I Remember My Lasik Procedure

Feb06
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

I guess I am one of the "old hands" in any Lasik online forum, in that I had my procedure more than three years ago now. I have noticed that most of the posting are from people whose Lasik vision correction was recent and did not go according to plan. I thought I might give my perspective on my Lasik adventure.

First, let me start with my current vision situation, and then work backwards to the point before Lasik where I couldn't get around without a guide dog (no, just kidding, but it seems like such a different world from where I am now). Three years after Lasik, I have better than 20/20 vision in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye. For those of you not familiar with Lasik, the procedure does not guarantee that everyone will end up with perfect vision.

Most competent Lasik surgeons will take time to explain what realistic expectations for the surgery are, in that vision is noticeably improved but not guaranteed to remove any dependence on glasses or contacts. My Lasik doctor was very clear on this, but I thought it would be sufficient to be able to look around my kitchen and recognize the pot that I had left on the other side of the room. My doctor said that that expectation was something he could almost guarantee, and much better than that.

Three years after the Lasik procedure, I only have one permanent side effect that I did not have before my Lasik vision correction (in addition to astoundingly better vision, I guess I should add). I do see halos around bright lights at night, but they are not really bothersome, and I have started to consider them rather pretty - kind of like the artificial twinkle TV shows can put in people's eyes. I am glad that I am one of the more than 90% of Lasik patients who had a very successful procedure and outcome.

For several weeks after the Lasik procedure I had blurry vision when trying to focus on items very close to me (anything closer than maybe six inches, though I don't remember precisely). I have asked my husband if he remembered me talking about any other post-op problems, such as fluctuating vision or sensitivity to light. Neither he nor I remember many problems after the Lasik procedure, though I did sleep a LOT and used the eye drops exactly as requested.

Sleep is supposed to aid healing, and my Lasik physician recommended me to sleep quite soon after the operation to get a good start on the healing process. I think I took that to an extreme, but I wanted to rest my eyes as much as possible after the Lasik procedure.

I do remember my vision getting a bit blurry after a long day (for a few months after Lasik vision correction) which may have been another reason I though sleep was a great idea.

I have been a poster child for Lasik to my friends and family, and the great results have convinced several others to schedule their own Lasik procedures. As this is the story of my Lasik process, I will let others tell their own stories. I can only say from my perspective that there were few bumps in the road, and I would recommend the Lasik process to anyone interested in improving their vision. One additional comment: choose the best surgeon in your general area, you will be glad you did!

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Lasik Side Effects

Feb05
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Lasik vision correction may help improve your sight. But just like any other surgeries, you can experience Lasik side effects too. One of the possible Lasik side effects is experiencing temporary irritants. After the procedure, your eye may burn, itch, or feel like there is something in it. You may experience some discomfort, or in some cases, mild pain and your doctor may suggest you take a mild pain reliever. You can relieve this one of temporary Lasik side effects by putting eye drops after undergoing the procedure. Another one of Lasik side effects is you may also experience some watering of the eyes, and your eyesight may be a little hazy after the procedure. But these irritants are just temporary and will soon disappear. Both your eyes may tear or water. Your vision will probably be hazy or blurry. You will instinctively want to rub your eye, but don't! Rubbing your eye could dislodge the flap, requiring further treatment. In addition, you may experience sensitivity to light, glare, starbursts or haloes around lights, or the whites of your eye may look red or bloodshot. These Lasik side effects should improve within the first few days after surgery.

One of the possible Lasik side effects is under-correction. That means the doctor may not correct your vision to where he or she thinks it ought to be on the first attempt. If this were to occur, your doctor would simply have you in for another treatment for more correction.

Other possible Lasik side effects are over-correction. That means if you're nearsighted now, it's possible to over-correct your vision so you become farsighted. This is possible, but unlikely because your doctor will try to avoid over-correction by being conservative on the initial procedure. If over- correction occurs, it can usually be corrected using an appropriate procedure.

Serious complications as possible Lasik side effects are extremely rare. Infection is the most troublesome complication and it can usually be eliminated with antibiotic eye drops.

Finally, Lasik side effects could occur if you were to displace your flap and not let your doctor know right away. The doctor will minimize this possibility by having you wear eye patches when you take a nap or go to bed at night, during the first week after the procedure.

