a good candidate, you can count on achieving good lasik long term results.

About the Author:

If you need more information on lasik risks , or on lasik eye surgery , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com

What Are The Lasik Procedures?

The LASIK surgeon uses computer software to guide the IntraLase laser beam, which applies a series of tiny (3-micron-diameter) bubbles within the central layer of the cornea. The resulting corneal flap is created at a precise depth and diameter pre-determined by the surgeon. As occurs with a mechanical microkeratome, a small section of tissue at one edge of the flap is left uncut, forming a hinge that allows the surgeon to fold back the flap so that the cornea can be accessed and reshaped for vision correction.

LASIK has proven to be a safe and effective method of laser eye surgery as recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by Ophthalmologist Professor Michael O'Keeffe reporting the results of a long term study commenced in 1998 and 1999 whereby LASIK patients were followed for a period of 5 years.

The LASIK Procedure

1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.

2. A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.

3. Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of your cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.

4. The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.

5. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

Are there Follow Ups after Lasik Treatment?

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention.

So, we urge you to find out more about Lasik Surgery today!

About the Author:

LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive Eye Surgery procedure. Find out more about LASIK Eye Surgery at http://EyeSurgery.ewhy.info

What Are The Eye Conditions That Lasik Helps To Correct?

There are four general eye conditions that are treatable with the Lasik procedure. Some people mistakenly believe that Lasik can be used to treat all forms of vision problems and all degrees of short sightedness or far sightedness and this is not true. Even the conditions which are treatable with Lasik must fall within a certain range to qualify for the laser treatment.

Lasik was primarily designed to help those patients with mild to moderate vision problems. Patients with severe vision problems may be helped with Lasix but their eyesight may still remain poor enough to require glasses. Although most patients who undergo Lasik never need to wear glasses or contacts again, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Lasik is mainly used to treat the eye conditions of myopia which is also known as nearsightedness, hyperopia which is also known as farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia if you choose to use the monovision method of correction.

Myopia

Myopia is also called nearsightedness, and is a condition where you can see objects close up much clearer than objects at a distance. This is generally caused by a eye that is longer than normal and the light rays therefore focus in front of the retina rather than on it.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia is called farsightedness and is the opposite of myopia. Objects that are at a distance are clearer than objects that are up close and this is because light rays focus behind the retina instead of on it.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common condition which results in blurry vision which results from an unusual shaped eyeball. Instead of being round, the eye is more of an oval shape and this causes the light rays to focus on two points instead of one. In addition, those with the condition of astigmatism often have myopia or hyperopia as well. When Lasik is used in a case like this, both conditions can be treated at once.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common eye condition that normally occurs with aging and strikes people in between the age of forty to fifty. It is the result of the eye lens losing its elasticity. This causes objects to become blurry the closer they become. This condition is usually corrected with reading glasses. Lasik cannot correct presbyopia in itself but Lasik can compensate for the condition through a procedure know as monovision. One eye is corrected to see far away and the other is corrected to see up close so the brain is tricked into seeing clearly.

Lasik has helped many people with the above conditions to be able to give up wearing glasses and contact lenses and restore clear vision. Only your eye doctor will be able to determine if Lasik is appropriate for your situation.

About the Author:

Peter Rankin is a staff writer at Vision Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Fitness Digest.

Lasik FAQ: Answers To Common Questions About Lasik Eye Surgery

* What is lasik surgery?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This is a refractive surgical procedure which is performed by an ophthalmologist. This surgical procedure is done in order to correct the vision of the patient, thus lessening his or her dependence on any corrective devices such as contact lenses or eyeglasses.

* How risky is lasik eye surgery and what exactly are the risks?

Some patients are happy with the result of LASIK surgery. But, like other surgical procedures, risks are inevitable. This is why it is necessary that you know your limitations and the possible complications of the surgery.

The risks of LASIK eye surgery include:

Patients might lose their vision.

Patients may develop unbearable visual symptoms.

The surgery may either be undertreated or overtreated.

Patients might develop serious dry eye conditions.

* How much does lasik eye surgery cost?

If you opt for the traditional LASIK, the surgery can cost from 1,600 to 2,000 dollars per eye, but if it is customized LASIK that you want, it will cost you around 2,000 to 2,500 dollars per eye. The prices for LASIK surgery differ depending on your chosen LASIK surgeon.

* Does insurance cover Lasik surgery?

Although LASIK surgery is not a cosmetic surgical procedure, it is still considered elective surgery. Such surgeries are covered mostly in Asian and European countries, but most insurance policies in the United States, Canada and Latin America do not cover it. Furthermore, not even Medicare will cover it.

