If you've been coping with the fuss of glasses or contact lenses for years, the opportunity to improve your vision with laser eye surgery may sound like a dream come true. Laser eye surgery uses state of the art medical technology to correct vision problems within a remarkably short period of time. If your doctor determines that you are a candidate for this procedure, you may enjoy improved vision, low maintenance eye care and freedom from the tasks of maintaining spectacles or contact lenses.
Before you have laser eye surgery, your ophthalmologist or a laser eye surgeon must determine whether you are suitable for surgery. Although laser surgery can produce a striking improvement in many patients' vision, this procedure is not for everyone. A good candidate is at least 21 years old, has no serious health complications, has healthy eyes and has had no prescription changes for 2 to 3 years. Consult a vision specialist for a comprehensive eye exam to find out whether laser eye surgery might correct your eyesight.
Types of Surgery
Laser technology has been employed in many areas of surgery to provide fast, safe, effective treatment. Beams of light, or lasers, are used to modify the shape or structure of the delicate ocular tissues, correcting common vision problems like myopia, or short sight; hypermetropia, or long sight; and astigmatism. If you have always used glasses or contact lenses to correct your eyesight, you may appreciate the independence that laser eye surgery provides. Excimer laser technology is generally safe, non-invasive and usually has few complications.
There are several different types of laser eye surgery, or excimer laser refractive surgery, and each type of procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages. Available since the 1990s, LASIK is the most widely performed procedure in the UK. In this procedure, a beam of light is used to reshape the tissues of the cornea, correcting refractive problems like near sightedness. However, patients with high spectacle prescriptions may not qualify for this approach. LASEK and Wavefront LASIK are variations of LASIK that uses light technology to correct visual irregularities.
PRK is an older procedure that has since been largely replaced by LASEK and LASIK. With PRK, the cornea is reshaped without cutting the surface of the tissue. With LASIK, the transparent surface of the cornea is cut before the tissue is reshaped. Eye surgeons may still use PRK to correct mild cases of short sight. If you have a low prescription, your doctor may recommend PRK; however, many surgeons now utilise the newer alternatives.
In general, LASIK, LASEK and PRK surgeries have few risks, and complications occur in only a small percentage of cases. Some patients have dry eyes after the procedure and may need eye drops to correct this condition. Others see a haze around the edges of their visual field when they're driving at night, but this complication may improve over time and is more common in patients who have a high prescription. In rare cases, a laser procedure can cause structural damage to the eye. Your surgeon or consultant will review all of the risks and benefits with you in detail.
Finding a Provider
As laser eye surgery becomes more popular, more providers are making this state of the art technology available to patients with poor eyesight. Because this intervention is often considered to be optional, National Health Service generally does not cover the costs. To find a highly qualified practitioner who charges reasonable rates, compare the credentials and experience of several surgeons and request estimates from multiple practices.
The medical professional you choose should be a fully trained ophthalmologist who has undergone specialised training in refractive surgeries. When you are first examined, your assessment may be performed by an optometrist or optician. The ophthalmologist who performs the procedure should also assess your vision. You will be asked to provide details about your medical history and your expectations. You will also be given an exam to check your vision and assess your prescription.
When you meet with the ophthalmologist, you should be given the opportunity to ask questions, discuss risks and benefits and inquire about the surgeon's credentials and experience. Ask the doctor to clarify what you can expect in terms of visual improvement after laser eye surgery and whether you might need to continue wearing glasses in certain circumstances. Look for a surgeon with extensive experience and a solid reputation in the medical community.
Laser eye surgery has made it possible for many individuals with poor eyesight to enjoy clearer vision without the help of spectacles or contact lenses. To find out whether this state of the art surgery is a suitable option for you, meet with several consultants before you schedule a procedure. Take time to find a highly skilled ophthalmologist with an extensive background in refractive surgeries.
