Excimer lasers are created for the specific purpose of performing Lasik eye surgery. Not all lasers, however, are created equally. The FDA has approved each type of laser, but, for a select few patients, some lasers are better than others. The greatest difference between most of these lasers is the way they deliver the beam to the eye and track the eye’s movement.

There are two broad categories of lasers, broad beam and scanning. Within the scanning categories, there are two subcategories: slit scanning and spot scanning.

Broad-Beam Lasers

Broad-beam lasers utilize a somewhat large beam diameter, ranging from 6 to 8 millimeters, to cut the cornea. Use of these lasers generally shortens the amount of time necessary to complete the procedure. These lasers also reduce the risk of overcorrection due to pupil movement. The larger diameter of these beams used to make the likelihood of complications more likely, but improved technique and creation of these lasers has virtually eliminated this risk.

Slit Scanning Lasers

Slit scanning lasers use a smaller bean to perform the Lasik procedure. The beam is linked to a rotational device, which has slit holes to enlarge the area to be cut. This accomplished by the beams scanning across the holes. Slit scanning lasers provide a more uniform beam and can create smoother cuts than broad-beam lasers. There is, however, a slightly greater chance of overcorrection with a slit scanning laser.

Spot Scanning Lasers

Spot scanning lasers are also referred to as “flying spot†lasers. These lasers use a small diameter beam of only 0.8 to 2 millimeters. This beam is scanned across the cornea in order to create the area to be cut. Spot scanning lasers have the potential to create the smoothest cut. They are also better capable of producing customized cuts and treating irregular astigmatism.

Eye-Tracking

Many lasers also contain an eye-tracking system. This system links the position of the eye to the laser operation. Lasers without this system make it necessary for the patient to fixate on a distant object and keep the eye perfectly still throughout the procedure.

There are two different types of eye-tracking laser systems. The first is called “open loop.†With open loop tracking, a video based tracking system monitors the pupil’s location. If the eye moves beyond a predetermined setting, it stops the procedure.

The other form of tracking system is the “closed loop.†This system is capable of tracking the eye’s movement, and it makes adjustments according to the movement. Unlike the open loop system, closed loop tracking never stops the procedure completely.

Lasik eye surgery experts agree that some form of eye tracking is needed when using spot scanning lasers and for when performing procedures that take long periods of time. This is because patients simply are not capable of fixating long enough to complete a procedure that takes more time.

IntraLase Lasers

Many surgeons also use IntraLase lasers to perform Lasik eye surgery. The IntraLase laser is capable of creating the “flap†that needs to be cut in order to reach the cornea for shaping. This laser creates a very precise pattern consisting of small, overlapping spaces. It works at an extremely high speed with pulses of one quadrillionth of a second. This allows the tissue to be both targeted and divided at a moleculer level, which removes the needs for the use of heat or impact on the tissue.

The IntraLase laser beam system utilizes special computer software to help guide the beam itself. This software instructs the beam to apply a series of tiny bubbles on the central layer of the cornea. This results in a corneal flap that is at a precise pre-determined depth and diameter. This technology has helped people with thinner corneas successfully undertake the procedure.

Laser beams may sound futuristic or straight from a science fiction book, but this amazing technology is real and here today. Through the variety of lasers available for use in Lasik surgery, eye surgeons are capable of creating a better out-look for millions of people.

For doctors, the best patients are those who are well informed of the procedure and have realistic expectations about their potential outcome. A good Lasik doctor will carefully exam your eyes and take a thoroughly health history before deciding whether or not the Lasik vision correction surgery is right for you.

As a patient, you should fully understand the benefits as well as the risks and complications involved with the Lasik procedure. While most people do have positive outcomes after the surgery, there are some that do not. Some people experience reduced night vision and daytime vision and have infection in their eyes following the surgery.

After you have chosen a Lasik eye surgeon, there are a few questions that you should ask before your schedule your surgery. Knowing the answers to these questions will often help you have a positive outcome with your Lasik vision correction surgery.

Am I a good candidate for Lasik surgery? Your Lasik doctor will carefully consider whether or not you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction. It has been proven that those who are not good candidates for the procedure, but still have it done, do have complications. Your doctor should be fully aware of any health concerns or problems before agreeing to operate on your eyes.