However, it is probable that the rate for LASIK is deductible on U.S. federal taxes. Therefore, before having the surgery, check to see if it can be considered a deductible health care expense.

* Is the Lasik procedure painful?

Patients do not experience any discomfort during the LASIK procedure itself, because the eye is given an eye drop anesthetic before the procedure takes place. If the patient suffers much discomfort after the procedure, he or she can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol during the first two days after surgery.

* How long has Lasik technology been around?

LASIK technology has been around for more than 10 years now. The first time it was performed in some clinics in the U.S was during the early 1990s. From that time, more than a million procedures of LASIK were performed. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed it as the newest eye remedy technology.

* What procedures can a laser perform?

There are three types of procedures that a laser can perform. The most popular of the three is the LASIK. In this procedure, a thin coating of the cornea is removed to make a flap. This allows the laser to take tissue from underneath the flap. After the flap is replaced, eyesight is restored in an instant.

Another procedure is the LASEK or EPIFLAP surgery. This includes the incomplete removal of the outer layer of eye cells and the epithelium, which show the cornea. The cornea is flattened or otherwise reshaped using a laser, then the outer cells are repositioned and after several days, the eye will heal.

The third one is the PRK. This procedure includes the full removal of the epithelium or outer cells of the eye.

About the Author:

Lanny Frankel is editor of Lasik FAQ, the online Lasik guide. He also writes Lasik FAQ's for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

The Benefits Offered By Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery

The risks involved in LASIK eye surgery is relatively small compared to other types of surgery. However, there is still a risk which is there because of the use of the blade that is used to cut the flap in the cornea. The use of this blade comes with the element of human error. This is because all human beings make mistake from time, although this risk is reduced the more highly trained someone is. However, this risk is still there.

Bladeless LASIK lowers that already small risk even further as it removes the need for a blade. This function is taken over by IntraLase lasers which are controlled by computers and can therefore provide a more precise cutting action. Because bladeless LASIK is so delicate that it can even be used on people who have thin corneas. These are people who usually not approved for other types of laser surgery.

Bladeless LASIK offer a number of advantages. The IntraLase laser used during bladeless LASIK allows for an increased curvature, hence lowering the margin of error even more. The fact that a laser is used instead of a blade leads to less infections and irritation. Not only that, bladeless LASIK only leads to a shorter recovery period compared to other types of LASIK eye surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK, many people who had surgeries had to come back for follow-ups or to redo a surgery that didn't go so well. There is also a great deal of irritation that follows other surgeries. However, with bladeless LASIK most of these are something of the past, because of a success rate that is very close to 100%.

So now you may wonder, why do we need an eye doctor for if the lasers are doing everything? Well even though many of the actions are controlled by lasers, these lasers still have to be directed. And to be able to do that you need to have the knowledge of both laser technology as well as eye surgery, which only a trained LASIK eye surgeon can give you. Surgeons who do bladeless LASIK now also need to know how to operate the computer that controls the InterLaser lasers.

Although bladeless LASIK may cost a bit more, many people think it is worth spending that extra money, considering the near perfect results you get. Not to mention the reduced irritation and shorter recovery time.

About the Author:

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

New LASIK Procedures

We typically first think of LASIK surgery when considering laser vision correction. However, technology has advanced in the field of surgical vision correction and today there are many more options that make traditional LASIK eye surgery more precise and individualized.

Understand Your Options
For the individual looking to reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts, surgical procedures which improve the focusing power of the eye, are a tremendously effective option. The procedure commonly referred to as LASIK is the most technologically advanced way to correct vision, and has helped millions of people worldwide reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

LASIK surgery uses a cool beam, also known as an excimer, to reshape the surface of the eye, the cornea. By altering the shape of the cornea it is able to change the angle in which light enters the eye. Glasses and contact lenses employ this same theory with an impermanent change. In the past LASIK has had some limitations but now is able to successfully correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK is the most common term used to refer to laser vision correction procedures. All forms of LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but there are variations to the procedure which provide different advantages. A series of vision tests called Advanced Diagnostic Testing allows your doctor to determine which approach is best for you.

LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) gently reshapes the cornea with the use of an excimer laser. In traditional LASIK, an extraordinarily thin flap is created in the top layer of the cornea and then gently folded back. The underlying layer is then re-shaped with the laser in a matter of seconds, correcting the refractive errors that cause the vision impairment. The flap is then repositioned across the cornea, which naturally adheres and begins to heal within minutes. Of all the laser vision correction procedures, LASIK provides the most comfortable and rapid healing process.

