Considering LASIK Eye Surgery? What is Epi LASIK?

For those considering eye surgery, the matter of what is Epi LASIK can be of some importance. For a fact, this form of eye surgery is newer and involves lasers much as the older form of LASIK does. It mainly came about as a way to avoid or solve some of the problems involved in traditional LASIK eye surgeries.

LASIK stands for "laser-assisted is situ keratomileusis, " and it is a type of surgery that is mainly used to correct certain vision deficiencies such as myopia, hyperopia and an astigmatism. LASIK eye surgery also generally requires a substantially reduced recovery time, with lowered levels of pain being felt on the part of the patient both during and after the procedure.

Epi LASIK differs from traditional LASIK in the way that the outer layer of the cornea -- which is known as the epithelium -- is cut away through use of certain medical instruments. In traditional LASIK, the ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) will use a very fine cutting blade in conjunction with the use of a laser. The new LASIK process usually means that a blunter, plastic oscillating blade is used.

In either surgery, the ophthalmologist will cut a flap in the cornea of the eye, though the risk inherent in traditional LASIK eye surgery is that the fine blade or laser may make cut the flap too thickly, though the advent of what surgeons call "bladeless LASIK" has helped to reduce that risk appreciably. Additionally, in Epi LASIK, the surgeon will not use alcohol to help separate the epithelial layers.

There is a risk in the use of alcohol in that it could actually kill off epithelial cells which would then impact a person's vision through his or her cornea. Opinion among medical specialists is divided on whether or not use or not use of alcohol really makes much difference, though, so keep that in mind. Generally, those people who have less-steep corneas (low myopia) make good candidates.

Once the epithelial flap has been made, it will be lifted up and moved very gently out of the way. This is where a laser will come in, and the surgeon will employ a type known as an excimer, which is a type of ultraviolet laser that is very common in eye surgeries. The laser will be used to shape or sculpt the tissue of the cornea during the procedure.

After that, the epithelial layer will be placed back over the cornea and held in place for a short while with a special kind of contact lens while that layer heals. I surgeons will use what is known in the industry as a "high-DK" contact lens, which means that the contact lens itself is highly permeable and will allow a lot of oxygen to penetrate, which will also help the epithelium to grow back properly.

Usually, within 72 hours after surgery, the patient will be able to remove the protective contact lens and many people will begin to regain vision to at least 20/40 or even 20/20 levels. Some people, however, may take a bit longer (up to six months) before complete success is attained. Those who may be good candidates for Epi LASIK will be told by their ophthalmologists before undergoing the procedure.
In order to find whether Epi LASIK is necessary for you you will need to consult your doctor. For more on all things as they relate to LASIK eye surgery you may visit the site today.

Written By: Frank_Rodriguez

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New Lasik Surgery Techniques

New lasik surgery is so much better than in the past and promises a greater range of correction options, better vision after the surgery and less complications and risks. In the long run this means that more people can get rid of their contact lenses and glasses and will be able to experience the benefits of laser vision correction.

The current lasik procedures can correct problems of nearsightedness, far sightedness and astigmatisms, but have not been able to address problems with the thickness and shape of the cornea or severe vision problems and problems with night vision due to risky complications. The side effects of the current lasik procedures include painful dry eyes, halo's and painful bursts of light and blurry vision.

New lasik procedures will allow an eye surgeon to scan the eye to determine the thickness and shape of the cornea more accurately prior to ever actually firing a laser. This will give laser eye surgeons a much better initial evaluation of the problem that needs to be corrected, will help them determine better treatment options and will help to avoid unnecessary complications related to lasik surgey.

Clinical trials of the new lasik surgery procedures have shown patients returning to near perfect levels of vision within one month of having the eye surgery. They were able to see more clearly and in more detail much sooner after their lasik surgery was completed. In the past lasik patients would have to wait up to 6 months for their vision to be completely restored to normal. This is a huge leap in recovery time and is a great benefit to those people contemplating lasik surgery.

