Eyesight is precious. As much as people care for their eyes there are times when surgery may be a viable option. Eyeglasses and contacts can correct vision but may be a hindrance in some activities. In some cases eyes cannot be fully corrected by glasses. Considering eye surgery is a daunting task. These blogs can guide through a decision making process.

There is first hand information from individuals who experienced Lasik and PRK. Several blogs explain the procedures as well as the risks and benefits of each.  Examine the upfront costs and the hidden costs. Making a good decision is based on solid information. These blogs provide a wealth of PRK and Lasik comparison and resources.

1. Carrie and Danielle: This blog compares the benefits of PRK eye surgery and Lasik surgery. It looks at the best candidate for each one.
2. Laser Eye Facts: A comparison of Lasik and PRK and the facts about what each one involves.
3. PRK: Comparison of the benefits of Lasik and PRK and knowing how to pick the best one for you.
4. Doc Shop: Find out about PRK and what to expect.
5. All About Vision: Things to know about PRK before you choose this surgery.
6. Matt Fleming: Information to help make a decision between Lasik and PRK if both are an option.
7. Lasik Life Tips: Make an informed decision between PRK and Lasik based on the facts.
8. Lasik Truth: The benefits of Lasik surgery. Understand the technology advances that make Lasik surgery safer and deliver better results.
9. Improving Your World: Know the difference between Lasik and PRK. This article focuses on the cost differences between the two.
10. USA Eyes: The key things to know when deciding between PRK and Lasik.
11. Sujanani: Is Lasik the best solution for your eyes? Questions to ask and things to consider before surgery.
12. Lasik Surgery News: What is photorefractive Keratectomy?
13. Bellevue Lasik: Lasik and monovision. The challenges that arise after Lasik surgery.
14. Kevin MD: What to know when choosing Lasik eye surgery. The main difference between the two surgeries is how the doctor gets to the cornea.
15. Cooking for Engineers: Personal experience of Lasik surgery detailing the actual day of surgery. Very positive results even though it was stressful.
16. Brian Stucki: This blog discusses the recovery from PRK surgery.
17. Goldberg for Lasik: The Military investigates which eyes surgery delivers better vision.
18. Suburban Survivalist: Deciding between Lasik and PRK: things to know and questions to ask.
19. My Money Blog: Some great savings suggestions to pay for eye surgery.
20. The Year in Defense: Corrected vision for soldiers. This article looks at the use of eye surgery for members of the military.
21. MMA tube: Deciding between Lasik and PRK if you play active sports.
22. Lazonelibre: Corrective eye surgery and the impact on daily life. This article looks at some of the benefits to replacing glasses with a more permanent solution.
23. Clear View Eyes: Examining the vision safety procedures for soldiers after having eye surgery.
24. Blue Hill Optical: Helping you understand the basics of eye surgery and what to expect. Good information about specific surgery details.
25. Lasik People: Easy to understand information about Lasik and what to expect.
26. PB Eyecenter: Find out what each surgery treats and which one is best for your situation.
27. TCOB: This Blog following the personal results of PRK surgery. It looks at the first 47 days and then checks in at the two year mark.
28. Shoe Money: A personal story of the results of PRK surgery. He explains his reasons for choosing PRK over Lasik.
29. OZ Soapbox: What you should know before having eye surgery. Some personal insight  and observations from eye surgery.
30. Jeff Andquist: The timeline and process of recovering from PRK surgery.
31. Marc Gunn: Lasik eye surgery options.
32. Salyangoz: The good the bad and the ugly of Lasik surgery.
33. Jill Will Run: Running after PRK surgery. As an avid runner it was difficult to take is slow during recovery.
34. The Technologeek: The technology behind Lasik surgery.
35. Money Help for Christians: A frank comparison of the cost of Lasik surgery versus continuing to wear glasses or contacts.
36. Laser Surgery for Eyes: Who is eligible for laser eye surgery? A look at the best candidates for corrective surgery and those who are not good candidates for surgery.
37. See with Lasik: Lasik surgery for members of the military.
38. Lasik Complications: Complications after eye surgery for members of the military.
39. Vision One Source: The ins and outs of laser eye surgery in the military
40. Locate a Doc: Lasik is now available to members of the military.
41. Solve Your Problem: The benefits of Lasik eye surgery for members of the military: not needing to keep track of glasses in field environments.
42. My Lasik Doc: A detailed look at the difference between Lasik and PRK.
43. World Class Lasik: Making the best choice between Lasik and PRK.
44. South Coast Eye: What to expect from laser eye surgery.
45. Get Lasik Eye Surgery: How to compare eye surgery choices and pick the best one.
46. Vijedi: The differences and benefits of Lasik and PRK. Good information to get started with before making a decision with your physician.
47. Precision Lasik Group: Things to consider when choosing between Lasik and PRK. How to determine which is the best option for your eyes.
48. Trusted Lasik Surgeons: A clear explanation of Lasik and PRK. A concise explanation in easy to understand language of the two types of eye surgery.
49. Coppit: A personal journey through eye surgery. Two different surgeries and the results from both. He includes the gory details as well as good follow up information.
50. Lasik News: Successful Lasik is possible after PRK and things to consider.

