Tip! In most cases, after Lasik eye surgery the vision improves almost instantly however in some cases patients that their vision improves to an even greater degree after days and weeks pass. Most people end up with 20/20 vision after Lasik eye surgery, but some still need glasses or contact lenses to assist with proper sight requirements.

The use of computer technology in medical science has been extending during recent years. Laser eye surgery has become more and more popular, while non-laser procedures have also improved. Although many people think that LASIK is the only type of refractive surgery, there are in fact various types of eye surgery for correcting vision.

Laser Eye Surgery

These procedures involve the use of a laser to reshape the cornea in order to improve the eye’s ability to focus. There are several types of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, LASEK, Intralense or PRK.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

This procedure is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. The surgeon removes a flap through the outer and middle layer of the cornea and then uses an excimer laser to remove tissue under the flap. This type of eye surgery usually takes about one minute per eye.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

LASEK is very similar to LASIK, except for the fact that the flap is cut only from the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium). It is used mostly for patients with thin corneas, who are not eligible for LASIK. It is a newer procedure with a few drawbacks, such as more discomfort and slightly longer healing period.

Tip! Laser eye surgery refers to the use of high quality and high precision laser called the Excimer. It is used to carve the corneal tissue of the eye in order to help the light rays to get refracted correctly and fall precisely on the retina of the eye.

IntraLense

This type of eye surgery is also very similar to LASIK, except that the surgeon uses an extra laser instead of a blade to create the flap in the outer layers.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This procedure is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and mild to moderate farsightedness. A laser is used to remove tissue from the outer layer of the cornea and correct vision. The surgeon doesn’t cut any flap in the cornea. The surgery usually lasts less than a minute.

Non-laser Eye Surgery

These surgical procedures involve improving vision by cutting into the surface of the eye, reshaping the cornea or using low heat radio waves. Astigmatic keratotomy incisions, intraocular lenses and implantable contact lenses are among the most common non-laser eye surgery procedures.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions

This procedure is used to correct mild astigmatism. Bulgy areas of the cornea are reshaped by using a blade. Many patients undergo such a treatment in conjunction with other types of eye surgery. However, it is now less frequently used than laser eye surgery procedures, such as PRK or LASIK.

Tip! Laser eye surgery is virtually pain free as the cornea is anesthetized using special drops. There may be mild discomfort when the anesthetic wears off but this irritation should be minor and last only a few hours.

Implantable Contact Lenses

These are implantation devices used to treat severe farsightedness and nearsightedness. The lens is placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens of the eye. Unlike normal contact lenses, you can’t feel them and they don’t need maintenance. The procedure can take from 6 to 20 minutes.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

This type of eye surgery has been around for many decades now and the lenses are usually implanted during a cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Years ago, these lenses used to help only with distance vision and patients needed to wear glasses for close vision. However, the method has been improved and now helps with close and intermediate vision as well.

While many surgeons prefer laser procedures and the newest technologies, some still advise a small number of patients to choose a non-laser surgery instead. All eye surgery procedures involve certain risks and have possible side effects, so it is best to consult a physician to fill you in with all the details about each treatment.

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Tip! Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful fashion writer and regular contributor to sunglasses-eyeglasses-contact-lenses.com, providing information on eyewear and eye surgery.

The refractive state of your eye can be improved and you can decrease the need for wearing glasses through Refractive Eye Surgery. The most common method of surgery followed today is Laser surgery, where lasers are used to reshape the cornea. Laser surgery is the greatest achievement in ophthalmology. Lasers are usually used to treat non refractive conditions.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure can permanently reshape the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of the eye, and change its focus power using an excimer laser. Millions of patients have been treated using LASIK, using of a wide variety of different lasers. This procedure can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Prior to the surgery:

Before you undergo LASIK surgery you will have to get your eyes examined by a doctor to see if you are a good candidate. If you wear contact lenses, you will have to stop using them for 1 to 4 weeks before the surgery and switch to wearing your glasses, to allow the cornea to return to its original shape, or else this can have negative consequences like inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical plan; resulting in poor vision after surgery. These measurements would decide how much corneal tissue is to be removed, and have to be repeated a week after your first evaluation as well as before surgery, to see that the measurements have not changed.

