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Laser eye surgery
The reason for laser eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate ones need for glasses or contacts via the surgical correction of visual acuity. The most common laser eye surgery is known as LASIK eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery stands for "Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis". Laser eye surgery involves using a delicate laser to shape the cornea of the eye permanently. For most patients, laser eye surgery will vastly improve vision and reduce the need for glasses.
In the 1980s the military developed a laser known as the excimer laser, and was altered to remove corneal tissue. The excimer lead to the development of the photo-refractive keratectomy, or PRK. PRK was the precursor to LASIK eye surgery. In 1991 the first LASIK eye surgery procedure in the U.S. took place, and is now used for the almost every laser eye surgery performed. While many PRK procedures were a success, there are slight differences with LASIK eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery is more complex than PRK, and requires improved surgical skills. LASIK eye surgery promises to correct more severe eye problems and there is normally a faster recovery time. In most cases after laser eye surgery, patients are able to see well enough to drive home without the need for glasses.
Laser eye surgery could be used to correct several common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, blurred vision, or a combination of multiple problems. While almost all patients with vision problems will benefit from laser eye surgery, not all are eligible. There are several conditions that must be met before a someone is even considered for laser eye surgery. Patients who desire laser eye surgery will first receive a vision screening by an ophthamologist in order to determine whether or not they are eligible.
While the FDA has approved laser eye surgery, as with any surgery, there are potential clinical risks. It is important when considering laser eye surgery, to discuss any potential complications with a physician before the procedure.
Cost is another factor with corrective laser eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery may not be covered by your medical insurance, and is considered by many insurance companies to be a cosmetic procedure. While many eye surgery practices offer a payment plan for LASIK eye surgery, it is important that patients not choose a physician based on cost alone.
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