Image Credits: Look Into My Eyes

Many children have had to wear glasses while in their younger years. Unfortunately, kids can be cruel and make fun of those children. Some parents have opted to allow their children to wear contact lenses instead of glasses all the time. What are the risks of doing that? Are there any? Discover the risks and benefits in these blogs. Find out if you should go ahead and let your child wear contacts or have them wait a few more years. It is hard being a child and doing whatever parents can to help them is a great option. Learn whether your doctor would recommend contact lenses for your child.

1. Study Cites Contact Lenses as Leading Cause of Medical Device ER Visits: In a study done by the FDA, the leading cause for children going to the hospital from a medical device related emergency, was their contacts.
2. Story on Eye Care for Children: Take a look at this article CNN did on eye care for children. They cover the many different sides of eye care as well as allowing children to wear contacts.
3. Contacts Perhaps Greatest Medical Device:  Learn about contacts and why so many people choose them. The number of students in college and high school that wear contacts are very high.
4. Contacts Account for More Pediatric Injuries: One of the leading causes of pediatric injuries is contacts. Parents must watch their children while allowing them to use contact lens.
5. Contact Lenses, Medical Devices Injure 70K+ Children, Teens: Leaving their lens in too long can cause injuries and need for medical attention. Be diligent if you allow your children to wear contacts.
6. Contacts Leading Culprit for ER Visits: When looking at children injured by medical devices, contacts are the top reason those children visit the emergency room.
7. Infections from Contact Lens: Read about the countless infections from contact lens that sends thousands of children to the emergency room each year.
8. Contact Lenses Hurt Thousands: Contacts account for about one fourth of those children sent to the emergency room for medical device injuries.
9. Kids and Contact Lenses May Not Mix: Find out why by reading this informative article. See if contacts are right for your children.
10. Are Contacts Safe For Children?: Get the answer to this question here. Find out if they are really safe for your child to wear or should you stick with glasses.
11. What Parents Need to Know: Contacts are great for sports and may slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.
12. Are Contacts a Good Choice for Kids?: Learn what one optometrist says about using contat lenses in children. Find out what you need to know before deciding for your own children.
13. A Good or Bad Choice: Typically eye doctors will not prescribe contacts for children under 12 but some studies are showing children even younger can handle them.
14. No Age Limits: There seems to be no age limit on who can wear contacts. Another benefit to your child wearing them is if they play sports.
15. Children Contact Lenses: Not all contact lenses are made for children to wear. You need to have a thorough examination on your child and find out which ones work best.
16. Wearing Contact Lenses May be Good For Children: Discover why some say it is good for your children to wear contact lenses.
17. Why Prescribe Contact Lenses for Children?: One doctor shares why he prescribes them and why other doctors should consider it.
18. Report Better Quality of Life: Some children have reported a better quality of life after having switched to contact lenses.
19. How Old Does Your Child Need to Be?: One doctor discusses the ages children should be able to wear contacts.
20. Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children?: One blogger takes a look at this important question. Although glasses do not have quite the stigma attached to them they once held, contacts still seem to be very popular with teens and college students.
