Halos around lights, making driving difficult at night is often touted as a minor laser eye surgery complication but it can have significant effects on the practical lives of the people who have to live with this laser eye surgery complication.

If the only reason you are considering laser eye surgery is so you can get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, you may want to give this a lot of thought. Yes, millions of people have had some form of laser eye surgery and yes, it is successful most of the time. Realize, though that laser eye surgery is irreversible and any damage that occurs will be irreversible as well.

We’ve all seen those circles around the lights, or the halo effect, when it rains. However, for those who experience this particular laser eye surgery complication, it’s an every day pest. For some, it is so severe they are unable to drive, not only at night but on cloudy days as well. The halo effect as it is experienced after laser eye surgery is the most common laser eye surgery complication.

One woman who could read the eye chart perfectly after her laser surgery experienced the halo effect and glare to such a degree that she could no longer drive and had to rely on public transportation. As she had only wanted to eliminate the need to wear her glasses, she was quite upset about the outcome of her surgery. She had been aware of the risks beforehand but relying on the overwhelming number of success stories, she decided to take the risk. She’s sorry now that she didn’t pay more attention to this laser eye surgery complication.

With laser eye surgery still being so new, the long-term effects won’t be known for some time. As successful as it has been, what will the effects be 15 or 20 years down the road. If someone has laser eye surgery at the age of 20 and we later learn that it’s only good for about 20 years, that person will only be 40 years old when their time runs out.

Laser eye surgery is a great choice for a lot of people. It has improved vision slightly and it has improved vision greatly. Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks for you. The best thing you can do for yourself is arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/Have-You-Thought-About-This-Laser-Eye-Surgery-Complication.php

Repeat after me: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We’ve heard that phrase countless times, usually when someone is talking about a scam. You would think we would learn to read the fine print but then again, it’s gotten so fine, many of us can’t even see it. So we go by the big sign: Lasik Surgery only $299.

Lasik eye surgery price lists usually range from about $1500 to $2500 for one eye. How then can anyone afford to offer the same surgery at a fraction of the cost. They can’t and they don’t and you should know what to look for.

For example, the Lasik Vision Institute advertises Lasik surgery on one eye from $299. While the fine print lists an incremental rise in the price depending on the level of myopia, you must also qualify for the promotion by having good credit. The Lasik Vision Institute has previously been found guilty for operating a bait and switch tactic whereby patients were lured in by the low price but were then told they didn’t qualify for it. Lasik eye surgery price promotions like these usually come to light sooner or later.

Whenever you see prices like this, realize there’s probably more going on than meets the eye. Look out for hidden restrictions in such Lasik eye surgery price promotions. Never agree to a non-refundable deposit and ask for all the terms in writing. It’s important too, to know what kind of follow-up care is available and if it is included in the price.

Much of the time, these discount centers aren’t very discounted in the long run. In fact, after adding in all the extras that are normally covered in the price of traditional Lasik surgery by well-established ophthalmologists, costs can equal or surpass the traditional costs. Actually, Lasik eye surgery price shouldn’t be your primary concern. Choosing a well-established trusted eye surgeon who has your best interests in mind should concern you more than the cost of the procedure.

If you don’t have your own eye doctor, ask for a referral from your family physician. Talk to friends and co-workers who have had successful Lasik surgery. This is a good idea anyway to assist you in knowing what to expect. Check with your local Better Business Bureau if you do choose a doctor or center that you’re not familiar with.

Make sure you understand all the financial as well as health related options and ramifications that you’re told. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. You should only have to pay a nominal fee for an evaluation by any reputable eye surgeon. If you’re not comfortable, wait until you are before agreeing to surgery. Another good rule of thumb: When in doubt, don’t.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/What-You-Should-Know-About-Unbelievable-Lasik-Eye-Surgery-Price-Promotions.php

After Lasik eye surgery, life can become very different and quite often considerably better. Lasik eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery, which is a procedure that corrects vision. Lasik surgery is, in fact, the most commonly performed surgical surgery for the eye and the name is actually short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”.

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. The quick and easy results, as well as the lack of pain, make this procedure very popular.

What to expect following Lasik eye surgery

Lasik eye surgery is a surgical procedure, but one can essentially come and go from the hospital before and after the procedure with little to no assistance. The procedure takes place while the patient is conscious although sometimes a mild sedative is given to the patient upon advice of the surgeon. The entire process takes, in normal circumstances, less than sixty seconds. Most people do not feel any pain at all during the procedure as drops of anaesthesia are administered directly to the eye prior to the surgical procedure.