Tip! Laser eye surgery is virtually pain free as the cornea is anesthetized using special drops. There may be mild discomfort when the anesthetic wears off but this irritation should be minor and last only a few hours.

It is important that you tell your doctor all about your past and present medical eye conditions, and also the medications you are taking or if you are allergic to any medicines. Then on the day of the surgery you will be given a numbing drop so that you do not feel pain, although some patients do experience some discomfort. The area around your eye will be cleaned and a lid speculum will be used, which is an instrument to hold your eyelids open. A suction ring will be placed on your eye and suction will be created by applying very high pressure to the cornea. As a result of this, your vision will dim and the pressure may cause some discomfort.

During the surgery:

A small device called a microkeratome will be attached to the suction ring; the blade of which will be used to cut a thin flap on your cornea. The flap is created, exposing cornea tissue. After this, both the microkeratome and the suction ring will be removed. The doctor will now lift the flap and fold it back on its hinge, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma - the middle section of the cornea.

Tip! Laser eye surgery refers to the use of high quality and high precision laser called the Excimer. It is used to carve the corneal tissue of the eye in order to help the light rays to get refracted correctly and fall precisely on the retina of the eye.

You will be made to focus on a particular spot and the doctor will begin the laser to remove the corneal tissue, according to the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then put back into position and left to heal.

After the surgery:

As no stitches are required, you will just have to wear an eye patch as protection to prevent rubbing, getting poked, or any kind of pressure that might disturb the healing process. It may take up to three to six months for your vision to stabilize after surgery.

It is important that you know all about Laser Surgery before you go through with it - the benefits as well as the side effects if there are any. Consult with your doctor, as only he will be able to tell you if this surgery will be good for you. Once you have all the information needed, you can make the decision whether or not you wish to go ahead with the surgery, and give yourself the opportunity to see the world in a whole new way!

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Tip! Laser eye surgery is virtually pain free as the cornea is anesthetized using special drops. There may be mild discomfort when the anesthetic wears off but this irritation should be minor and last only a few hours.

In most cases laser eye surgery is safe. But, like any other surgical procedure there are certain risks that need to be addressed. A large number of patients have been able to stop wearing glasses after surgery and have achieved 20/40 vision, or better, that have been cases where patients have a decreased vision after surgery. There are some things that need to be taken into account before choosing a “safe” laser eye surgery.

Corneal Haze

This is a common side effect of laser eye surgery, but usually fades with time, although not always. It can’t be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, but only a further surgery procedure to treat scarring, such as CustomVue WaveFront.

Decreased 20/20 Vision

Many types of laser eye surgery can leave scarred tissue, resulting in a 20/20 vision lower than the one the patient used to experience before treatment. Over corrected or under corrected vision is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery. In such cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed or the patient may be recommended a second surgery for more effectiveness.

Vision Loss

Laser surgery procedures which use a microkeratome blade to cut a flap involve the risk of cutting it off instead of leaving it hinged. If the flap is damaged, the patient may suffer vision loss. Successful procedures that use a blade can still leave small imperfections that can result in blurred vision.

Tip! Laser eye surgery refers to the use of high quality and high precision laser called the Excimer. It is used to carve the corneal tissue of the eye in order to help the light rays to get refracted correctly and fall precisely on the retina of the eye.

Post Operative Infections

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is certainly helpful to make laser eye surgery safe, but there’s always the risk of post operative infection. This risk is higher in PRK and LASEK than LASIK. In most cases, these infections can be treated with medication and usually don’t turn into long-term problems. However, more sever complications ca result into temporary vision loss or even worse. The healing process is longer for PRK and LASEK than LASIK.

It is important to not have extremely high expectations about laser eye surgery, This treatment may not be suitable for some people. There are some things to consider, such as “Is laser eye surgery safe?”, “are your expectations reasonable?”, and “Is laser eye surgery safe for you?” In order to answer these questions you have to learn more about what to expect from each type of laser eye surgery. You should know the positives and negatives of them all, and talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Tip! Lasik eye surgery is popular because of the general ease of the procedure. Patients discuss a relative lack of pain after Lasik eye surgery and almost immediate occurrence of excellent vision.

Laser eye surgery is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, patients who have problems with binocular visions, thin corneas, dry eyes or large pupils may not be good candidates for this type of treatment.

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