21. Contact Lenses for Tweens: It used to be that no doctors would recommend the contact lenses for this age. Now that is changing as more and more children are wearing lenses instead of glasses.
22. When are Contacts Right?: Learn what ages it is recommended for people to start wearing contacts and some benefits of them.
23. New Contacts May Slow Progression of Nearsightedness in Children: Learn how these new contacts may help slow this disease in many children.
24. Contact Lenses Sends Many Kids to the ER: While they can be great for children, they can also cause major problems and trips to the emergency room if not taken care of properly.
25. Babies, Children and the Elderly: You will be quite surprised at what ages can be given contact lenses.
26. Are Contacts Good for Children?: Learn the ages children should get contacts and whether it is a good choice or not.
27. The Great Debate: There are many different opinions out there on when children should get contacts and even if they should.
28. Try I Go Contacts for Children: Learn how these contacts can help with “Myopia” Control in children.
29. Are Contacts a Good Choice?: Find out what some doctors think on whether or not you should allow your children to wear contacts.
30. Children and Contact Lenses: Take a look at some benefits and possible risks when allowing your child to wear contact lenses.
31. Risks of Contact Lenses: Take a look at some of the risks associated with contact lenses.
32. Increased Risk of Corneal Ulcer: There is an increased risk of corneal ulcers when using contacts. Make sure that your children are taking them out and cleaning or changing them often.
33. Potential Risks: Consult this list of possible risks of wearing contacts if they are not taken care of properly.
34. UV Protection: Those who wear contact lenses need added protection from the damaging rays from the sun.
35. What You Should Know About Contacts: These are some need to know facts about contact lenses you should review before getting them for yourself or your children.
36. Parents not Providing Enough UV Protection for Kids: Learn how you need to make sure to provide protection for the UV rays for you children, especially those wearing contacts.
37. Contact Lenses for Children and Teens: Discover some of the many benefits for children and teens who wear contact lenses.
38. The Many Benefits of Contacts: Read about the benefits of using contact lenses versus glasses and why you may decide they are right for your children.
39. Contacts Benefit Children: See why many are now saying children can benefit from contacts. Learn about things like improving their self confidence and even slowing progress of nearsightedness.
40. Contact Lens Store Reviews: Learn where the best place to get your children contacts are and which stores to avoid.
41. Wearing Glasses: Look at some issues kids may face when wearing glasses and how to help them get through this time.
42. When Can Kids Wear Contacts: If you are considering getting your children contacts, read this article on when it is recommended they get them.
43. Children with Contacts Like Their Looks Better: Those children who have been wearing contacts tend to like their appearances better than those who have to wear glasses.
44. Can Children Wear Contacts: Answers to this question and more in this great article. Find out what some doctors say about children and wearing contacts instead of glasses.
45. Good Choice or Not for Contacts: Find out what one doctor says he thinks on whether your child may be ready for contacts.

Image Credits: Malkav

If you don’t have 20/20 vision, you are probably one of the many people who have considered having LASIK eye surgery. The surgery, designed to repair your vision, has become common over the years. However, before you decide that eye surgery is the way you want to go, you need to research the surgery so you know what to expect, how the procedure works and any possible side effects you may encounter. You will also need to undergo an eye examination to see if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.