To avoid possible Lasik side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, or if your vision or other symptoms get worse. See your doctor within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery and at regular intervals after that for at least the first six months. At the first postoperative visit, your doctor will remove the eye shield, test your vision, and examine your eye.

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TLC Lasik

Feb05
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

TLC Lasik eye centers feature a group of doctors who are known for their dedication and thoroughness. At TLC Laser Eye Centers you are provided with the best personalized care. TLC Lasik eye centers can offer you assurance that the doctors are equipped with experience. And your chances of achieving the best possible results are greatly enhanced. You can also conveniently visit TLC Lasik eye centers which can be found in almost all states in the U.S. The vast number of TLC Lasik affiliated eye care professionals, more than 13,000 of them, assures you of quality and excellence. TLC Lasik has done more than fifteen million LASIK procedures worldwide. AT TLC Lasik eye centers you can expect to receive safety and positive results in every patient. Every patient is provided with careful, unhurried and individual attention in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

TLC Laser Eye Center offers the Lifetime Commitment Program. Qualified nearsighted patients can avail of this program. Once you are affiliated with the Lasik Lifetime Commitment Program, you are assured that if a re-treatment is needed at any time to be able to maintain distance vision results, qualified patients will receive a re-treatment without additional charges.

TLC Laser Eye centers aim to make LASIK treatment affordable for every patient. You can avail of TLC Lasik financing, medical and vision plans and flexible spending. TLC Lasik financing allows patient to choose from among several financing options. TLC Lasik Medical and Vision Plans refer to TLC’s arrangement with some health insurance plans that could substantially decrease your cost for laser vision correction.

TLC Lasik Flexible Spending pertains to flexible spending accounts set up by employers to help offset medical expenses. The Flexible Spending account enables you to set aside pre-tax dollars for some medical costs such as LASIK. Your employer can deduct pre-tax dollars from your paycheck so you can save on the laser vision correction.

The payment you made to TLC Laser Eye Centers can be tax deductible depending in your filing status. You are advised to consult your accountant regarding this matter. A number of patients use their tax refund to pay for TLC Lasik treatment.

Some patients opt to pay TLC Lasik eye centers with personal credit cards. TLC Lasik eye centers allow this. And this could be a good option for you to choose especially if the card offers low interest rate and has points or other rewards for its clients.

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Lasik USA

Feb04
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

In choosing Lasik USA center it is important to inquire about the reputation of the company, size of the optical zone of treatment, experience and costs. Experience is a necessary factor. In Lasik USA, you can find some doctors who have Lasik procedures for years while others have just started. It is also good to consider the skill of your ophthalmologist. A less skilled ophthalmologist may charge a lower cost of Lasik USA, but he may not have the same experience, training, or precise equipment as a more expensive doctor. Although just because the Lasik USA center is more expensive, it doesn’t follow that it offers the best treatment there is. The size of the optical zone of treatment in the Lasik USA is 6.5 mm while in Canada it is 5.5mm. In Lasik USA, FDA regulates the type of eyes the doctors can operate on. Which is a restriction not imposed in Canada.

Lasik USA have to first consider if you are a good candidate before you undergo the Lasik USA procedure. You are probably NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery if:

· You are not a risk taker. There are certain complications that cannot be avoided in a percentage of patients. When you make you decide include the possible risks. · It will jeopardize your career. Some jobs prohibit certain refractive procedures. Check with your employer/professional society/military service before undergoing Lasik USA procedure. · Cost is an issue. Most medical insurance will not pay for Lasik USA refractive surgery.

· You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. Patients who are: In their early 20s or younger,

Whose hormones are fluctuating due to disease such as diabetes, Who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or

Who are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision, are more likely to have refractive instability and should discuss the possible additional risks with their doctor.

· You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after Lasik USA refractive procedure.

· You actively participate in contact sports. You participate in boxing, wrestling, martial arts or other activities in which blows to the face and eyes happens.

· You are not an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for Lasik USA on persons under the age of 18.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Lasik?

Feb04
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

So many people are interested in the Lasik vision correction procedure, and want to know the benefits, the risks, and how the Lasik procedure works. One of the first things to consider is what requirements a person should meet in order to have a successful Lasik procedure. Though each individual case should be discussed with a qualified Lasik physician, here are some guidelines to see if you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction.

First, the eye should be properly matured. This means that anyone under the age of 18 really needs to wait before a Lasik procedure is done, for it is likely that the shape of their eye will continue to change for several years. If the eye shape changes after the Lasik operation is done, the clarity of vision will be affected. Some Lasik physicians recommend waiting until age 25 in some cases.

