Eye Laser Surgery – Facts

Eye Laser Surgery is an option many turn to when they do not want to wear contacts or glasses to correct the eyesight. Eye laser surgery has become a very popular surgery that men and women who are farsighted, nearsighted, and have astigmatism turn to help correct the problem.

The way eye laser surgery works is they reshape the cornea and sometimes may need to clear the front of the eye. By doing so, this will help the light travel through the eye and help it to properly focus on the retina that is located in the back of the eye.

Eye laser surgery – Advantages ?

The advantages of seeking laser eye surgery to correct your vision are as follows,

• Has been proven to help correct up to 80% of patient’s vision.
• Less pain
• Eye laser surgery can correct your vision within one day of the surgery
• No stitches
• No bandages (normally)
• Adjustments can be made at a later date if needed
• Corrective eyewear is no longer needed (on most patients)

Eye laser surgery – Disadvantages?

The disadvantages of laser eye surgery are as follows,

• Once a cornea is changed it cannot be changed back
• If any changes need to be made they can only be done by further eye laser surgery
• Although eye laser surgery is safe, some complications may arise and cause permanent vision problems
• You have potentially reached your peak of your best vision at the one year mark after the eye laser surgery procedure.

Eye laser surgery – Side effects?

As with any type of surgery you need to expect and prepare for side effects. (Although, side effects with laser eye surgery are very rare)

• Experience dry eyes
• Your vision may fluctuate
• Driving at night may be a little difficult
• May experience the halo effect around objects
• Glare

How to prepare yourself for eye laser surgery?

How to prepare yourself for laser eye surgery is as follows,

• Get an eye exam
• Test your eyes for pupil dilation, air pressure, thickness, corneal mapping, and refraction
• Talk with your optometrist about your options
• Set an appointment

Make sure you do not wear your contacts three days before or glasses for up to three weeks before the eye laser surgery. Bring the eye glasses and contacts for your surgeon to review them. Do not eat heavy the day of the surgery and take a written list of your medications or put them in a bag and carry them to the doctor. No eye makeup! No hair accessories! If you feel bad the day of the surgery make sure to call the doctor first so he or she can decide if you should postpone the procedure or not.

Eye laser surgery – prices

The cost of laser eye surgery can cost from as little as $500 and go up to as much as $2500 per eye. The drawback of eye laser surgery is this type of procedure is generally not covered by your insurance. However, one way to think about this procedure is that it is a one-time expense versus the every six months to once a year expense on eye glasses or contacts.

Whether you chose to use eye glasses or contacts or decide to do the eye laser surgery, be sure to do your research and talk with your eye doctor about your options.

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