With new lasik procedures the eye surgeon begins by taking a 'picture' of the patients cornea with lasik imaging software. This is then run through recognition software to make a map of the persons eye, showing the thickness and shape of the eye in great detail. These 'eye maps' allow lasik surgeons to make much more precise adjustments and also to plan in advance for possible complications from lasik surgery.

With the new lasik surgery techniques the eye surgeon can keep the natural shape of the cornea, remove less tissue and can even correct night vision problems. New lasik techniques also leave the patient more comfortable since the laser bursts are much shorter, typically just 20 seconds, compared with the 60 second bursts that are needed now. Less damaging, less painful and faster recovery are all benefits of new lasik surgery techniques.

Learn more about lasik prices [http://www.lasikonsale.com] and the new lasik [http://www.lasikonsale.com/new-lasik-surgery-technique] techniques and procedures by visiting the authors website.

Written By: Steven_Walters

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New Lasik Eye Surgery Discovery Promises Perfect Vision

The latest techniques in lasik eye surgery could eliminate night vision problems and other side-effects of the treatment, allowing many more people to put aside their spectacles and contact lenses.

While existing lasik eye surgery treatments can correct mild sight impairments for the majority of patients, they are not suitable for those with more severe problems or natural fluctuations in the shape and thickness of the cornea , because of the risk of complications. Common problems include painful dry eyes, blurred vision and bursts of blinding light or "halos" at night.

However, by scanning and measuring the eye carefully before taking aim with a laser, surgeons are now able to assess the likely results of treatment and select the right procedure from a number of options.

Sight was restored to near-perfect levels as soon as a month after treatment in recent trials - patients could read more lines on a chart, and in higher definition, very quickly after the operation. This is a marked improvement over previous methods, where vision often deteriorates after the procedure and only gradually returns to normal after about six months.

Prior to surgery, the iris image of each patient's eye is captured on software. Iris recognition technology can then be used to build up a personal map of the fine optical aberrations that might affect the outcome of surgery.

This new lasik eye surgery technique allows options to remove less tissue, eliminate night vision problems (Waterfront surgery) and to leave the natural shape of the cornea. The surgery is also more comfortable for the patient, since the surgeon fires the laser for about 20 seconds, compared to 60 seconds during older techniques. The procedure has been in clinical trials for about a year but if it lives up to its promise we could see many patients benefiting from it within a year or two.

For a report on this exciting breakthrough in lasik eye surgery, visit:

Lasik Eye Surgery [http://www.lasikeyesurgery-facts.com/new-lasik-technique.php]

Writtten By: Brendan_Forde

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What Makes a Great LASIK Surgeon?

A great LASIK surgeon …

1. Has quality training and keeps up with new developments

When LASIK first became available after being approved by the FDA in the late 1990s, there was a rush for it, and lots of LASIK centers suddenly opened and offered it. Not all these centers were well run, or hired properly qualified eye surgeons.

A great eye surgeon:

· Is a fully qualified ophthalmologist, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology

· Has training beyond the original medical degree

· Belongs to at least one professional organization, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, or the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) – this keeps the eye surgeon in contact with his peers, which in turn apprises him of new ideas and better methods

· Has a clean record at the state Board

· Has never had malpractice insurance coverage denied

· Has never had their license revoked, restricted, or suspended

2. Has lots of experience

· Has been performing LASIK procedures for at least 3 years or so

· Has done at least 500 procedures

· Has done at least 100 of the same type of procedure recommended for you

3. Puts quality before cost-saving measures

Every person’s eyesight is precious. The best eye surgeons take extreme care of their patients’ eyes and provide the best in everything, rather than cut costs. For instance, they:

· Lease or purchase the best quality laser and microkeratome – these are both expensive items for the surgeon, but there’s a big difference between the quality of vision correction possible with cheaper tools and that possible with the best tools.