In addition to an age cutoff, the vision prescription for the Lasik candidate should be stable for at least one year, and preferably for longer than that. This is for the same reason as above, that the Lasik procedure will only continue to be effective if the eye shape remains constant after surgery.

One comment about age cutoffs should be made with regard to Lasik surgery. There is no maximum age, as many patients in their fifties to their eighties have had a very successful Lasik procedure. The main consideration in these cases is enough tear production for successful healing and lubrication after the Lasik vision correction.

The eyes of the Lasik candidate should be healthy. This means that any person undergoing a Lasik procedure should have had no eye infection or injury for at least a year, and must have no scarring on the cornea of the eye. In addition, they must not have any recurring eye problem, such as a history of herpes infection in the eyes.

The medical history of a prospective Lasik client also plays an important part. Some chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Lupus, will prevent some people from being able to schedule a Lasik procedure. You should be very clear about any and all medical conditions that are current, or even completed ones in the past. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have a Lasik procedure scheduled.

A good Lasik physician will also not schedule people with dry eye syndrome for Lasik vision correction. Having sufficient tear production is important, though for minor problems this may be aided by medication during the healing process. In addition, those people with eyes that dilate very widely are not good candidates for Lasik.

These are most of the most common reasons that a person should look at some other eye improvement choice other than Lasik. Most generally healthy people with standard vision problems benefit greatly from a Lasik procedure done by a trained, professional Lasik physician. Look for a good Lasik center in your area and discuss your individual case in detail.

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Thoughts From an Experienced Lasik Patient

Feb03
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

I have noticed that more people I work with are talking about, or undergoing, the Lasik vision correction procedure. I don't know really know why Lasik has suddenly become more popular in my company, but I do know that there are a number of rumors about Lasik that I am not sure are true. Let me just talk about my long term experience with Lasik.

It has been more than eight years since I had the Lasik procedure, so I was one of the early and brave pioneers! Perhaps I wasn't that brave when considering Lasik, for my vision in each eye was worse than -9. Even now, Lasik physicians consider that a very strong case and do caution prospective clients that the Lasik process will likely improve their vision, but may not eliminate the total need for glasses.

The Lasik operation itself had mild pressure and some unusual feelings, but no real discomfort or pain. This is still true in modern Lasik procedures, and hopefully they are even better at keeping the client comfortable. I do notice that now Lasik physicians also give a mild sedative mainly for psychological reasons, which I think I would have appreciated back then.

Two or three days after the Lasik operation I was astounded to find I had VERY clear vision in each eye, at least 20/20. Considering my previous prescription, you can imagine how fervently I thanked my Lasik physician. However, I did also have temporary symptoms of considerable dryness in each eye (which was helped by eye drops), and also halos around lights at night.

A few months after the Lasik procedure I noticed my vision changing a bit, though very slightly. The best way I can describe it is that the crisp edges no longer looked exceedingly crisp, but each object still seemed to be in focus. At my one year Lasik correction anniversary my physician said that one eye was still at 20/20, but the other had changed slightly to 20/40. However, I was still a great statistic for the Lasik correction procedure, and we were both still happy with the results.

In the years between the original Lasik procedure and now, my vision is still 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. I do have a pair of glasses and one contact lens for that eye, but rarely bother with them unless I am doing something like watching a movie. My long track record after the Lasik procedure has given hope to a number of other people in my office. I do want to say though that I was over 35 when I had the operation, and my Lasik physician said that the stability of my eyes and my age were good indicators that the Lasik results would be long term.

I hope this encourages people with bad vision to talk to a local Lasik physician about scheduling a Lasik procedure. Find a physician that has a good track record, and one that you trust, and I hope that your long term Lasik results will be as good as mine!

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Even a Chicken Can Get Lasik Surgery

Feb03
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

If you take the time to read any of the message boards or chat rooms on the Internet about Lasik surgery, you will wonder how anyone could get the courage to schedule a Lasik procedure, and why on earth they would want it. The various Lasik clinics sound anywhere from impersonal to something similar to Dr. Frankenstein's lab, and the Lasik procedure itself sounds, well, surreal. It seems like the only people that would get Lasik are those with such bad vision that they cannot get out of bed without their glasses on.

