LASIK Laser Eye Treatment

LASIK laser eye treatment is a surgical procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The name, LASIK, is actually an acronym. It stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, a procedure which has been made possible only as a result of global collaboration.

Different elements of the surgery have originated all over the world. Scientists in Colombia, Russia and the United States all collaborated on the technologies behind the project. A version of LASIK was patented by Dr. Gholam A. Peyman in 1989, but the roots of the technology go back to the 1950s, when a Spanish ophthalmologist invented the technique for cutting into the cornea to reshape the eye.

The long history of the development of this eye surgery may be a comfort to nervous patients. The procedure is performed on more than 17 million people every year around the world. Once the reserve of the rich and famous, the price of the treatments has come down considerably over the years. According to Media Scope, the vision industry's leading data aggregator, the average price per eye in America was $1350 in 2008.

More than 1 million Americans undergo laser treatment for eyes each year. The procedure can be paid for privately, through the use of flexible spending account or health savings account monies, or by an insurer. Most people opt to pay for the procedure themselves using money they have set aside in a health savings account or financing options available at the majority of clinics.

To qualify for the procedure, you must be more than 18 years of age, not pregnant or nursing, and free from any autoimmune disorders. Patients with diabetes, extremely large pupils or senior citizen status may want to think twice about the surgery due to the risk of complications. A stable corrective vision prescription is required. In all cases, working with a trusted eye doctor will be to your benefit.

Most people who have laser eye treatments achieve the results they were seeking, and patient satisfaction levels range from 92% - 98% depending on who is publishing the survey. The number one cause of dissatisfaction is unrealistic expectation by patients. LASIK is wonderful, but it can't guarantee you "Superman Vision"! Instead, LASIK will grant you 20/40 vision or better in 95% of cases and 20/20 vision or better in 65% of cases.

Complications are few. Less than 0.5% of patients have serious problems requiring invasive surgery 6 months after surgery, according to USAeyes, the leading LASIK patient advocacy group. They also note that this includes all patients, even those who had serious eye health issues before having the treatment done.

All in all, LASIK laser eye treatments can be a life-changing surgery. With nearly 60 years of research behind the procedure, outcomes improve every year. Looking at your own life and considering the way you want to live, choosing laser surgery could be a very smart choice.

Getting the Best LASIK Surgery Price

In your search for the best LASIK eye surgery price, you have to be prepared to do a lot of research and schedule a few consultation visits to clinics that perform LASIK eye surgery. And since LASIK deals with your vision, going for the lowest price is not always the best choice. Sure, your spending less, but what if you chose an inexperienced surgeon?

You would have to realize that LASIK surgery costs is not like buying a physical item at a department store. With corrective vision surgery, whatever the outcome of the surgery is, is exactly what you are going to live with. Not like an item you buy at a department store for example, if you paid for something that doesn't suit you, you have the option of returning it to the store.

Be on the lookout for places that advertise LASIK eye surgery prices at really low prices at around $399 or so. They are usually designed to catch your eye, get you to inquire and then upsell you on more expensive costs. And you also have to consider, if the price is too low. Then, there has to be corners that are being cut somewhere along the line. When it comes to your vision, you definitely wouldn't want corners to be cut in that surgery to help fix your eyesight.

When you meet with a LASIK surgeon. You are evaluated to see if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery. The procedure needed is decided by the surgeon. Only with consulting and evaluation will you have a good idea about what is best for your eyes. Honest and reputable clinics and surgeons, will not upsell you to the 'latest procedures' or anything additional to pay for.

So how do you make sure you are getting the best deal for your LASIk surgery? Keep in mind that the reasonable LASIK price range is at around $1,500 to $3,000, fluctuating up or down depending on what area of the country you live in. With that in mind, you would need to schedule as many consultations and evaluations from different clinics as you need. You will then get to a point when you feel comfortable with a LASIK surgeon clinic, your going to be comfortable with how they are treating you as a potential patient. Once that happens, after a few follow ups, you will make a decision as necessary. The lowest price is not always the best price.

Laser Eye Surgery Recovery Tips

If laser eye surgery is on your schedule, then getting some tips on recovering after your surgery is a must. This article will look at some of the basics in ensuring a quick and smooth recovery from your surgery.

First things first, the procedure itself doesn't take long therefore you will be walking in and walking out the same day. When coming out afterward have someone else drive you home, as you won't be up to driving just yet. Also try and wear a good pair of sunglasses, it's likely that your eyes will still be sensitive to the light, so try and protect them.

If you are getting laser eye surgery for both eyes, it will most likely benefit you to have someone stay with you for the first few days afterward to help you with anything.

The first 48 hours will be a period while your eyes are settling down, therefore try and rest your eyes as much as possible. No reading, working on computer, watching TV etc as they will strain your eyes too much. In the early stages your eyes may be irritable but it is very important not to rub or touch them. Your doctor will give you advice if this happens and provide any medication.

Also playing sports will need to be avoided for about a month, talk to your doctor about this and they will be able to give you advice on when you can start playing again.

Ensure while taking a bath or shower to keep the water and any soap out of your eyes to prevent any damage to them. Make up and aftershave/ perfume should be avoided so that the dust or fumes don't get in your eyes.

A good product to use after laser eye surgery is an eye mask which blocks out sunlight, so it is great for taking the strain off your eyes.

Your doctor will want to see you for your follow up exam, which is extremely important as they will examine your eyes to ensure the surgery was a success and that no side effects have occurred.

All going well you should hopefully be able to go back to work after about 2-3 days, but every person is different, so seek advice from your doctor about this.

Laser eye surgery is a life changing procedure so make sure you take care in the recovery process to ensure your eyes are taken care of.