· Hire office support staff who are not only kind and sympathetic people but also highly trained in the techniques they perform

4. Does your pre-op and post-op visits himself

Some LASIK eye surgeons delegate important work to people who aren’t necessarily properly qualified. Besides doing the actual surgery, the best ones will:

· See you initially and determine if you’re a good LASIK candidate – an excellent outcome isn’t possible if you’re not a good candidate to begin with, and the best surgeons screen their patients carefully

· See you for all your post-op visits, to check on your healing progress and how you’re feeling about the results

5. Runs a very organized facility

Vision correction is meticulous work, and meticulousness should be evident throughout the facility. The surgeon sets the standards. If the staff misplaces your records, forgets your name, writes down the wrong appointment time, gets your phone number wrong, etc., then what is the surgeon doing with your eyesight? Most LASIK complications are the result of “human error”, which is a name for carelessness.

6. Keeps the surgical tools well-maintained

Some LASIK centers try to process as many patients as possible, cutting corners to keep costs down, and offering those “$499 per eye” deals. One of the corners that’s often cut is quality maintenance of the LASIK equipment.

A great LASIK surgeon will:

· Calibrate the laser before each procedure – this isn’t mandatory but it helps keep the laser at its peak level of accuracy

· Keep the laser in a room that has the correct temperature and humidity

· Have good battery backup in case of power outages

· Have professional preventive maintenance done on the microkeratome – this is the instrument used to cut the little corneal flap so that the laser can do its corrective work on the underlying corneal tissue. Many LASIK complications are related to faulty flaps.

7. Offers Custom Wavefront LASIK

This is an upgrade over traditional LASIK surgery, and uses a far more precise method of mapping your eyes, so that your treatment will be far more exact and customized for you. This type of LASIK treats the higher order aberrations (glare, starbursts, double vision etc.) as well as the lower order aberrations (near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism).

8. Will respond quickly to any complication or emergency situation

The sooner a problem in any surgery is addressed, the more likely it is to be well corrected. A great LASIK surgeon is equipped and staffed such that he can respond immediately to any problem, whether it occurs during surgery, or just afterwards, or in the recovery period.
Follow-up visits are a part of a good LASIK treatment, so that if you do experience a problem in the period following your surgery, you can quickly see your surgeon and have it resolved.

9. Feels and shows genuine concern for each patient

Eye surgery can be an alarming prospect. The best surgeons understand this, and take care to inform and reassure their patients, and answer all their questions. Some also offer relaxing medication such as Valium, if necessary.

Part of genuine concern is honesty. The best LASIK surgeons will not:

· Guarantee 20/20 vision -- because each person is unique and though many LASIK patients do achieve excellent vision, some still must wear glasses, and others run into some rare complication which can probably be remedied, but sometimes not

· Claim to have “special” technology – the LASIK technology is widely available, and if a new technique comes along it will have to be tested over time before it can be trusted

· Offer extraordinarily low prices – because LASIK procedures are best done using the best equipment and staff, which eliminates bargain basement prices. As with so many things, you get what you pay for in vision correction.

For more information on LASIK surgery, click here to visit a Denver LASIK surgeon's website.

Written By: Tara_Pingle

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New Lasik Procedure Brings Hope to Many

A new lasik procedure has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This new procedure promises to offer hope to those who could not previously receive the lasik procedure.

This new procedure utilizes WaveLight(wavefront-optomized Allegretto Wave system). This system allows the treatment of patients with mixed astigmatism.

In the past, those with mixed astigmatism were less than prime candidates for lasik procedures. The patients that were approved, were required to undergo two separate procedures.

The new WaveLight system will allow almost all of these patients to be approved for the procedure. Another benefit of the WaveLight system, is only one procedure is neccessary.

Patients will love that.

The FDA also approved a new laser that will speed up lasik procedures by 50%. The new laser, named the LADAR6000 is manufactured by Alcon Inc.

As a warning to readers, researchers have found that Acne medications that contain isotretinoin can cause your eyes to dry out. You should not use acne medications containing this for at least 6 months prior and 6 months following any lasik procedure.

A second implantable lens has been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. The new lens can be folded. This allows the doctor to use a smaller surgical incision. The smaller incision helps to speed the healing process, and aid in recovery.