1. After LASIK Surgery – Discover some of the possible side effects after LASIK eye surgery to correct vision.
2. LASIK Laser Eye Surgery and Retinal Detachment – A review of the likelihood of LASIK treatment causing a detached retina.
3. LASIK Eye Surgery – My Experiences – Day 1 – A personal account of undergoing LASIK eye surgery from start to finish.
4. EPI – LASIK Laser Eye Surgery – An explanation of the differences between EPI – LASIK and straight LASIK eye surgery.
5. LASIK Eye Surgery – Facts and Tips – Information regarding the procedure of LASIK eye surgery, what might make one unsuitable for the procedure and probable results.
6. Markets at work: LASIK – Talks about patient satisfaction with LASIK and the decrease in cost of the procedure.
7. Recovering from PRK Laser Eye Surgery – Gives some comparisons between LASIK and PRK surgery.
8. LASIK IN DENVER IS BEST IN THE SUMMER – The results of a patient survey and how one patient had his golf game improved.
9. How to Choose a LASIK Doctor – Questions to ask your LASIK surgeon.
10. What to think about before getting your eyes lasered (LASIK) – A LASIK patient describes his experiences and some warnings about what to expect of your eyes.
11. Laser Eye Surgery Facts – A directory of LASIK eye surgery information.
12. Eye Surgery USA Answering Your LASIK Questions – Where to find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding LASIK.
13. LASIK Laser Eye Surgery – Would You Like to See the World Without Glasses or Contact Lenses? – A description of LASIK, with information on what it is (with diagram) and how the procedure works.
14. LASIK FAQ – A LASIK surgeon answers some of the most common questions about LASIK.
15. My Experience with LASIK Eye Surgery – A personal account of the LASIK eye surgery experience.
16. Custom LASIK Surgery Springfield, Massachusetts – Some common questions about LASIK answered.
17. Laser Eye Surgery Recovery Tips – Some information on how to treat your eyes so that they recover as quickly as possible after LASIK surgery.
18. LASIK Eye Surgery Can Cause Permanent Injury/Blindness – A lawyer explains how LASIK can, in extreme cases, ruin your eyesight for ever.
19. Rejected For Laser Eye Surgery: My Money-Saving Plan Foiled – One man’s plan to save money while still having LASIK surgery.
20. Patients are Blindsided By Dangers of LASIK Surgery: Thousands Suffer Lasting Eye Damage after Procedure – Some instances of LASIK surgery failing patients.
21. Advantages to Thin Flap LASIK – Turner Eye Institute covers everything LASIK.
22. Laser Eye Surgery: FAQ’s – Questions and answers about LASIK.
23. Isn’t LASIK Eye Surgery Cheating? – Asks the difference between using steroids or having LASIK in terms of cheating at sports
24. Laser Eye Surgery Delivers Spot on Eyesight to Folks Who Have to Wear Glasses Basic explanation of how LASIK surgery works.
25. Hurt LASIK Patients Warning You of the Truth – People who had bad experiences with LASIK surgery speak out.
26. Monovision – Most people need reading glasses as they age, this procedure is more mild than LASIK surgery.
27. LASIK Vision Surgery New Technology Prevents Side Effects – New technology that allows you to have LASIK surgery without worrying about side effects.
28. Eye Care News – How LASIK surgery is completed, and how it can benefit you.
29. LASIK Eye Surgery – Blog that discusses various points about having LASIK surgery, including the right age for children to undergo eye surgery.
30. LASIK Eye Surgery – Basic information regarding LASIK eye surgery.
31. Facts About LASIK Eye Care – How to properly care for your eyes after LASIK surgery.
32. Most Common LASIK Myths – Talks about the numerous myths surrounding LASIK eye surgery.
33. What is LASIK Surgery For? – Tells what LASIK surgery is used for and basic facts regarding the surgery.
34. Disadvantages of LASIK Eye Surgery – Explains the cons of having LASIK surgery.
35. What to Expect From Your LASIK Surgeon – Know what you should expect form your surgeon.
36. LASIK Eye Surgery Blog – Entire blog dedicated to all things about LASIK surgery.
37. Risks of LASIK Surgery – Know what type of risks you’ll be facing.
38. The Advantages of LASIK Over Other Vision Correction Methods – The pros about LASIK surgery.
39. How is Traditional LASIK Different From Custom LASIK – Differences in types of LASIK surgery.
40. LASIK vs. EPI-LASIK – The differences in the two surgeries.
41. LASIK – Information about LASIK surgery.
42. Post-PK LASIK Surgery: What is it and how does it work.
43. LASIK Eye Surgery Guidelines – Do You Qualify for LASIK surgery?
44. Eye Care & Vision Problems: Laser Eye Surgery Side Effects – The side effects of laser eye surgery.