How long will the recovery last? This is an important question to ask your Lasik doctor because each Lasik surgeon has different rules about recovery time. Depending on the depth of your surgery, you may have a longer recovery time. You may also need to take off of work longer.

How much does the Lasik procedure cost? A Lasik procedure can vary from doctor to doctor or depending on the area where you live. In addition, depending on the severity of your eye, your procedure may cost more or less. You can plan to spend around $2000 on your Lasik procedure and that is just the base cost.

What is included in the cost the Lasik surgery? Most Lasik doctors will include all costs relating to your Lasik procedure in the cost. It is still important to know this for certain. Make sure that there are no hidden costs when your fees are calculated.

Do you have payment plans? Most insurance plans will not cover the Lasik procedure. Unless you have saved at least $2000 for your surgery, you should know what kind of payment options are available to you.

What kind of Lasik procedure will be used? There are several techniques with Lasik surgery. Your doctor may specialize in one certain way or may be able to perform many types. You need to know what procedure will benefit you the most and make sure your Lasik doctor is skilled in that technique.

What will happen during surgery? You should know every step of your surgery so you understand exactly what to expect. Most patients are awake during the procedure and are given drop to numb the eye area. For those who are uncomfortable with the surgical process, they can be given a mild sedative to calm them during the procedure.

What can I expect after surgery? It is very important for patient to understand what to expect after the Lasik surgery. Some people experience no problems or pain, but your doctor should discuss expectations with your prior to the procedure.

What risks and complications are involved with the Lasik procedure? Most people have positive outcomes with the Lasik surgery procedure. There are some risks and complications involved with the procedure. It is beneficial for the surgeon to fully discuss these risks and complications with your before your schedule your procedure.

What are the post-operative instructions? After your surgery, you will have instructions for post-operative care. Your doctor will discuss with you when it is ok to return to work and physical activity. In addition, you will be instructed on when to wear make up, use soap or lotion on the face and when to go to your post-operative care appointments.

The FDA approved a lasik procedure to treat patients with astigmatism. Astigmatism is the effect of the eye being shaped like a football instead of round like a baseball. Light rays are focused on two points on the retina instead of just one. This deformity will result in blurred vision, double vision, and shadows on letters when reading. This deformity has been a problem for decades. Up until recently it has prevented some people from getting contact lenses. Only people with slight astigmatism were able to comfortably wear contact lenses. Breakthroughs in contact lenses have not accommodated patients with extreme astigmatism. But even now not all patients can be helped. But with this new breakthrough in lasik, patients can 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.

Another approved surgery allows for lasik surgery to be done on patients with hyperopia. Hyperopia is another word for farsightedness. This happens when light rays focus behind the retina instead of on the retina. This results in blurred near vision. Some patients that have sever farsightedness and have to step back from what they are reading. Some patients required magnifying glasses to see something that is right in front of them. Many are embarrassed by this. They can see you 30 feet away, but when you get right up close they can’t see you. It makes some feel insecure and feel as though they are going blind. Though it is easily fixed by wearing glasses to read and see things up close, having to constantly take your glasses on and off can be rather inconvenient, and many choose not to. Many prefer to put their glasses on and keep them on or take them off and keep them off. Taking them off and on is inconvenient and you run the chance of leaving your glasses somewhere and never finding them again. Then you have to buy a chain to put on your glasses. Some patients find this embarrassing because it reminds them of their grandparents. It makes them feel old, and that is not good for morale. Eye surgery is what many people want to fix their eye problems. Until just recently, that option was not available to these patients.

These fantastic breakthroughs are the result of a new laser technology. The new Visx STAR Excimer laser system was recently approved by the Food and Drug administration. This new breakthrough in technology allows doctors to do more than they ever could before. Now they have the ability to reshape the eye to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Before this marvelous breakthrough patients with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism were not good candidates for lasik eye surgery. Now they have something to celebrate. They can now join the rest of the vision impaired and have the option for lasik!

FDA studies have shown that over 98 % of all patients receiving these new procedures were seeing 20/40 or better six months after surgery. Over 84 % were seeing much better than 20/20 after six months.

Many people do not want to be inconvenienced by the hassles of glasses or contacts. People want the freedom to get up in the morning and just see. That’s all. No contacts. No glasses. They just want pure vision. That’s all they want. New breakthroughs in technology are happening all the time. These breakthroughs in lasik technology have changed people’s life. It has made their lives better. It has improved the quality of life that was once unattainable.

