Lasik is becoming an extremely popular procedure, restoring poor vision and eliminating the need for costly eyeglasses and contacts. Every year, around 600,000 people choose to undergo Lasik Eye Surgery. But what exactly is it? What are the costs and risks of it? Here is a quick rundown for those who think Lasik may be in their future.
How Lasik Works
Lasik is a very safe procedure with no pain at all. It is performed by a professionally trained eye surgeon who use specialized lasers to assist them. By changing the cornea's shape, the surgeon is able to help correct many vision problems. At the beginning of the surgery, the surgeon will create a corneal flap with the help of a microkeratome. This flap is very thin and precise, allowing the surgeon to show the corneal tissue. The specialized laser, known as the excimer laser, shapes the cornea into a pattern that is pre-determined for the patient before the start of the surgery. Once this quick procedure has been done, the surgeon will place the flap on the cornea and the surgery will be complete. While most Lasik procedures use the same type of laser, there are other lasers available from various manufacturers. There are also various types of ways that the surgeon can create the corneal flap. Depending on the surgeon you choose and your specific situation, they may alter procedures to better suit your needs.
Cost
The cost for Lasik is far less than what it was when it first came available to the public. What used to be a costly procedure, out of reach for many individuals, is now attainable. While some methods may cost thousands, others can keep the price well under four digits. Lasik can run as high as $4,000 per eye to as low as $299 per eye, and some surgeons offer coupons and price cuts for their patients.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are a few risks to Lasik Eye Surgery. While many of these risks and side effects are temporary, there are other long-term risks that patients should know about. A few short-term side effects are
- Dry eyes
- Glare and halos
- Treatable eye infections
Some other long-term, more serious risks include Vision regression (the results may not last as long as others)
- Epithelial ingrowth
- Vision problems (rare)
- Flap complications
Many of these more serious conditions are extremely rare. For example, flap complications only affect .5% of all Lasik patients. Overall, Lasik has been a vision-saving surgery for millions of people. Its benefits greatly outweigh the few, rare risks and it can be very cost effective and pay for itself over time. For more information on Lasik Eye Surgery, and to find out if it is right for you, follow the links below.
