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eLearning Series:
Lasik Eye Surgery Questions & Answers
( 50 articles
in this series )
Before
Lasik Surgery, You Must Do This...
Lasik eye surgery is the most common form of refractive surgery
performed. Although the procedure is often referred to
as “Lasik,” the name is an acronym for Laser Assisted SItu
Keratomileusis.
Lasik
has gradually gained popularity because it has many advantages
over other procedures. Some of these advantages
include reduced post-surgery pain and nearly immediate results.
For most, better vision is often achieved immediately after
surgery, while it might not become apparent until the next
day for others.
With the procedure, a microkeratome or a laser is used to
cut a thin, circular flap into the cornea. The surgeon then
folds the flap back in order to remove some of the corneal
tissue beneath. This is accomplished with an excimer laser,
which utilizes a cool ultraviolet light to remove tissue with
precision. In this way, the cornea is reshaped in order to
better focus light onto the retina, thereby creating clearer
vision.
Pick a Doctor and Educate Yourself
The most important step to take before going under the laser
is to find a competent Lasik eye surgery doctor. The doctor
you choose should be one with a great deal of experience, as
the outcome of this procedure is improved with every experience
a doctor has performing it. In fact, potential risks or side
effects are dramatically reduced when a doctor who has a great
deal of experience performs the procedure.
Before the procedure, the doctor will ask you a series of
health related questions. Be sure to answer these questions
honestly and as thoroughly as possible. These questions are
meant to help the doctor determine whether or not you are a
good candidate for the surgery. If you have certain health
factors that put you at a high risk with this procedure, he
will recommend that you don’t follow through with it. While
this may be disappointing, it can save you from permanently
damaging your eyes or making your vision worse.
In addition, the doctor you select must be willing to give
you both the pros and the cons associated with the procedure.
While the technology is truly amazing, there are true risks
involved. A doctor who does not provide this information is
not looking out for your best interest and should not be considered
as an option for performing such a delicate and important procedure.
Make sure that you read all information the doctor provides
you with and that you listen to the doctor carefully as he
describes the procedure and its possible effects. You must
be sure that you are ready to deal with the potential complications
with the surgery. In addition, you need to weigh the potential
outcome against the potential risks very carefully before deciding
to carry out the procedure. It is irreversible and you don’t
want to have any regrets. Take Out Those Contacts
Wearing contact lenses prevents the cornea from properly absorbing
oxygen. This can lead to the formation of blood vessels on
the cornea, which is called corneal neovascularization. If
you remove the contacts for a few weeks prior to the surgery,
these formations will be reduced, or will go away altogether.
Having Lasik performed while these formations are on the cornea
can cause the eyes to take longer to heal and can increase
inflammation. In addition, the surgery can be much more uncomfortable
if undergone with these formations.
Arrange Time Off
Although it is possible to return to normal functioning almost
immediately after getting the surgery completed, it is still
a good idea to arrange for some relaxation after the surgery.
The greatest risk for complications occurs during the first
couple of days after the surgery. It is possible to have the
“flap” that is cut on the cornea come off completely. This
can lead to infection and other complications.
For these reasons, most
doctors recommend going home and going to sleep after the
surgery. This allows the eye some time to
heal without being disturbed. Be sure you don’t rush yourself
to become active after the surgery is complete. Damage can
be difficult and costly to correct.
Lasik eye surgery can provide the freedom and independence
many people who wear glasses desire. Before going under the
laser, however, it is important to carefully select a doctor
and to abide by a few precautions in order to ensure the overall
success of the procedure.
Click here and learn how to get near 20/20 vision naturally. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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