Image Credits: Jacob Davies

LASIK is a laser eye surgery done to hopefully get rid of glasses and contacts for recipients. Those who have experienced this surgery have various results. Some have been totally pleased with their surgery and others have seem to gotten worse than they were before the surgery was done.  If you are considering this surgery, make sure you are informed and do your research. There are things you should know about this surgery and the possible results afterward. Here are a few sites to look at and to help you in your research. Personal stories of good and bad and also information on what LASIK is and what to expect. Be sure to ask lots of questions and know your doctor and their track record before agreeing to this surgery.

1. Lasik Surgery Read one blogger’s experience with his LASIK surgery.
2. My story Here is one person’s story of their surgery and how their experience went.
3. Advice One person shares their story and their advice if you are prepping for this surgery.
4. John’s story Here John shares his story of LASIK surgery and how it helped him.
5. My surgery This is my experience with LASIK.
6. Complications Look here to find some stories where the surgery did not go as desired.
7. Another Lasik story Read here about one person’s experience with LASIK surgery and how it turned out.
8. Lynne’s Story One blogger tells his wife’s story of her LASIK experience.
9. One experience One person tells of their experience and the steps to go through for LASIK.
10. My Experience  Read here some success stories about patients using LASIK.
11. Graham Glass Read here about his experience with LASIK.
12. Cunningham Learn here how one blogger went through with LASIK and how their eyes are now.
13. Campbell Here a blogger shares their story of LASIK and how they prepared for it.
14. Testimonials Read here to find out information on LASIK as well as patients who have gone through the surgery.
15. No more squint One person explains their surgery and how they no longer have to squint.
16. Channing Frye He tells his story of Lasik as well as a small video showing the surgery.
17. Mom Blogger One mommy blogger shares her story.
18. Scott’s Story Read here and find out what Scott thinks of his surgery.
19. Maya Here Maya talks about before her surgery and what she experienced.
20. Val’s Story Read here about Valerie’s experience with LASIK.
21. Bad Experience Not all experiences with LASIK have been good. Read here about one persons experience.
22. Carissa Before her wedding, Carissa opted to have LASIK surgery.
23. Traumatic Injuries New program helps those who have trouble getting their glasses on and off now due to an injury receive LASIK.
24. Patient One patient shares their story of LASIK.
25. Chris Here Chris shares his story of how he received LASIK and what happened afterward.
26. I had LASIK Read about these people who had the surgery and love their results.
27. Share my story One blogger writes about their LASIK surgery and how they are now.
28. Pros and Cons Read some of the pros and cons of having LASIK.
29. Great Some patients share their experiences they had with their doctor.
30. Bad Surgery One person shares their horrible experience after LASIK.
31. Amy’s Story Amy had a bad experience with LASIK. Read here to find out why.
32. Life after lasik Read here about this man’s life after surgery and why he doesn’t recommend it.
33. I had LASIK Learn here from some people who had the surgery.
34. Story Here several testimonies of having LASIK surgery.
35. I had LASIK sugery Read here about a few patients who are happy with their surgery.
36. Lasik stories One blogger posts her story as well as others experience with LASIK.
37. Happened after Read here how one person shares their issues after LASIK.
38. Stories and Information Here you will see several who have had LASIK as well as information on what to expect.
39. Botched One botched LASIK turned into more surgery for this patient.
40. Our Story Several people share their story of what their experience was like.
41. Nurse Here one nurse’s success with LASIK.
42. Testimonials Read here about testimonies of those who have experienced LASIK.
43. Linda’s Story Read here to find out what Linda thought of her surgery.
44. Couples story Here is one couple’s story of their LASIK journey.
45. LASIK Testimony Read about this fireman’s experience with LASIK.

Image Credits: Arroz con Nori

LASIK eye surgery has become a very popular procedure. Nearly everyone who undergoes LASIK surgery experience results that improves their vision. Over 80% of patients who opt for the surgery never have a need to wear eyeglasses or contacts afterward. Although most of the responsibility for LASIK is on the surgeon, there are steps that you must take to minimize the risk and maximize the results before the surgery.

Most people do not feel themselves at 100% directly after the surgery. It takes a few days for the eyes to adjust and the body to relax after the procedure. Because of this, you will want to make arrangements with your work or any other responsibilities you may have for 2 or 3 days afterward. If you do not have any paid time off from your job, you should be prepared to lose a few days of income.