Most good Lasik doctors will talk to you and fully explain the before and after procedure. Like most patients, you will probably have many questions about the Lasik surgery. The following are a list of most commonly asked questions about the Lasik eye surgery.

Am I a good candidate for Lasik? Whether or not you are a good candidate for Lasik depends on many factors. When you make an initial appointment for Lasik, your eye care professional will ask many questions and take a thorough health history. In addition, you eyes and the history of your vision problems will also be a major factor in whether or not you can have the Lasik procedure. For people with certain health problems such as autoimmune diseases and diabetes, Lasik is generally not recommended. Those under the age of 18 are also not good candidates. Certain degenerative eye diseases might also disqualify you from having Lasik. Your Lasik surgeon will make a decision based on all of these factors. Those who are not good candidates for the surgery can have poor outcomes.

Will Lasik vision correction eliminate the need for corrective lenses? The short answer to that is maybe. Most people who have the Lasik procedure may still need to wear some form of glasses or contacts. This does not mean that the surgery had a poor outcome. This is normal and should be expected. Lasik is not a means to completely correct vision problems. It is designed to improve vision. Those who go into Lasik expecting perfect vision with an unrealistic expectation should not undergo treatment.

Are there risks of having the Lasik procedure? Yes. As with any surgery or medical procedure there are risks. Most people who have the surgery do not have problems, however some people do. The most commonly reported side effect of the Lasik procedure is reduced low light vision. This can cause glowing or halos around lit objects at night. After some time the side effects of the Lasik procedure will disappear over a period of time. There are some long-term complications that have been report, though they are rare. Some people could experience worse eyesight than they had before surgery.

Does the procedure hurt? The Lasik procedure is quick and painless for most patients. Each eye only takes a minute or two. The eye is numbed using drops and patients will stay awake the entire time. For those who feel uncomfortable about the surgery, a mild sedative can be given. Most patients are able to walk out of the surgery center after the procedure is complete.

Will I need to take time off of work after the procedure? Yes, most patients do need to take some time off of work following the procedure. This can vary though according to the work. Most of the time patients can start back to work in two to three days, especially for jobs that are sedentary. It will be necessary to rest the eyes after surgery, so a lot of computer work may bother the eyes after surgery. You will need to talk to your Lasik doctor about when you can start back to work.

How much does the procedure cost? The cost of Lasik will depend on where you live, the condition of the eyes and what kind of technique is used. Those with more severe vision problems will cost a bit more. Usually, you can plan on spending at least $2000 for the Lasik procedure.

Does insurance cover Lasik? Most of the time, insurance plans do not cover Lasik vision correction because it is considered elective. Some insurance plans have extended eye care plans that help defray the costs of Lasik. If you insurance plan does not cover Lasik, check with your employer. Some employers offer their employees special rates for going to a certain clinic for Lasik. Sometimes Lasik can be paid for by using a cafeteria plan.

If you visit the following seven Internet sites and spend some time comprehending the information provided there you will have departed the ranks of the uneducated potential-Lasik patient and earned the happier title of educated consumer. These pages can help you make a decision that may in one way or another, change your life.

All About Vision at http://www.allaboutvision.com/ is perhaps the most complete vision site on the Internet. This site provides information on all aspects of vision correction from glasses to contacts to the most advanced Lasik procedures and provides detailed information about vision problems that require correction. All Lasik procedures are discussed in depth and they provide a two-minute screening test you can take to determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik. The test generates a personalized report. The site accepts advertising so you will see ads for many vision products and even a section that offers coupons on vision care and vision related products but the meat of the site, the information, is not product specific.

AboutLasikEyeSurgery.com at http://www.aboutlasikeyesurgery.com/ specializes in information about Lasik procedures: providing cost information and describing the pre-op evaluation, the surgery procedures and the post-op care.

ComplicatedEyes.org at: http://www.complicatedeyes.org/ came into existence specifically to address the needs of patients with LASIK complications and to provide doctors with an additional source for information on Lasik complications. The organization that created ComplicatedEyes.org is the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (CRSQA); you’re sure to find the research and detailed information on Lasik complications on this site informative.