After the procedure, the patient rests for a short period of time. Some patients elect to have both eyes worked on, so a short break is taken between procedures and then the other eye is sought to. Some patients choose to book two appointments, one for each eye, due to time constraints or other personal preferential matters.

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions specifically, as it is with all medical procedures. Proper rest and the administering of any necessarily prescriptions are important to the completion of a successful Lasik eye surgery process. It should be noted that following the procedure, the patient should have somebody else drive them home.

Long-term

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. Their prescription levels, of course, would be much lower than before the surgery.

There are a few complications that should be noted, however they rarely occur. Some patients experience infection or glare and normally consult their surgeon for a small adjustment procedure that is equally simple.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/What-to-Expect-After-Lasik-Eye-Surgery.php

If your spouse or significant other is about to have Lasik corrective eye surgery, it will probably fall to you to see that he uses his eye drops whenever he should and follow all post-operative instructions. If possible, try to be available for a couple of days after the surgery. Your loved one will probably not be in the best of moods just because at first the dry eye and itch can be so irritating.

Make sure he continues to wear the protective covering put over his eye by the doctor. Even while sleeping, hair or bacteria could get into the eye and cause a lot of discomfort, possibly even infection. If you have pets, try to keep them away from him during these first few days to prevent any stray animal hairs from finding their way to his eye. You may also need to assist in administering the eye drops.

A stinging sensation such as sand and dirt in the eye has been reported among some Lasik corrective eye surgery patients. If your loved one complains of this stinging sensation or any other pain, give him the pain pills the doctor most likely will prescribe. Try to be understanding and if you’re up to it, take a supper tray to where he’s lounging

He will most likely be sensitive to light for the first few days so you might want to keep your home darker than normal. When he does venture outside, he will probably appreciate sunglasses for at least a few days. The initial healing process from Lasik corrective eye surgery should just take a few days and then everything will be back to normal.

Don’t allow him to drive until the doctor has given the go-ahead and be sure he makes that first post-operative appointment. Go with him if you can and convey your observations to the doctor, both positive and negative. It may take several months for his eye to completely heal and his vision is likely to fluctuate during this time of healing.

Try to remain optimistic and encourage him. Write down notes about his progress to share with the doctor. Additionally, write down any questions the two of you have to be asked at the next appointment. Of course, if he develops any unusual symptoms or severe pain, contact the doctor immediately.

You may very well feel your nerves on edge a bit during this process but it will be worth it in the end. He’ll thank you for helping him get through the first few days after Lasik corrective eye surgery.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/How-to-Care-for-Someone-Having-Lasik-Corrective-Eye-Surgery.php

The following is a brief overview of the elements involved in the Lasik eye surgery procedure. Lasik eye surgery is still fairly new on the scene and is becoming very popular with many because of the ease, painlessness, and overall satisfaction of the procedure. Still, the Lasik eye surgery procedure leaves a lot of people curious as to what it entails and how it is done.

Do you qualify?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a basic set of guidelines to determine if you qualify for the Lasik eye surgery procedure. First, the procedure is not done on anyone under the age of 18 since the vision of those under 18 tends to still evolve and possibly change or improve given time. Also, pregnancy or nursing is considered as these biological conditions can actually change the makeup of the eye and alter the shape of the eyeball.

Eyes must be healthy and in stable condition in order to be a candidate. Due to the changing specifications of the eyeball because of various eye afflictions, Lasik eye surgery is often postponed by surgeons in order to determine if the eye is suitable for the procedure. This is simply a precaution as not everyone is a good candidate for the surgery. The best way to determine this is to consult your medical professional.

The procedure

Lasik eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure that involves a local anaesthetic in the form of an eye drop on the surface of the eye. The surgery can range anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes per eye, but in some cases can be completed in less than a minute.

A special device or laser cuts a flap on the cornea and lifts it out of the way. The laser then reshapes the tissue of the eye underneath the flap and the flap is replaced. No stitches or sutures are required and the flap automatically heals itself and reattaches to the corneal tissue almost immediately. A shield is placed over the eye to protect the cornea while the healing process takes place.