Well, let me give you my story of how I chose Lasik. First of all, my vision is not good, but not terrible either. I can actually go to movies and see well enough to enjoy the film without glasses, but I need glasses to drive in order to read the street signs far enough away to act on the information. So for me, Lasik was not necessary, but I figured would simplify my life. I am outdoors very frequently, backpacking, climbing hills, and mountain biking. Glasses do not last long with me, and I am frequently grinding into the dirt which is not the best situation for contact lenses. For these reasons, Lasik looked very appealing.

The paragraph above might make you think I am a "manly guy" (hope so, think so!), so why on earth would I be afraid of a little Lasik scalpel? OK, technically Lasik does NOT use a scalpel but rather a "microkeratome blade", but it is still a sharp object approaching my eye as part of the Lasik procedure. Nowadays Lasik physicians can get a laser to cut the flap in the eye, which is more than a little better than a sharp blade. But anyway, I had too many spills in my life to think any sharp object nearing my eye was a good idea, even under the skilled hands of a Lasik physician.

After talking with three (yes, three!) independent Lasik physicians, they each assured me that a 28 year old guy in nearly perfect health (OK, I exaggerate a bit) with moderate nearsightedness was one of the very best candidates for a successful Lasik procedure. I decided to schedule my Lasik procedure with the one that had the best track record, and coincidentally took the most time to explain everything about Lasik to me.

The Lasik surgery was not painful, though I accepted nearly everything they offered to give me comfort, including a sedative and a teddy bear. (I even went back to take a picture of me and the Lasik comforting teddy bear.) The only strange thing I remember about the Lasik procedure itself was a smell, something vaguely like hair burning. I suppose that was my eye. I am kind of glad they didn't tell me to expect that before the Lasik procedure, I am not sure I would have gone in.

After a few years, I guess I was a nearly perfect Lasik client, as my eyes now have 20/20 vision and have remained stable long after the Lasik operation. I say that if you are a good candidate for a Lasik vision correction procedure, grab that teddy bear and go on in.

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Good Post-Op Lasik Care

Feb02
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

One of the most marvelous advancements using contemporary technologies is the Lasik vision correction process, exactly where in the space of fifteen minutes numerous people can decrease or get rid of their reliance on glasses or get in touch with lenses. There is very small preparation for the surgery on the Lasik patient's side, and the Lasik process itself takes less than twenty minutes.

With present technologies and an excellent Lasik doctor, there is a very high success price for nearly all Lasik surgeries. Although not all patients get or keep exactly 20/20 vision, there is a vast improvement in the Lasik client's vision and dependence on corrective eyewear. The two most important elements below the patient's control is the option of the doctor and great post-operative care.

After going to a few physicians or clinics that perform Lasik procedures, the client should have a very great idea of how they will be treated as a patient of that doctor. It is important to find a Lasik doctor whose employees is responsive to concerns and worries, and who are willing to see a post-operative Lasik client who is getting a issue with their care.

This is one of the more typical complaints of those people that undergo a Lasik process: inadequate information about post-operative Lasik side results, or a employees that merely says "Plenty of people experience that, no issue," when the patient really should be seen by a member of the employees. A visit exactly where the potential Lasik patient talks with each the doctor and one or two members of the employees will get an idea of how well a patient is welcomed as soon as the Lasik process is completed.

During this preliminary investigative visit, the client should ask the Lasik employees for a checklist of typical, short-term side results that can be skilled following a Lasik process. The employees member should describe any instances exactly where the patient should make a point of contacting the Lasik center, instead than just enduring the side effect. Cases of discomfort, intense itching, or seriously blurred vision might indicate an infection or other serious issue, and should be seen promptly. It is really very uncommon that any of these complications exist following a Lasik process, but make certain that the center is willing to see the patient if they believe something is more than mildly incorrect.

One of the more typical side results following a Lasik operation is some form of dry eye, which often occurs during the nighttime while asleep. Not only is this uncomfortable, but if the eyelid sticks even slightly to the eye itself, it might dislodge the surgical flap carried out in the Lasik process, and delay healing of the eye. If this occurs, the Lasik center has a number of different viscosities, or thicknesses, of eye drops to alleviate this issue. The employees should be promptly notified so this issue can be addressed immediately.

A great, responsive employees surrounding an excellent Lasik doctor is the most important component in how to select a doctor. Interviewing the doctor and employees about all elements of the Lasik process, each the process itself and post-operative care, is the best way to make an excellent option.

