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Even though sight that is “slightly off” is not a devastating medical problem, it still means a lifetime of inconveniences. Finding the right pair of glasses, contact lenses, eye drops to prevent the contact lenses from drying out, getting new glasses and contacts, so on and so forth. Laser eye surgery may be a small change, but it is a change that gives people one less thing to worry about, and a change that lasts a lifetime.

In this article, I will introduce LASIK, the most popular form of laser eye surgery. I will also discuss laser eye surgery cost and recovery time. Further, I will touch on possible laser eye surgery risks.

Laser eye correction can correct vision and therefore eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. This procedure actually re-shapes the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) and changes it’s focusing power. While there are different types of laser eye treatment, LASIK is the most popular type. LASIK is actually short for “Laser Assisted Situ In Keratomileusis”. During LASIK surgery, an instrument called a microkeramtome is used to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. (An alternate way to create this flap is by using a laser). The surgeon then folds the flap back and removes the corneal tissue underneath by using an excimer laser. This laser uses a cool, ultraviolet light beam to remove tiny pieces of tissue from the cornea, reshaping it. The re-shaped cornea allows a more accurate focus of light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision. The flap of tissue is then laid back into its place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. LASIK benefits both nearsighted and farsighted people. For nearsighted patients, the surgeon’s goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea. For farsighted patients, the surgeon must make the cornea steeper. LASIK can also help people who suffer from astigmatism. This is done by smoothing the irregular cornea to a more natural and normal shape. Most patients that opt for this form of laser eye surgery achieve improved vision 1-2 days after surgery, as well as 20/20 vision after a full recovery. What exactly is involved in the recovery from LASIK eye surgery?

For patients recovering from this procedure, no strenuous activities should be preformed for 1-2 weeks after the operation. Also, avoid rubbing, or applying any pressure to, the eyes. For most patients, vision recovers quickly (1-2 days) while for others, it is a more gradual change (1-2 weeks). All said, LASIK recovery is, for the most part, a brief and only slightly painful one, with full recovery being reached by most after 1 month.

Of course just like any other surgical procedure, there is always a slight chance that complications could occur. With LASIK, it is extremely rare for the patient to suffer from significant, permanent vision loss after the operation. More common LASIK eye surgery problems include double vision, unresolved dry eyes, and difficulty seeing at night. The complications almost always vanish in time and can be helped with either medication or a second operation.

The average LASIK cost is $2,000. Factors that help determine any specific patient’s cost include:

• One or both eyes being operated on
• How extensive the surgery is
• Particular surgeon chosen by patient

Choosing a surgeon is always a difficult and stressful task. Of course every patient is going to want the best surgeon available to perform the procedure. Luckily, in the case of LASIK, there are LASIK centers worldwide that can be accessed through the internet or on the phone. These LASIK centers are always happy to answer any and all questions that anyone may have when considering the LASIK procedure. Also, LASIK Plus Vision Centers are the leading providers of LASIK in the LASIK industry, and they are right here in the United States. There are many LASIK plus Vision Centers that will, once again, be more than happy to answer any and all questions that the patient may have.

To conclude, LASIK eye surgery can be a permanent solution to the life-long problem of “less than perfect vision”. Even though the procedure carries with it the possibility of complications, it has helped so many people escape from the endless cycle of glasses and contacts. In the end, it is entirely up to the patient, and for some, even the smallest possibility of significant vision loss is enough to keep them out of the operating room. However, for so many others the chance was worth saying goodbye forever to those annoying contact cases and endless trips to the optometrist.