Many patients take time off after surgery. The standard is a few days as the eye can properly heal in that amount of time. After Lasik eye surgery procedure, it is important to have a friend or trusted associate transport you home because your vision will likely be blurry. There may also be a mild burning or itching sensation following the procedure, but it is important to remember not to rub or touch your eyes. The medical professional will prescribe medication to ease this discomfort.

Source: http://eyesurgery.factsandnews.com/A-Brief-Outline-of-Lasik-Eye-Surgery-Procedure.php

If you’re one of the millions of people hoping to switch from contact lenses to LASIK this year, the first step is setting up a consultation with your local eye doctor. Your ophthalmologist will need to screen you for the procedure to determine if you are a strong candidate.

Knowing when to make the switch will depend on your overall eye health, as well as how stable your eyes currently are. Here’s what to expect when you’re reviewing your options with your eye doctor:

The LASIK Screening Process – Are Your Eyes Ready for LASIK?

The initial LASIK screening process will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, and most ophthalmologists offer this as a courtesy service. Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and review your eye health history to review key factors such as:

• How long you’ve been wearing glasses
• A history of previous eye injuries
• Your natural pupil size
• The level of vision correction you are receiving from glasses or contacts
• How well your muscles align with the eyes
• Any abnormalities in the cornea
• Any history of double vision, lazy eyes, or other ocular problems

Your doctor will determine if your eyes are in a good state of health for laser vision correction by dilating the pupil and measuring corneal thickness. He or she may also screen your eyes for systemic disorders and look closely at the retina and optic nerve.

The Problem for Contact Lens Wearers

Wearing contact lenses can make the eyes ‘unstable’ and even change the shape of the cornea – this means you may not be eligible for the LASIK procedure, and will need to wait until your eyes stabilize, or pursue other types of corrective eye surgery. While LASEK is another popular option for laser eye surgery, you may need to wear contacts or glasses for longer than you had initially planned.

Are You Psychologically Ready for LASIK?

As LASIK procedures become more common and readily available, many people have high expectations for the entire process. Preparing yourself psychologically for potential problems with surgery and the total cost of treatment will be a part of the process. Even with today’s technological advances and state-of-the-art equipment, some LASIK patients do experience complications that can interfere with their daily lifestyle. Aberrations, double vision, and inflammation of the eye are just a few common problems linked to LASIK, and it’s important to understand this before proceeding with treatment.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss complications with you during your consultation, and you’ll need to set some realistic expectations about results. A few things to consider when you’re reviewing your LASIK options include:

• Risk of less than perfect vision
• Re-treatment may be necessary to achieve results
• Vision loss is a risk, albeit a small one

Millions of contact lens wearers make the switch from corrective eyewear to LASIK eye surgery each year, hoping to improve their vision and getting rid of those contacts for good. Still, not all people with vision problems are eligible for the LASIK procedure. The initial screening process with your eye doctor will determine if you are a strong candidate for the procedure, but if you are not eligible for this form of corrective eye surgery, you do have some alternative options.

Clear vision is possible with the right treatment that suits your health history and goals, and setting realistic expectations about results is another part of the process. Learn more about corrective eye procedures and laser eye surgery in our information guide, or consult with an eye doctor in your area for your initial appointment.

Source: http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/372/1491

LASIK lase eye surgery accounts for over 2 million services for vision correction each year and has quickly become one of the most effective ways to maintain good eye health while correcting common vision problems.

Both contact lens and eyeglass wearers turn to laser refractive surgery simply to make life easier, and many laser eye surgery centers now offer convenient financing plans and other options to make LASIK more affordable. Special pricing for new customers and family discounts are a few more attractive options for anyone looking to restore their eyes to a 20/20 level.

Still, many people are walking away from the doctor’s office with less than perfect results. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery for yourself or a family member, learning about potential complications may help you make an informed decision.

What’s the Problem with LASIK?

With such a high success rate and constantly improving technology, it’s hard to imagine why LASIK surgery would be a problem. However, many people still experience strange side effects that interfere with clear vision in various environments. Inflammation under the LASIK flap can cause scarring and even vision loss if it is left undiagnosed. Astigmatism is another common side effect that results in ‘seeing ghosts’ and speckles in the field of vision; this can create many problems in day-to-day activities, especially for those who sit in front of computer monitors for extended periods of time.