Implantable lenses are an option available to those who are not candidates for other corrective procedures
continue

Written By: Tim_Grimsley

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FDA Approves Lasik Eye Surgery

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new custom lasik procedure in September of 2005. This new procedure can now treat many patients who were previously ineligible for the surgery.

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is too long and light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of focusing on the retina. Some of the symptoms of nearsightedness are blurred distant vision, eyestrain, and squinting, along with having a difficult time seeing at night.

Although nearsightedness can be easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses (when not too severe), many people don't like to hassle with either one. With this new lasik procedure, folks will now be able to have pure vision.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is the effect of the eye being shaped like a football, instead of round like a baseball. This deformity -- where the light rays focus on two points on the retina instead of one -- results in blurred vision, double vision, and shadows on letters when reading. Until recently, this deformity has prevented some people from even getting contact lenses. Breakthroughs in contact lenses have only helped those with slight astigmatism.

However, with this new lasik procedure, patients can now have their eyes repaired to normal, or at least be repaired enough to comfortably wear contact lenses. Either way, their vision is enhanced and many are happy just to get rid of the glasses and finally be able to wear contacts, or possibly nothing at all.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness happens when light rays focus behind the retina instead of on the retina, resulting in blurred near vision. Some patients with severe farsightedness have to step back from what they are reading and others require magnifying glasses to see something that is right in front of them. People with farsightedness can see you 30 feet away, but when you get right up close they can't see you! This can be embarrassing and cause the afflicted person much insecurity along with the feeling that they are going blind.

Farsightedness is easily remedied by wearing glasses to read and see things up close, but it's very inconvenient to constantly be taking your glasses on and off. Not only is it inconvenient, you take the chance of leaving your glasses behind. Some patients keep their glasses on a chain so they won't lose them, but this makes them feel old. Now, lasik surgery is another option for these patients.

New Laser Technology

The FDA recently approved the new Visx STAR Excimer laser system. This fantastic breakthrough in technology allows doctors to do more than they ever could before, giving them the ability to reshape the eye to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Before this marvelous breakthrough these patients were not good candidates for lasik eye surgery. They now can join the rest of the vision impaired and have the option for lasik.

Recent FDA studies show that over 98% of all patients receiving these new procedures were seeing 20/40 or better 6 months after surgery. Over 84% were seeing much better than 20/20 after 6 months. Now that's reason to celebrate!

New breakthroughs in lasik eye surgery technology are happening all the time. Now people don't have to be inconvenienced by the hassle of glasses or contacts. All they want to do is to be able to get up in the morning and see normally. These breakthroughs in lasik technology are giving them an improved quality of life that once was unattainable.

Visit Lasik surgery to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a Website Here.

Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

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Don't Get Lasik Surgery Until You Read This

If you are thinking about getting Lasik Surgery, be aware that there are some slight risks involved. Although these risks only occur only 5% of the patients, before getting Lasik surgery, take a look below at some of the pot ential complications.

Halo, this is one of the most common side effects associated with getting Lasik Surgery, this includes small glares, a halo’s that are associated with night vision and sometimes the patient may experience dry eyes.

Under Corrected or Over Corrected Vision: When this occurs the patient will need further treatment or corrective lenses and or contact lenses. The great news is that these complications do dissipate between a few days to 3-6 months after Lasik surgery. For more information it is best to ask your doctor and ask for stats from his or her patients.

Implantable Lenses for Natural Occurrences:

Although Lasik Surgery can correct vision, it does not prevent the onset of Presbyopia, which in laymen terms is the decline in vision that those in middle age and after experience. This can be noted when one has to ready with corrective lenses. The best treatment and the most reliable treatment for Presbyopia is contact lenses. Some patients do not like the daily hassles of messing with contact lenses, dry eyes, etc, and opt to have a lens implanted to replace their eye’s natural lens. This is an option if you experience nearsightedness, which most common resulting from Presbyopia. From a professional and medical opinion this is the best option for those whose vision cannot be corrected with Lasik Surgery. Now, on to more Lasik complications.

Light Sensitivity.

