The Facts on Laser Eye Surgery

As laser eye surgery has become on of the world's more common elective medical procedures, it has gotten easier to ascertain who is and who is not a great candidate for vision-correction. Lasik involves the use of a laser to perfect the refractive performance of the cornea. Topical anaesthetic, in the form of eye drops, is used to numb the eye. The cornea is then surgically "hinged", lifted from the eye, and re-shaped with the use of a laser. The corneal flap is then closed, and heals on its own in a surprisingly short amount of time.

Consult With Your Eye Doctor

Your opthalmologist, upon reviewing your medical records, can help you determine whether or not you should undergo laser eye surgery. The first thing he or she will look for in a prospective patient is one who has a realistic outlook about laser eye surgery (between one and five percent report cloudy vision, discomfort or sensitivity to light, though most issues can be corrected with an additional surgery). Patients must be at least 18 years old and must have had no eye infections, injuries or refractive changes in eyesight during the previous year. If you do not have a personal try a local search on Google, such as lasik Chicago.

There are vision-related medical issues for which laser eye surgery can offer no solutions. Glaucoma and cataracts, to list just two examples, cannot be helped with Lasik, although there are certainly other procedures and remedies available for those maladies. Those who are deemed fit candidates will find that their corneal vision-correction can be "tailored" to best suit their specific needs (peripheral, far-sight, near-sight, et cetera).

The benefits of laser eye surgery are noticed almost immediately. You will no longer have to fumble for your glasses first thing in the morning. Swimming and other sporting activities will be more enjoyable. The increasing number of testimonials puts the proof in the pudding. Clarity of vision, which laser eye surgery can provide, equals quality of life.