Monday, May 21, 2007

FDA Approves Lasik Eye Surgery

FDA Approves Lasik Eye Surgery by: Ron King

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new custom lasik procedure in September of 2005. This new procedure can now treat many patients who were previously ineligible for the surgery.

Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is too long and light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of focusing on the retina. Some of the symptoms of nearsightedness are blurred distant vision, eyestrain, and squinting, along with having a difficult time seeing at night.
Although nearsightedness can be easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses (when not too severe), many people don't like to hassle with either one. With this new lasik procedure, folks will now be able to have pure vision.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism is the effect of the eye being shaped like a football, instead of round like a baseball. This deformity -- where the light rays focus on two points on the retina instead of one -- results in blurred vision, double vision, and shadows on letters when reading. Until recently, this deformity has prevented some people from even getting contact lenses. Breakthroughs in contact lenses have only helped those with slight astigmatism.
However, with this new lasik procedure, patients can now have their eyes repaired to normal, or at least be repaired enough to comfortably wear contact lenses. Either way, their vision is enhanced and many are happy just to get rid of the glasses and finally be able to wear contacts, or possibly nothing at all.

Farsightedness
Farsightedness happens when light rays focus behind the retina instead of on the retina, resulting in blurred near vision. Some patients with severe farsightedness have to step back from what they are reading and others require magnifying glasses to see something that is right in front of them. People with farsightedness can see you 30 feet away, but when you get right up close they can't see you! This can be embarrassing and cause the afflicted person much insecurity along with the feeling that they are going blind.

Farsightedness is easily remedied by wearing glasses to read and see things up close, but it's very inconvenient to constantly be taking your glasses on and off. Not only is it inconvenient, you take the chance of leaving your glasses behind. Some patients keep their glasses on a chain so they won't lose them, but this makes them feel old. Now, lasik surgery is another option for these patients.

New Laser Technology
The FDA recently approved the new Visx STAR Excimer laser system. This fantastic breakthrough in technology allows doctors to do more than they ever could before, giving them the ability to reshape the eye to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Before this marvelous breakthrough these patients were not good candidates for lasik eye surgery. They now can join the rest of the vision impaired and have the option for lasik.

Recent FDA studies show that over 98% of all patients receiving these new procedures were seeing 20/40 or better 6 months after surgery. Over 84% were seeing much better than 20/20 after 6 months. Now that's reason to celebrate!

New breakthroughs in lasik eye surgery technology are happening all the time. Now people don't have to be inconvenienced by the hassle of glasses or contacts. All they want to do is to be able to get up in the morning and see normally. These breakthroughs in lasik technology are giving them an improved quality of life that once was unattainable.

About The Author
Ron King
Visit http://www.lasik-4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a http://www.ronxking.com .
Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Lasik Surgery Recovery

Lasik Surgery Recovery
By Kevin Stith

Lasik surgery recovery process is often fast and tireless. Speedy recovery is the main advantage of lasik surgery. Speedy recovery from lasik surgery enables the patients to resume their work from the next day itself. The merits of the lasik technology and the expertise of the surgeon ensure a minimum recovery period.

Lasik surgery recovery takes only a short time owing to the special nature of the surgical process. The surgery will take only 8 to 10 minutes. Lasik surgery mostly employs laser technology. The laser burns the tissue from the innermost part of the stroma. Unlike other surgeries, no cutting of tissue is involved. This process does not call for a long healing period, since the tissues are not "wounded" in the usual sense of the term.

Lasik surgery recovery period is usually 48 hours. However, patients are advised to take rest for two more days. They have to wear a shield on the eye to prevent infection. Rubbing or itching must be avoided during the period. Possible side effects of the surgery include dry eyes, halo, glare etc in the vision. They will be naturally recovered within 6 months of time. No special medication is required for the recovery.

Lasik surgery recovery is normally hassle free when necessary precautions are taken against complication. The patient has to avoid strenuous job in the first few days. Use of lotions or make up items has to be avoided for a couple of days. Whirlpool bath and swimming have to be resumed only after a month. The patient should take protective measures when participating in sports such as boxing and karate to avoid hits straight into the eye.

Lasik provides detailed information on Lasik, Lasik Eye Surgery, Lasik Surgery, Lasik Complications and more. Lasik is affiliated with Lasik Eye Surgery Information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com


Wavefront LASIK Surgery

By Ayman Halabi

What if you went in for brain surgery and the doctor told you they weren't going to do what was best for you, but what seemed to work best for MOST people? Would you be concerned? Do you think this type of surgery would be safe for your future or the doctor's career? I didn't think so, now there is something to correct this problem, a new procedure called wavefront LASIK. Wavefront LASIK, also known as custom LASIK, uses three dimensional images of your eyes and how they accept light to determine the best route for your surgery. This procedure called custom LASIK using wave-front technology is more precise than any pair of glasses, contacts, or even other LASIK procedures.