Advanced Surface Ablation
ASA refers to the laser vision correction procedures that treat the surface of the cornea without the creation of a flap. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Epi-LASIK are the two most common forms of ASA and refer to the methods of preparing the corneal surface just prior to using the laser. ASA is the safest form of laser vision correction. It allows a wider range of patients to be treated who may not be able to undergo a traditional LASIK procedure due to thin corneas, job restrictions, or other visual issues. ASA is also considered by many to provide the chance for the sharpest and clearest vision, since there are no induced refractive errors associated with a corneal flap. ASA does have a disadvantage because it usually involves a few days of discomfort (treated with Ibuprofen), and a slower visual recovery time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Generally, only the most experienced surgeons practice the Advanced Surface Ablation techniques.

Blended Vision
Blended Vision is a LASIK technique you might want to consider if you wear reading glasses or are nearing the age when reading glasses may become necessary. As we get older, we frequently have trouble reading, particularly small or very fine print. This is a natural part of the aging process associated with the lens inside the eye. When this happens, most people need reading glasses. If you use glasses to read prior to LASIK surgery or you remove your glasses to read, you may need to use glasses for reading after LASIK, because LASIK does not treat the lens inside the eye. However, a Blended Vision procedure may provide you with suitable near and distance vision. Blended Vision, also called monovision, is a technique in which one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for clear distance vision, and the other for comfortable near vision. Blended Vision allows a person to see both close and distant objects clearly, though perhaps not quite as crisply as when both eyes are corrected for just one distance or the other. Many people who wear contacts use blended vision today and are very satisfied. Your doctor will demonstrate how this method works prior to your procedure, and thereby help determine if Blended Vision will work well for you.

CustomCornea ®
Wavefront technology is now being incorporated to identify subtle visual distortions, which up to now have been unable to be measured, let alone be treated. Wavefront treatments such as CustomCornea® provide the best opportunity for superior vision compared to that previously available through older, conventional methods of LASIK.

When it comes to LASIK, there are many options to consider. LASIK candidates are all different in their needs and desires for choosing surgery over glasses or contacts. A successful outcome for refractive surgery is dependent upon choosing the best procedure for their needs and a surgeon who specializes in LASIK.

About the Author:

Aric Resnicke is President of the Pacific Laser Eye Center Group. Their 13 experienced LASIK surgeons are in 5 convenient Northern California laser eye surgery locations. For more information on laser eye surgery visit http://www.paclaser.com

New LASIK Procedures

We typically first think of LASIK surgery when considering laser vision correction. However, technology has advanced in the field of surgical vision correction and today there are many more options that make traditional LASIK eye surgery more precise and individualized.

Understand Your Options
For the individual looking to reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts, surgical procedures which improve the focusing power of the eye, are a tremendously effective option. The procedure commonly referred to as LASIK is the most technologically advanced way to correct vision, and has helped millions of people worldwide reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

LASIK surgery uses a cool beam, also known as an excimer, to reshape the surface of the eye, the cornea. By altering the shape of the cornea it is able to change the angle in which light enters the eye. Glasses and contact lenses employ this same theory with an impermanent change. In the past LASIK has had some limitations but now is able to successfully correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK is the most common term used to refer to laser vision correction procedures. All forms of LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but there are variations to the procedure which provide different advantages. A series of vision tests called Advanced Diagnostic Testing allows your doctor to determine which approach is best for you.

LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) gently reshapes the cornea with the use of an excimer laser. In traditional LASIK, an extraordinarily thin flap is created in the top layer of the cornea and then gently folded back. The underlying layer is then re-shaped with the laser in a matter of seconds, correcting the refractive errors that cause the vision impairment. The flap is then repositioned across the cornea, which naturally adheres and begins to heal within minutes. Of all the laser vision correction procedures, LASIK provides the most comfortable and rapid healing process.

Advanced Surface Ablation
ASA refers to the laser vision correction procedures that treat the surface of the cornea without the creation of a flap. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Epi-LASIK are the two most common forms of ASA and refer to the methods of preparing the corneal surface just prior to using the laser. ASA is the safest form of laser vision correction. It allows a wider range of patients to be treated who may not be able to undergo a traditional LASIK procedure due to thin corneas, job restrictions, or other visual issues. ASA is also considered by many to provide the chance for the sharpest and clearest vision, since there are no induced refractive errors associated with a corneal flap. ASA does have a disadvantage because it usually involves a few days of discomfort (treated with Ibuprofen), and a slower visual recovery time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Generally, only the most experienced surgeons practice the Advanced Surface Ablation techniques.

