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An accurate diagnosis is key to a successful laser eye surgery experience. Receiving an accurate diagnosis ensures that your vision will steadily improve over time after surgery. It also reduces the risk of needing any other corrective surgeries in the future.
An inaccurate diagnosis can result in mild to severe vision damage. For example, a myopic patient being treated as a hyperopic patient could make their nearsightedness even worse. Symptoms of an inaccurate diagnosis and laser eye surgery are; glare, double-vision and seeing halos around sources of light. This affects night vision, depth perception and spatial coordination. -
Despite the costs many ophthalmologists claim that the increase in price results in a more precise laser correction technique. For example, although the average laser eye surgery cost around $1500 to $2500, a Wavefront Lasik (a type of laser and computerized guidance system) operation is $2500 to $3000. The Wavefront Lasik system is known as one of the most precise and accurate systems for laser eye surgery, and patients have a higher rate of visual improvement from this machine over some others.
Laser eye surgery is not cheap. Last year the average cost for any laser-based corrective procedure ran between $1500 and $2500 per eye. That doesn't include the costs for any follow up examinations, operations, or prescriptions. Laser eye surgeries are rarely covered by medical insurance. Exceptions are made for those who have documented allergies to contact lenses or cannot wear glasses. Their are also exceptions made for those whose vision was damaged during another surgery or in an injury. -
Laser eye surgery is guided by a computer which creates a more accurate, precise, and quicker adjustment to the cornea. Whether you are myopic, hyperopic, or have astigmatism, the actual procedure should last no longer than thirty minutes. Although the surgery is very delicate, it requires only a minor invasion of the eye. For the most part laser eye surgery is painless. Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will administer an eye numbing solution. This ensures that you experience little discomfort during the operation. It also reduces the chance of you moving your eye accidentally during the procedure.
While laser eye surgery is essentially painless, there can be some discomfort during the procedure. Most of this discomfort comes from the lid speculum (the device used to keep you from blinking) and the suction device used to keep your eye still for the laser. -
Laser eye surgery is one of the most successful treatments for refractive vision errors. Because the operation is targeted on correcting the cornea, visual improvement occurs in about 24 to 48 hours.
After surgery your eyes may itch, water, or sting but it is absolutely critical that you do not rub them. Doing so could dismember the cornea completely and cause potentially irreversible vision damage. Lotions, perfumes, and different makeups cannot be worn immediately after surgery as they can cause eye irritation as well. During this time your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, medicated eye lubricants, and ibuprofen to relieve the pain. The initial healing process takes around seven days. During this time, you can also have blurred vision, light sensitivity and bloodshot eyes. -
Every form of surgery has a risk. Even if your physician and ophthalmologist assure you that your overall physical and eye health are in good condition, there are still risks that must be considered before under going laser eye surgery.
Though laser eye surgery is an overall safe and effective procedure, there are some people who should not undergo the operation. People with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, glaucoma, vascular diseases, pregnant women, and those with thin corneas should not attempt the surgery.