The American Journal of Opthalmology (April 2006) encourages all patients to work only with qualified and experienced doctors to prevent eye health problems and other complications. Still, even with LASIK’s strong record, some people still experience a number of complications from their corrective eye surgery procedure that may become difficult to manage.

Finding the right LASIK surgeon is the first step towards insuring you receive a quality laser refractive surgery procedure. A qualified surgeon will screen you for complications beforehand, and may even steer you clear of LASIK altogether to try implantable lenses or LASEK instead. Regardless of the corrective eye surgery procedure you choose, laser refractive eye surgery still poses a number of health risks.

Common Complications of LASIK Corrective Eye Surgery

Flap complications are among the most common problems of laser refractive eye surgery, and account for .3 – 5.7 percent of all LASIK procedures, according to the American Journal of Opthalmology.

Other problems include:

• Irregular astigmatism – blurred vision
• Keratectasia – bulging of the eyes if the flap is too deep
• Higher order aberrations - super-sensitivity to bright lights that results in an extra ‘glow’ and white lights around them
• Spherical aberrations - seeing halos around light-colored and bright objects in the environment Dry eye - itchy, inflamed, and irritated eyes that can become painful without eyedrops or artificial tears
• General infections - redness, swelling, and fluid oozing from the incision area

Some complications of corrective eye surgery can be managed with temporary use of glasses, contact lenses, and antibiotic medications if infection is present. Still, many people continue to experience phases of distorted vision weeks and months after the surgery is complete.

Source: http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/372/1462

Unless you are suffering from a serious eye condition, you may not think that you’d make a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. However, many different vision problems can be corrected with the use of LASIK eye surgery.

Some of the eye conditions that can be corrected with LASIK eye surgery include:

Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a problem with the curvature of the cornea. It can be present at birth or it can be caused by an outside condition. For many years, people diagnosed with having astigmatism were sentenced to a life of bulky and heavy eyewear. They could not wear contact lens and although that has now changed, many professionals still feel that they best alternative is LASIK surgery.

Cataracts: Cataracts are usually found in older people. They create a blurred sense of vision that cannot be corrected by either the use of glasses or contact lenses. LASIK eye surgery is a good alternative to treating this condition.

Hyperopia: This is the technical name for the condition known as far-sightedness. Corrective lenses are usually the first choice in treatment options. However, LASIK eye surgery can effectively treat this condition without too much discomfort. Many people only wear glasses at certain times when they suffer with this condition but LASIK allows them to forego the glasses completely.

Myopia: This is near-sightedness. Again, most people will turn to glasses or contact lens to help correct their vision. Speaking with a professional skilled in LASIK eye surgery is a good idea as they can explain how the surgery will help your condition. It is also effective for people who require bifocal lenses, which is due to a combination of vision problems involving both hyperopia and myopia.

With the advances in eye care health, LASIK surgery is becoming one of the most popular choices for correcting vision problems. With LASIK surgery, the costs are often balanced against the cost of corrective lenses. Over time, the LASIK surgery is a more economical alternative for most people.

It’s important to remember that you may not qualify for LASIK eye surgery. You have to be at least eighteen years old to undergo the procedure and even then, it’s important to consider the risks against the benefits. In addition, it’s not considered advisable for pregnant women to have the procedure because of hormone levels.

Don’t assume that just because you suffer from one of the above noted problems that you will be a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Other medical conditions are taken into account before the procedure can be approved, as the success of the patient’s procedure is taken very seriously by surgeons.

Also, discuss the potential problems that may develop following the procedure. Granted that the majority of people who have LASIK surgery are thrilled with the results there can be complications that will affect your vision and health in a negative way.

Research the surgery and then speak to your doctor about how it can benefit your vision problems. Before long you may be seeing clear and free of glasses or contacts.

Source: http://www.lasiksurgeryarticles.com/A-Brief-Look-at-Eye-Conditions-Warranting-LASIK-Eye-Surgery.php

LASIK is an expensive procedure, and since it is generally not covered by insurance, many find themselves in the position of wondering if they can afford to have the procedure. The good news is that LASIK is affordable, if you can follow these few tips on keeping costs down and financing your procedure:

Choose a reputable surgeon: Choosing the right surgeon can save you thousands of dollars and a big headache should things go wrong. Many inexperienced surgeons may have a high complication rate, and may suggest additional “enhancement” surgeries that may or may not be necessary. While “you get what you pay for” isn’t always true, when it comes to the long-term health of your eyes, don’t cut corners. On the other hand, don’t let a surgeon purposely overcharge. Look into several doctors, and don’t “sign” with the first one you talk with.