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Lasik Canada

Feb02
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

Lasik Canada does not regulate the kind of eyes operated on. There is absolutely nothing regulated in Lasik Canada. And it would not be difficult to discover pushing a quantity of patients that could be pushing the limits. Even although, these patients might not be considered as great candidates for Lasik treatment in the United States. Some doctors in Canada have done Lasik surgical treatment for years. Other people for only a couple of years and have restricted expertise. If you are planning to avail of Lasik Canada, make sure that you ask these questions.

Laser refractive surgical treatment in Lasik Canada can be tax deductible. Your travel, hotel and meals costs are also deductible from gross taxes if you travel past 30 to 40 miles from the clinic. Lasik Canada surgical treatment has enabled millions of people to enjoy a new found freedom worldwide. Lasik Canada Surgery is an outpatient process, with the treatment itself taking only a matter of minutes. Lasik Canada eye centers occasionally offer a "totally free no-obligation" pre-operative evaluation exactly where all of your questions will be answered. This way, you are made aware of what you will go via before you sign the consent type.

Prior to Lasik Canada surgical treatment can be carried out, a candidate for laser vision correction is required to be at least 18 years outdated or older, must have stable vision for a year before the process, totally free of some diseases of the cornea and retina and in great common health. On the day of your process, you ought to arrive at the Lasik Canada Eye Center as rested and relaxed as possible. Be prepared to spend approximately four hours for the whole procedure (this might differ from center to center). You will 1st go via a total preparation procedure including a individual examination, counseling, and the administration of anesthetic eye drops. Following this, you will enter the laser suite for treatment, which will last only a couple of minutes. As soon as your process is via, you will loosen up in the recovery space for about a half hour whilst Lasik Canada doctors and technicians make sure you are doing okay, and then you are totally free to go. The most all-natural response prior to your Lasik Canada process is a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Most laser patients describe similar emotions before their process, so be reassured this is extremely regular. You ought to follow the post-process recommendations enumerated by the Lasik Canada eye center in order to make the healing go as smooth and difficulty-totally free as possible.

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New Lasik

Feb02
2012 Leave a Comment Written by admin

New Lasik treatment uses the same kind of laser used in PRK or photorefractive keratectomy. PRK is the first surgical procedure developed to reshape the cornea by sculpting using the laser. It was only later that new Lasik was developed. The major difference between the two surgeries lies in the way that the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea is exposed before vaporized with the laser. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea called epithelium is scraped away to expose the stromal layer. In new Lasik, a flap is cut in the stromal layer and then the flap is folded back. The first refractive laser systems approved by the FDA were excimer lasers for use in PRK to treat myopia and later on to treat astigmatism. Later, doctors began using these lasers for new Lasik to treat other refractive errors. Over the last several years, new Lasik treatment has been used by doctors to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Over the past ten years, there have been major developments in laser vision correction technology and the understanding of the procedure. The improvements include improved eye tracking systems during the laser procedure, larger treatment zones, and improved mechanical and laser microkeratomes which reduce flap complications. However no development has caused more excitement than the recent FDA approval (June, 2003) of CustomVue LASIK from VISX utilizing wavefront guided treatment. This will be the predominant form of new LASIK treatment. Wavefront guided custom new LASIK differs from conventional LASIK treatment in the way the eye's optics is measured. Accurate measurement of the optics of each eye is essential for a good visual outcome from the new LASIK procedure. It is this series of numbers/calculations that is used to program the laser for reshaping the cornea. Before wavefront guided new LASIK, the surgeon objectively measured the eye with a handheld instrument or an automated measuring device then asked the patient to subjectively refine the measurement. The reality is that the eye's optical system is not uniform throughout the central 6mm of measurement. The new Lasik wavefront can precisely measure the optics of light from minute areas over the central 6mm of the cornea.

While conventional LASIK was and still is very effective treatment, the wavefront guided new LASIK procedure has given surgeons the ability to provide patients with improved visual results than conventional LASIK. Custom wavefront guided new LASIK uses a waveprint of the eye's optical system as the guide for laser reshaping. The waveprint is 25 times more precise than an averaged measurement because data about the eye's optical system is collected from hundreds of separate points over the central 6mm area of the cornea. Rather than using an averaged measurement from the central 6mm to reshape the entire cornea, the cornea reshaping is customized at each of the hundreds of points from which measurements are taken.

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