LASIK Laser Eye Surgery: is it Right for You?

When we need assistance with our sight the usual aids we use are glasses in the form of frame or contact lenses.

There are a number of reasons why they are inconvenient. They become outdated; they are easily lost; they are easily broken and at times they aren't attractive.

The medical profession's answer to this dilemma has been LASIK "Laser Eye Surgery."

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

In laser eye surgery a laser makes small cuts across the clear cover of the eye which is called the cornea. Done correctly a person will be able to see better and most people are very happy with the results.

Is LASIK right for me?

Things to think about when making the decision whether or not to get LASIK is that most medical insurance will not pay for it. LASIK won't work well if your sight changes often.

Further if you are in your early 20's or have diabetes you are not a good candidate.

Finally, you should check with your boss at work because some jobs will not allow you to have LASIK treatment.

Before moving toward the option of having the surgery you should find out how many times this particular laser machine has been used and if it has been FDA approved. Your doctor should do a thorough physical exam and they specifically need to know if you have had glaucoma or any eye injuries.

What happens if I choose LASIK?

If the procedure is being done correctly you should be given an informed consent form and you should get an extensive eye exam.

You should not plan to drive after surgery. You should take at least two days off from work and be aware that you will have pain for a few days. Further it will take a number of days before you will see (pardon the pun) the results.

What can go wrong?

It is important to know that things can go wrong. The way that they do is that there are a lot of people who offer "deals" and as such have "shortcuts" that don't necessarily offer the most sound treatment.

The areas of problems pretty much boil down to poor sight after surgery, no skill by the doctor or a history of eye damage that wasn't checked out.

I have linked to a site in the reference section that discusses some specific cases.

The one thing that will protect you the most is getting a second and even a third opinion; never be in a hurry.

We should always be careful when we are considering putting our health in someone else's hands and it seems our sight warrants even a little extra care.

References:

"LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery," Fact Sheet, 2007, FDA Office of Women's Health
FDA's MedWatch Program, 1-800-332-1088
http://www.lasikmainframe.com/discount_lasik_dangers.htm