Avoid discount or package plans: More frequently in larger cities you may see doctors offering huge discounts, or packages that promise 20/20 vision or your money back. LASIK surgeons should not be making guarantees on your eyesight, as there is no way to predict the outcome of your surgery. In addition, surgeons who lure you in with “too good to be true” prices often do so because those who can afford to go elsewhere do, and for good reason.

Consider the tax benefits: The cost of your surgery may be tax deductible. However, other qualifying medical expenses must exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income. If you know you have other qualifying expenses, and have planned to have LASIK, now would be a good time to do it, and save a few hundred dollars in the process.

Long-term cost savings: There may be substantial savings from not having to buy contacts or glasses every year, or pay for expensive yearly exams and fittings. However, it is important to remember that you may still require vision correction after the LASIK procedure, and if not right away, then most certainly as you age.

Pre-tax dollars: Many employers have programs where you can set aside money each month toward future medical bills. The advantages of using these dollars is that they are not taxed before being set aside, so every dollar you use to pay for the LASIK procedure will be tax-free.

Interest-free loans: Recognizing that LASIK is not covered by insurance and is costly to most, many surgeons and groups now offer interest-free loans with flexible monthly payment plans. Review the terms carefully before signing up for any of these programs, because although many of them are legitimate savings options, there are some that may have a catch written into the fine print.

While the cost of LASIK may be prohibitive to some candidates, the above considerations could make the patient feel that the procedure is worthwhile, regardless of its effect on the pocketbook. With high patient satisfaction rates, each year more and more people weigh the benefits of clear vision with glasses and contacts against the costs that go along with it.

Source: http://www.lasiksurgeryarticles.com/Dealing-with-the-Cost-of-LASIK-Eye-Surgery.php

Millions of people suffer with vision problems. People with perfect vision don’t often understand what a struggle it can be if you cannot see properly. With the advent of painless surgery such as LASIK eye surgery, many people are turning to that as a means to free themselves of their sight related problems.

If you are wary of having LASIK eye surgery there are other options available to you. Although you’ll want to speak with your eye care professional about what is best for you, consider these:

Extended wear contact lenses. If one of the reasons that you are considering LASIK eye surgery is because you are tired of having to deal with contact lenses on a daily basis, these might be perfect for you. Extended wear contact lens are just as they sound. They can be worn for up to a month without ever having to remove them. Your eyes need oxygen in order to stay healthy and with extended wear lenses they are receiving more oxygen than they would with standard contact lenses. These can also be purchased in the color variety for the person who wants to make a fashion statement.

Toric Contact Lenses: In recent years a new type of contact lenses has been developed that is designed for people with astigmatism. In the past if you suffered from astigmatism, it was difficult to fit you with a contact lens that was both comfortable and functional. Quite often, the only choice for a person suffering with this was glasses. In order to free themselves from that they would instantly consider LASIK surgery. With Toric lenses, they now have an alternative and can wear contact lenses.

Progressive Sunglasses: One of the most heard of complaints from eyeglass wearers is that they need to change their prescription glasses to prescription sunglasses when they are outdoors or driving. New technologies have made this inconvenience a thing of the past, however. With progressive eyeglasses, the lenses are designed to change as the lighting changes. Therefore, when the person wearing the glasses goes outside, the lenses darken allowing for sun protection.

No Line Bifocals: As people mature, they are often faced with more complicated vision problems. These need to be corrected through the use of a bifocal lens. For some women and men as well, this can be seen as a symbol of being “old” and they will shy away from them as long as possible. With the new no line bifocals it’s impossible for anyone to tell that the person wearing them requires bifocals. This is a much easier and less costly solution than undergoing LASIK eye surgery.

Any surgery comes complete with risks and if you are contemplating LASIK eye surgery it may be wise to first consider all of the non-surgical alternatives. Talk to your ophthalmologist about the possibility of using corrective lenses or contacts before deciding on surgery. You may be able to find a cure for your vision ailment without having to bear the cost or risks associated with a LASIK procedure.

Source: http://www.lasiksurgeryarticles.com/Non-Surgical-Alternatives-to-LASIK-Eye-Surgery.php