This complication is one of the most common of those who undergo Lasik surgery. This side effect will generally last around 5 days after Lasik Surgery.

“Starbursts”, Glare and the Infamous Halo

These are classified as general vision problems when the flap of the corneal does not correctly adhere after replacement. This side effect will disappear after the first month. Another cause for this is when the pupil will dilate larger than the previous treatment zone.

Dry Eyes

This side effect shows itself through redness of the eyes, sometimes blurred vision, itchiness of the eye, eye crusting, or the false sensation that an object is in the eye such as dust or dirt.

Astigmatism

This is when the cornea becomes warped as a result of Lasik sugery, this warping is due from scarring and results in a complete failure of the Lasik surgery. Those who experience this side effect will still have to wear corrective lenses.

The great news about these side effects is that the further advances in Lasik technology can reduce the amount of these side effects. Infact there this a new Lasik procedure call Intralasik which is bladeless and uses a laser. The result is less complications with the flas that can cause Astigmatism. Since these new developments, the risks for the above side effects diminish rapidly and as science and technology drive forward less instances will be noted by patiences.

Need Lasik Surgery? Check out the Cost of Lasik Surgery you may be surprised.

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Examining The Reasons For LASIK Eye Surgery Price

If you think you’re a candidate for LASIK eye surgery, on of the things undoubtedly on you mind is the LASIK eye surgery price. But before you go through a lot of needless worry, you should take the time to determine if LASIK surgery is really the answer you think it is, and if it is appropriate for you. If you find that it is, you can start worrying about the LASIK eye surgery price.

What Eliminates You As A Candidate

If you’re not eighteen, forget about the LASIK eye surgery; it’s not going to happen. Asmuch as you absolutely hate the way your glasses make you look, you’ll have to be patient. Until you hit eighteen, your eyes will be changing their shape and focusing capacity about as often as you change your socks. Any doctor who agrees to perform LASIK eye surgery on you before you are eighteen is simply ripping you off. So if you go to a doctor who so much as suggests it, look for another doctor.

Even if you’ve hit the big eighteen, you still won’t qualify for LASIK eye surgery until your eyeglasses prescription has remained the same for at least a year. This way the doctor can be sure that the defect in your eyes is permanent, and not simply the result of a temporary condition like pregnancy.

Next, you have to be healthy. If your defective eyesight is the result of a medical condition like diabetes, there is no point in treating it with LASIK surgery until the underlying condition has been eliminated. And your eyes themselves should be in good shape, except for the particular defects for which you want the surgery. Any infections will impede your recovery.

If You Are A Candidate

If you to not fall into any of the above categories, your chances of qualifying for LASIK eye surgery are good. So you can schedule an appointment with n eye specialist to discuss LASIK eye surgery prices. You can expect the prices of the procedure in the US to vary according your location; in some parts of the country, the LASIK eye surgery price is rising.

The Review of Ophthalmology, in 2003, performed a national survey of optical surgeons. The somewhat surprising finding was that, on the average, the LASIK eye surgery price was fairly close. But the minimum and maximum prices were widely divergent, depending on the areas of the doctors participating.

LASIK Eye Surgery Prices

The Maximum LASIK eye surgery price was highest in the West and lowest in the South. This was true in spite of the fact that the minimum LASIK eye surgery price was lowest in the West, meaning that those who live in the Western United States have a broad range of LASIK eye surgery prices from which to choose.

But when the Review of Ophthamology did a follow-up survey within a few months of the original one, it was clear that LASIK eye surgery prices were already climbing. With the introduction of each new LASIK technology, eye surgeons feel compelled to invest in the newest devices, and pass the costs of the equipment along to their patients in the form of higher a LASIK eye surgery price.

The higher prices of the new LASIK equipment are offset by the chance that they may make LASIK eye surgery a possibility for those whose visual defects were previously not treatable with LASIK. Newer LASIK devices also reduce post-operative complications, making the entire surgical process much less stressful.

You can also find more info on Lasik Cost and Lasik Eye Surgery Canada. 2020lasikeyesurgery.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about LASIK eye surgery.