Laser Eye Surgery Info?!
Question:
Laser Eye Surgery Info?
I have been wearing glasses/contacts for 10 years, and my shortsideness is getting so bad I almost have to where my glasses just to read a book at nite before i go to bed. i am also getting sick of having to always wear glasses/contacts just to do everyday stuff When would I be able to have the surgery, are there any other options, and what are the advantages/disadvantages associated with this?
Answers:
When: You need to be at least 18, some surgeons prefer 21, and have had a stable prescription for at least two years.
There are several options when talking about refractive surgery: LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and Epi-LASIK. There are also phakic IOL (a newer procedure) and radial keratotomy. You would need to have a full dilated exam by a refractive surgeon who can best help you decide which approach is best for your eyes.
Advantages: No further need for glasses or contacts until possibly needing reading glasses once you hit your 40s (many people who never needed glasses before end up needing reading glasses) due to presbyopia. This helps eliminate the need for bifocals. The total healing time varies from 3 months to 1 year, very individualized...we're all different and the different techniques have some different healing time).
Disadvantages: For some, the biggest is cost. The US average per eye corrective surgery cost is between $1200-2100, depending on the region you live, the experience of the surgeon, the technology being used. Stay within the US...I do not know of anyone who would actually save money flying out of the country...the airfare itself...and all of the postop visits (one day, one week, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months) you need adds up in a HUGE hurry.
There are risks associated with any surgery. For LASIK, there can be flap problems, for all: infections, dry eyes (improves with time). But if you follow your postoperative instructions AND have a QUALIFIED surgeon who has a lot of GOOD EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE behind them, the risks are greatly reduced.
Only a complete thorough eye exam can tell you if you are a candidate. Pupil size, corneal thickness, corneal surface, preexisting eye conditions (glaucoma, cataracts) all have a determining factor if you are a candidate AND which techniques would be appropriate for YOU. Avoid the "cheap" places...you won't pay that "$299/eye" price...that's only to get you in the door. Go to a Corneal/Refractive Surgery specialist...the $$ you spend is well worth it for the experience of your surgeron.