For those who regularly wear contact lenses, you will want to stop using them for two weeks prior to the surgery. Contact lenses often slightly alter the eye’s shape and you will need your eyes to be their natural shape for the procedure. Contacts can also make blood vessels move closer to the surface of the eye. Blood vessels can get in the way of the laser and they should be safely tucked into the center of the eyeball where they belong.

The day before the surgery, you must discontinue the use of most topical agents that you may be applying to your skin. This includes lotions, perfumes, creams, ointments, and cosmetics. These substances can increase the risk of the infection should they get into the eye during or directly after the LASIK procedure. Your doctor may provide you with specific instructions on how to clean your face and around your eyes the day before and the day of the surgery. Always follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. If you hear something that seems to contradict what your doctor tells you, always ask him for an explanation. This will give you a little peace of mind before the operation so you will go in more relaxed.

When the day of the LASIK surgery arrives, you will need someone to drive you to and from the office where the procedure is to be performed. Have a driver available for the next day as well because a follow-up exam may be required. For some people, it takes up to two weeks for their eyes to adjust after the surgery. Others may recover in only a couple of days. A little discomfort is normal directly after the surgery, but it is never something that requires more than Advil, Tylenol, or your usual over-the-counter analgesic. Have some on hand, just in case it is needed. Also, be prepared to have urges to wipe or rub your eyes. If you think you may give in to the urges, ask your doctor for an eye shield to prevent any accidents.

You must also prepare yourself for the next few weeks following the LASIK procedure. Be aware that you will not be allowed to wear cosmetics, engage in strenuous physical activity, or be immersed in water. Following these guidelines will help you be prepared and know about what to expect with your surgery.

Photo via krossbow

LASIK, which stands for Laser IN-Situ Keratomileusis, is one of the newest surgical procedures to correct certain vision problems. A laser is used to create a very thin flap in the cornea. Once the flap is cut, the surgeon uses a different type of laser is to reshape the cornea so that the focal point hits the retina correctly. The way the cornea is reshaped depends on the particular vision problem. When he is done, the surgeon lays the flap over the cornea. LASIK works well to correct three of the four main vision problems.

1. Nearsightedness – This is also known as myopia and effects close to one-third of all people. It is even more common now than it was 30 years ago. Nearsighted people have difficulty reading things at a distance such as road signs or words on a TV screen across the room. Their “up-close” vision is usually just fine.

When someone has myopia, the cornea is usually too steep so the LASIK is used to flatten it out.

2. Farsightedness – Also known as hyperopia, farsightedness means that those affected have trouble focusing on things that are close, often causing eye strain and fatigue, squinting, and headaches. This is also quite common, effecting about one-fourth of the population.

The cornea in someone who is farsighted is too flat and the LASIK procedure would create a steeper cornea.

3. Astigmatism – This vision problem is the most common, but what it is exactly is not as easily explained. It is often accompanied by either farsightedness or nearsightedness. Someone with astigmatism has distorted or blurred vision at any distance.

Astigmatism happens if the cornea is shaped like a football, meaning it is more curved on side than the other. This makes light focus on more than just one single point. A LASIK procedure would change this irregularly shaped cornea into something more normal.

Unfortunately, LASIK can’t help those over 40 who start to have difficulty reading or working on the computer. This is what is known as presbyopia or jokingly called “short-arm syndrome” because of the necessity to hold books and other printed materials out at arms length in order to read it. At about age 40, the eye’s lenses gradually begin to thicken, making it difficult for them to change focus.

For those with one of the three correctable vision problems, LASIK is a great option for correcting their eyes. It is a very quick out-patient surgery with little to no pain or side effects.

Photo via ClickFlashPhotos

Often when faced with the possibility of undergoing a medical procedure, one finds that doing their due diligence is the best way to make an informed, intelligent decision about whether to take the risk. It is good practice to weigh the pros and cons in order to do what’s best. When it comes to Lasik Surgery, however, there are many, many ‘pros’ and few, if any ‘cons’ in undergoing the procedure.

