Thursday, 23 August 2012

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A Comprehensive Guide to LASIK Eye Surgery


People who currently wear glasses or contact lenses to correct poor eyesight have the option of LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery. This permanent procedure has been offered for more than twenty years and provides outstanding results. For those with poor vision in San Diego LASIK eye surgery may be just the solution they have been looking for.

This outpatient procedure involves reshaping the eye's cornea using a special laser. The cornea is the clear part of the eye that sits on top of the iris (colored part); when it is reshaped, vision improves. Most patients experience perfect or near-perfect vision afterwards.

Patients must meet several criteria for a San Diego ophthalmologist to consider them a suitable candidate for this procedure. Generally, they need to be at least 18, healthy, and not suffer from eye disease. They must have thick enough corneas, and have used the same prescription eyewear for at least one year.

Most patients around the world who have had this surgery are happy with the outcome. Typically, half will end up with 20/20 vision and more than that will have 20/40 vision afterwards, thus eliminating the need for contacts or glasses. The patient should always find out the success rate for their chosen surgeon first however.

While small, there are still some risks and side effects that can result from LASIK. Some patients may experience chronically dry eyes, a corneal flap problem, or an eye infection after the procedure, but these are easily treated with medications. Blurred vision, glares or halos around light, light sensitivity, and discolored spots on the eye surface may also be noted, but generally heal quickly.

Patients who wear contacts must stop wearing them for several weeks prior to the procedure as they change the shape of the cornea. The patient will also need to have a ride arranged to and from the Carlsbad optometry clinic or wherever they choose to have the surgery done. The patient lies down comfortably during the procedure; then some anesthetic drops will be placed in the eyes, which will be held open and in place using a suction ring device. The corneal surface is flattened and a tiny flap is made in it, the ophthalmologist then reshapes it with the laser and replaces the flap. It usually only takes about 15-30 minutes to do both eyes.

Patients may need to wear an eyeshield after the procedure to protect the eye for a day or two, and it may feel irritated or blurry at first. The results are not fully experienced until 3 to 6 months after the surgery. Patients who are tired of wearing eyewear, should look for a reputable San Diego LASIK eye surgery facility and competent surgeon who can perform this procedure.




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