By using a few simple computer-generated tests to analyze the way your eye refracts light, the computer determines the best course of action. The fact that this wavefront LASIK uses the three dimensional image particular to the patient, the chance for an uneven or poorly constructed flap over the cornea is reduced.

There are more hoops for you to jump through if you are going to be a patient in wavefront LASIK surgery:
* You must be qualified by the FDA based on your eye condition before receiving wavefront LASIK.
* Your doctor will present your choices regarding extra costs for your wavefront LASIK.
* Your doctor will determine if your eye's condition is such that wavefront LASIK presents the best result.
What are the advantages of wavefront LASIK?
* Better chance of 20/20 vision or better.
* Reduced chance of night vision disturbances or glaring.
* Reduced chance of losing visual quality or contrast sensitivity.

Studies show that despite the cost of wavefront LASIK, more people are opting for this procedure than regular LASIK. However, it is important to discuss with your doctor what is correctable before the surgery. Even though wavefront LASIK is the most efficient form of LASIK it does not correct any type of eye problem at this time.

http://www.lasik-surgeryguide.info presents complete and current information on Corrective Laser Eye Surgery - LASIK. Please be sure to check our latest information and guide on Wavefront Lasik as well as Lasik related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Pros And Cons Of Lasik

By Kevin Stith

LASIK eye surgery has been the most recent development in correcting visual problems and thus, an alluring option for people suffering from similar diseases. However, like all the other developments in medical science, a LASIK surgery also has its advantages and disadvantages contributing to the pros and cons of a LASIK surgery. The best way to reap the utmost benefits of LASIK surgery would be to gain enough knowledge about the pros and cons and then decide whether opting for a LASIK would be really beneficial or not. Comprehensive tests and screening combined with consultation with the concerned doctor would then, help the patients in evaluating the consequences.

LASIK surgery is known to have quick recovery and immediate results. It has been observed that the eye acuity of the patients improves up to 85% within a day of the surgery. LASIK surgery can be performed within minutes and is essentially painless. Compared to other types of eye surgery, only a short gap is required for performing LASIK surgery on both the eyes on the same day. Most of the LASIK patients describe the operating procedure involving a sensation of pressure while the corneal flap is being created, but not pain.

While the pros of LASIK seem quite impressive, the cons may equally involve sufficient consideration and importance. If diagnosed incorrectly, LASIK surgery may lead to permanent debilitating visual symptoms such as double vision, night vision, glares, and halos. In case of farsighted patients, the effects of the surgery may reduce with age and the person may go back to the usage of glasses or contact lenses.

The success of the surgery depends largely on the efficiency of the operating surgeon and staff training and thus, choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon becomes crucial. The possibilities of an imperfect flap and other surgical disorders may require repeating the process within 3 to 6 months of the first operation. The lack of long-term scientific studies has raised doubts about the safety of the procedure, but with the increasing number of patients and over the course of time, it might become more reliable and safer.

Lasik provides detailed information on Lasik, Lasik Eye Surgery, Lasik Surgery, Lasik Complications and more. Lasik is affiliated with Lasik Eye Surgery Information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

LASIK Vision Correction: The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery

By Nick Harper


If you are considering LASIK surgery there is much to learn before allowing someone to vaporize part of your eyeball with an ultraviolet laser. Here are the basics of LASIK surgery to get you started.

LASIK is short for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a popular form of vision correction for people with astigmatism, those that are farsighted, or are nearsighted. Laser eye surgery corrects vision by reshaping the front of the eye, allowing it to focus images correctly. Of the different forms of refractive surgery, LASIK surgery is the most popular.

There are many benefits to LASIK over other forms of refractive surgery. The main benefit is the success rate. Nearly 80 percent of individuals have successful results from LASIK surgery. LASIK is an outpatient procedure that requires minimal downtime from the patient and has few side effects. If additional treatment is necessary it is easy for the surgeon to make adjustments with LASIK surgery.

The downside of LASIK surgery is that it is not reversible; corrections must be made with additional treatment. LASIK eye surgery is also expensive. The treatment can cost as much as three thousand dollars per eye. While side effects are minimal, you could experience problems with your vision after undergoing LASIK. These side effects include glare, halos, starbursts, decreased night vision, and dry eye syndrome.

To learn more about LASIK eye surgery, including ways to find the best LASIK surgeon in your area, visit the website LasikEssentials.com using the links below.

Nick Harper specializes in refractive eye surgery including LASIK vision correction. The website LASIK Essentials presents information on all aspects of LASIK eye surgery in an easy to read format, without technical jargon. For more information visit LASIK Essentials: http://www.lasikessentials.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com