Lasik is a procedure that restores vision in those people who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or have astygmatism. (causing distorted and/or blurred vison.) Aside from enabling the patient to discard their old, cumbersome and unsightly glasses and/or their inconvenient contact lenses, there are many benefits to the procedure:

1.Lasik procedure yields immediate results. As soon as the procedure is complete, you will notice a remarkable improvement in your vision, which continues to improve throughout the healing process.

2. Lasik is a quick procedure, taking only five to fifteen minutes to complete in both eyes.

3. The procedure is essentially pain-free. Anesthetic drops are instilled in the eyes prior to the procedure and is the only anesthesia needed during the ‘surgery.’ There is usually no discomfort following the procedure, although some people have describe the feeling of having an eyelash in their eye. If this occurs, it is a relatively short-lived discomfort.

4. There is little if any ‘down’ time. Most patients are able to return to work the day after the procedure. It is recommended that patients rest the day of the procedure, in order to enable the healing process to begin.

5. The Lasik procedure restores peripheral vision; something that glasses cannot do.

6. The procedure is typically a permanent solution for visual disturbances. Most patients never need to wear glasses again or have a repeat procedure.

7. It is a relatively inexpensive process which can be deducted from a tax-deferred Personal Spending Account.

8. In addition to being relatively inexpensive, the procedure can ultimately save the patient money. The patient no longer has to spend money glasses, prescription sunglasses, contacts and related eye drops.

9. Complications of the Lasik Procedure is less than 1% and in those patients, complications typically merely include discomfort, as previously discussed.

10. Lasik is a life enhancing procedure. There is no more inconvenience of wearing glasses, having to use two different pairs of glasses, (one for distance, one for reading) not having to worry about losing glasses and not being able to function until they can be replaced, no more chance of corneal abrasions from contact lenses, being able to swim without glasses and actually being able to see!, being able to get up at night to go to the bathroom without having to search for your glasses…the list goes on and on.

If you are considering a Lasik procedure, be sure to find a qualified, experienced physician and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Once you’ve found the practitioner that you feel comfortable with and you take into consideration these top ten benefits, your only regret will be not having the procedure done sooner!

Photo via helgabj

Lasik surgery to correct visual impairment is becoming more and more popular. The surgery is a semi-permanent solution to visual impairments, and the process involves little to almost no pain and immediate results.

The first step in getting Lasik surgery is to make an appointment with a qualified and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will perform a standard eye exam to determine the general health of the eye and to determine whether or not you’re health status makes you a good candidate for the surgery. In some cases, the surgeon will recommend eye drops to prevent excess drying of the eye, and in most cases, a prescription for antibiotics will be written to help reduce the risk of infection. The surgeon will use corneal topography to get a map of the eye. You’ll also be asked about your medical history. Some conditions may disqualify the patient while others may simply postpone the procedure. Contact wearers are recommended to refrain from wearing their contact lenses one to three weeks before surgery.

Immediately before surgery, the patient is given a mild sedative. This sedative will help you remain calm throughout the surgery, but you’ll be awake throughout the procedure. A suction ring is used to hold the eye in place. Then, a microkeratome is used to cut a small, circular flap in the cornea. This flap is hinged back allowing the surgeon access to the stroma, or middle section of the cornea. Once the flap is lifted, the patient’s sight will become blurry. An excimer laser is used to remove corneal tissue and reshape the cornea. The reshaping of the cornea helps allow more light onto the retina, which in turn, improves sight. The surgeon will check to make sure no air bubbles or other debris has found their way under the flap and then the flap will be repositioned back in place.

Post-op rest is necessary and usually limited to the few days after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe post-op drops to help with the healing and prevent dryness and reduce any inflammation. This also helps to alleviate any discomfort. Patients are given dark shields to help protect from sunlight, so having someone around to help you get around may be necessary in the first several days after the surgery. Several follow up appointment will be scheduled for the surgeon to re-examine the eyes to insure the proper healing. Protective goggles will also be given to the patient to help avoid rubbing of the eyes while the patient sleeps. It is vitally important that the patient refrain from rubbing their eyes, as this could interrupt the healing process by moving the flap. Most patients report to have 20/20 vision after their surgery. Generally the improvement is immediate, while others may take a few weeks.