Blended Vision
Blended Vision is a LASIK technique you might want to consider if you wear reading glasses or are nearing the age when reading glasses may become necessary. As we get older, we frequently have trouble reading, particularly small or very fine print. This is a natural part of the aging process associated with the lens inside the eye. When this happens, most people need reading glasses. If you use glasses to read prior to LASIK surgery or you remove your glasses to read, you may need to use glasses for reading after LASIK, because LASIK does not treat the lens inside the eye. However, a Blended Vision procedure may provide you with suitable near and distance vision. Blended Vision, also called monovision, is a technique in which one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for clear distance vision, and the other for comfortable near vision. Blended Vision allows a person to see both close and distant objects clearly, though perhaps not quite as crisply as when both eyes are corrected for just one distance or the other. Many people who wear contacts use blended vision today and are very satisfied. Your doctor will demonstrate how this method works prior to your procedure, and thereby help determine if Blended Vision will work well for you.

CustomCornea ®
Wavefront technology is now being incorporated to identify subtle visual distortions, which up to now have been unable to be measured, let alone be treated. Wavefront treatments such as CustomCornea® provide the best opportunity for superior vision compared to that previously available through older, conventional methods of LASIK.

When it comes to LASIK, there are many options to consider. LASIK candidates are all different in their needs and desires for choosing surgery over glasses or contacts. A successful outcome for refractive surgery is dependent upon choosing the best procedure for their needs and a surgeon who specializes in LASIK.

About the Author:

Aric Resnicke is President of the Pacific Laser Eye Center Group. Their 13 experienced LASIK surgeons are in 5 convenient Northern California laser eye surgery locations. For more information on laser eye surgery visit http://www.paclaser.com

The Average Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery - Discover The Real Figures

You'll see advertisements offering lasik eye surgery for as little as $500 (remember that's per eye), but that is nothing like the true average cost of lasik eye surgery.

One published estimate suggests that in reality, fewer than 3% of treatments cost less than $1000 per eye.

Certainly, prices have been rising steadily since the start of this millenium.

One study suggested that the average price in 2002 was around $1600. A year later it had passed $1700; by 2004 it was another $100 higher and by 2005 it was nudging $2000.

Prices seem to have stabilized a little since then; one of the major players, TLC Laser Eye Centers, says that in 2006 its prices were still around $2000.

Supply and demand certainly influences prices. Market Scope, which is a leading supplier of information in this market, estimates that at the turn of the century there were about 1.44m lasik surgeries in the United States.

Three years later the figure had dropped to 1.15m, but has recovered substantially since then. Part of the reason for the fluctuation was a rash of lawsuits that drove a number of the discount surgeries out of business; those that survived had to move prices up to ensure they can deliver quality procedures and stay in business.

It's difficult even to talk about the "average cost" of lasik eye surgery because prices are anything but standardized, and phrases such as "lasik cost" or "lasik price" are almost impossible to pin down.

However, if you read the fine print carefully, add back all the exclusions, you'll find that the true average cost of lasik eye surgery is closer to that figure of $2000 per eye than the $500 suggested by some discount lasik clinics.

If you live on the West Coast average prices will be higher than elsewhere.

If you pick an experienced surgeon (and other research shows that experienced surgeons have a much lower percentage of "problem" procedures) your cost will go up still further.

The base cost per eye will increase by between $350 to $500 if you need "custom lasik" treatment such as wavefront technology, which is used to map and measure the eye's visual field with great accuracy - which in turn results in a higher success rate.

If the surgeon uses IntraLase (a type of laser) to create the LASIK flap rather than a microkeratome (a type of blade) expect the lasik eye surgery price to go up by a further $250 to $500 per eye.

The benefit of the different (and more expensive) Intralase technology is that most surgeons using it report a substantially lower incidence of problems with the "flap" that is created as part of the Lasik procedure.

The equipment used both in testing and in the actual procedure can vary widely. Eye clinics will analyze the tear film, measure the thickness of the cornea, map the corneal topography, measure the pupil size, use different types of laser - and have good arguments in favour of the processes and equipment they offer you.

So it's easy to see how the average cost of laser eye surgery edges upwards from what is in effect a base price quoted in the advertisements. Experience, equipment, procedures - all play a part in moving the price along.

Remember to read the fine print; there is no substitute for an informed decision about what the full costs of the treatment will be; averages can be very deceptive when dealing with something as variable as the average cost of lasik eye surgery.

About the Author:

If you have questions on lasik costs , or need lasik eye surgery answers , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com