GET THE CLEAR PICTURE!For many years,
the only way to correct refractive errors or
focusing problems was with glasses or contact
lenses. Recent advances have now made it possible to
surgically alter the eye's refractive power to
eliminate or lessen the need for glasses or contact
lenses. There are several types of procedures to
accomplish this, some old, some new and some soon to
be available in the future.
What is refractive surgery or Laser Vision
Correction?
Laser Vision Correction is a revolutionary
medical procedure that allows most people freedom
from glasses or contact lenses. A cool beam of laser
light microscopically reshapes the front contour of
the eye, the cornea, improving its focus. LASIK is
the technical name of the most common Laser Vision
Correction procedure used in recent years. PRK is
another type of Laser Vision Correction and is very
similar
What types of vision conditions can be
improved?
LASIK can benefit most people with
nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness
(hyperopia), and astigmatism. One of the major
functions of the front surface of the eye, or
cornea, is to focus light. Nearsightedness, or
myopia, occurs when your eye is too long in relation
to the curvature of your cornea. Things are better
seen close up than at a distance. Farsightedness, or
hyperopia, occurs when your eye is too short in
relation to the curvature of your cornea. Things are
better seen at a distance than near. Astigmatism
exists when your cornea has an irregular, oval shape
and the focus is twisted. Laser Vision Correction,
or LASIK, is not able to remove cataracts, correct
presbyopia, or treat a lazy eye.
What is LASIK?
The most commonly performed refractive surgery is called
LASIK. With LASIK, a very thin flap is made in the
corneal surface with an instrument called a
microkeratome. After the flap is made, the exposed
cornea is treated with a cool laser beam, called
excimer laser. A small amount of tissue is sculpted
away, less than the thickness of thin hair. The flap
is then replaced. Healing occurs quickly and there
is typically little discomfort. This procedure
alters the curvature of the eye microscopically to
improve your focus.
What is PRK?
PRK is a close cousin to the technique of
LASIK, except that no flap of tissue is created on
the cornea. Healing takes a little longer and there
is some discomfort during the recovery stages of the
procedure. For this reason, many people prefer to
have LASIK instead
What is laser thermokeratoplasty
and how it used?
Laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) is
used for the correction of hyperopia, or
“farsightedness.” The laser apparatus utilized does
not touch the eye. It causes the corneal tissue to
shrink microscopically which steepens the eye
causing better near and distance focusing.
Is Laser
Vision Correction safe?
LASIK has been performed
internationally for over 15 years and in U.S.
clinical trials with excellent results since 1995.
Millions of patients worldwide have undergone
successful Laser Vision Correction procedures. There
is minimal risk of serious complications. Most of
the complications are relatively mild and do not
result in long-term interference with vision. The
complication rate cited in large studies is between
0.5% and 1.9% at 1-2 years. Dr. Jones or Dr. Serdahl
will thoroughly discuss potential complications with
any patient considering LASIK.
Does insurance cover
this surgery?
Although LASIK is not a cosmetic
procedure, it is considered an elective surgery.
Most insurance policies will not cover the
procedure; although you should check with your
insurance company to see if your policy offers
partial or full coverage. Some insurance companies
will offer a discount and our office will honor
those arrangements In many cases, the cost of the
procedure can be covered by employer medical flex
plans or medical cafeteria plans that allow pretax
dollars to be set aside for medical expenses. It is
possible that the cost of LASIK may be deducted from
your federal income taxes.
How do I know if I am a
candidate for refractive surgery?
The decision to
have refractive surgery, or any elective procedure,
should be made after a thorough investigation of the
benefits and risks and a candid, honest and complete
examination by either ophthalmologist Dr. Jones or
Dr. Serdahl. Please call our office to schedule a
free consultation at 916-452-8105.
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