Photo via Evil Erin

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is a common corrective procedure for those suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It’s often touted as an almost miraculous way to improve one’s eyesight, ridding people of their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved LASIK in 1995, the long term effects of the surgery aren’t completely known, but the majority of data indicates that LASIK is safe. As with any surgery, there is always the risk of complications.

Short Term Effects

After LASIK surgery, patients experience several side effects. Eyes may feel painful or uncomfortable. This usually dissipates quickly and doctors may prescribe painkillers if needed. Doctors cover the eyes for 24 hours in order to protect them. After the eyes are uncovered, patients often experience blurry vision. Blurriness gradually decreases over one to two days and vision generally stabilizes between a week and a month’s time. In the short term, patients are at risk of infection, so they’re given antibiotic eye drops. For the majority of people, vision clears and they can resume their normal schedules after two or three days.

Common short term side effects of LASIK include dry eyes, haloing, droopy eyelids, or subconjunctival hemorrhage. The most common side effect is dry eyes and most times, this will clear up within a year. Haloing – or glare around bright objects – usually clears up within six weeks, though patients should take care when driving at night. Droopy eyelids should also go away with a few weeks. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common side effect where blood leaks into the white part of the eye. Though it can look alarming, it’s relatively minor, basically akin to a bruise on one’s eye. It should clear up within two weeks.

Long Term Effects

Given that LASIK hasn’t been around for very long, it’s difficult to determine what its effects will be decades from now. That said, there are some long term effects that have surfaced. The FDA states that the dry eyes commonly experienced after surgery may become permanent. For those who were farsighted, their visual improvement may decrease as they age. The surgery also permanently impacts the cornea and makes it difficult to accurately measure intraocular pressure. Inability to measure this can lead to undiagnosed glaucoma and complications during cataracts surgery. Rarely, corneas may be scarred, leading to mild or moderate haziness. Patients may also experience glaring, double-vision, or a loss of contrast sensitivity. Very rarely, LASIK can lead to reduced vision or even blindness. Patients will also always be at risk for corneal flap dislocation.

The number one complaint after LASIK surgery is over or under-correction of vision, but this tends to stem from unrealistic expectations. In 2008, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery reviewed over three thousand peer-reviewed articles over the past ten years and found a 95.4% satisfaction rate among those who had undergone LASIK surgery. Despite any short or long term complications, the vast majority of people experience improved vision and are satisfied with the results.

Photo via Jug Jones

Lasik eye surgery is a fairly recent technology that can correct those with astigmatism, myopia or nearsightedness, and hyperopia or farsightedness. It can correct vision to 20/20 and boasts quick recovery time. Many people are choosing to have Lasik eye surgery performed to fix their vision problems but there are a few health and safety concerns everyone should be aware of before opting into the surgery.

The possibility for having to be retreated with laser surgery are very high for people who suffer from astigmatism, need a high vision correction, and are older in age. This has accounted for a nearly 1 in 5 ratio of people who will need to have their vision corrected once more after the laser surgery.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has stated that lasik surgery is most effective on those with light refractive errors causing them to become nearsighted. Those with advanced cased of myopia and hyperopia will have a smaller chance of fixing their vision with just one treatment. The same applies to astigmatism which is an uneven shape of the surface of the eye. This is always very difficult to correct and patients should keep that in mind when looking to get lasik surgery.

Those who decide to opt out of receiving lasik surgery should also consider the health risks of wearing contacts frequently. Sometimes contact wearers can forget to take out contacts and cause a serious infection of the eye. Dirt can also get lodged between the contact and the eye when contact lens wearers use their contacts correctly. Eye infections can have serious consequences such as vision loss. Lasik eye surgery actually reduces the risk of eye infection for people that would have normally worn contacts. This is a great relief as contact wearers would lose the hassle of remembering to change contacts and not wear them in certain places such as chemistry labs and chemical plants and actually makes lasik surgery a safe option for contact wearers.

Lasik has come very far in recent years and remains a very safe procedure. Talking to a doctor to see if it is recommended for every specific type and advancement of a refractive error is always very important. Patients who keep realistic ideas in mind for the results they are likely to see will be more satisfied with their surgery in the long.

Photo via sashafatcat