The Vision Correction Website at http://www.lasersite.com/ provides elegantly simple, illustrated explanations of: how the eye works; the anatomy of the eye; how Lasik is performed and what equipment used, the Intacs procedure, the PRK procedure and the Radial Keratotomy (RK) procedure.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has a search function where you can search for a qualified, certified AAO member in your area. The AAO’s “Find an Ophthalmologist†(Find an Eye M.D.) page is at http://www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm. Enter your city, select your State and Country in those selection boxes on the page and then select “Refractive Surgery†in the “Specialty†selection box; leave the “Last Name†box blank. After a disclaimer page where you must “Accept†the disclaimer you will be shown a list of qualified Refractive surgeons in your city. Note that the AAO members with the designation FACS after their names are also “Fellows†(members) of the American College of Surgeons. These are Refractive Surgeons who were required to pass a thorough evaluation in the areas of education, training, qualifications, competence and conduct before being allowed to display the FACS designation.

Wikipedia’s Main Lasik page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasik provides a good history of Lasik along with an explanation of the surgical procedure, information about the possible complications and the safety of the procedure. They also provide you with some external links and other information related to Lasik.

WebMD, possibly the most used pages on the Internet for health information, does not sell you short when it comes to Lasik. At the WebMD home page (http://www.webmd.com/) there is a search function; enter “refractive surgery†in the search box to find what seems like an endless supply of authoritative medical articles on refractive surgery (Lasik).

Lasik surgery is designed to help improve the eyesight in patients with low to moderate vision problems. Those with more severe vision problems can also benefit from Lasik technology. While most patients experience improved vision and never had a need for glasses or contacts again, others may still need to use a prescription. For those suffering from more severe forms of eye conditions, Lasik may be recommended. There are many forms of Lasik surgery and an eye care professional will help determine which one is right for the condition of the patient.

The Lasik procedure has become very popular for treating eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and presbyopia. In addition the Lasik surgery can help those with astigmatism and myopia and hyperopia, which are all three common forms of eye problems.

Myopia and Hyperopia: These conditions are more commonly known as farsightedness and nearsightedness. Myopia is caused by an irregular shaped cornea. This will cause light rays to focus in the front of the retina, rather than on the retina. Those who are nearsighted will have good close-up vision, but objects at a distance will be difficult to see. Hyperopia is the opposite. Light will focus behind the retina. Those who are farsighted, can see objects at a distance, but not close-up. These two conditions are the most common reasons why patients choose to have a Lasik procedure. Lasik surgery is very beneficial to patients with myopia and hyperopia.

Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a very common form of visual impairment. This condition is caused when the eye is shaped more like an oval or football shaped. The odd shape of the eye causes the light to focus on two points of the retina instead of just one. Usually, those with astigmatism are either nearsighted or farsighted as well. When Lasik is done on patients with astigmatism, both problems can be corrected in one surgery.

Presbyopia: This common condition is normally cause by natural aging. Presbyopia causes problems with focusing on objects close-up. Usually patients that experience this difficulty are between the ages of forty and fifty years of age. Often, this problem can be improved by monovision, intraocular lens implants and Lasik.

Glaucoma: This common eye disease is usually characterized by elevated pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. Laser glaucoma surgery can be performed using three different techniques. These are all performed with a laser and help either increase or decrease the pressure of fluid in the eye. The type of glaucoma treatment a patient receives will depend on the severity of the condition.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is an eye disease that is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. This can result in serious vision loss if left untreated. If this disease is caught in the very early staged, it can be treated with laser vision correction surgery. While treatments do not reverse damage cause by the disease, it will prevent further vision loss. With laser surgery, the laser is used to destroy new blood vessels within the eye. Laser surgery is a very popular way to help prevent macular degeneration from causing further vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy: This eye disease is a degenerative eye disease caused by damage to blood vessels and abnormal vessel growth. Those with diabetes are the ones that suffer from this eye disease. Those with diabetes should always maintain good diabetic care to help prevent this type of eye disease. Laser surgery can be used to seal the retina from further damage that can lead to retina detachment. This kind of surgery is performed under local anesthesia.

For patients who suffer from these kinds of eye diseases, Lasik vision correction surgery can help stop further damage to the eye. For more serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration, Lasik surgery can help patients keep their eyesight without further vision loss. It is important to discuss health history with an eye care professional to see which treatment is best for the particular kind of eye disease.

Internet

Magazines

Medical periodicals

Former lasik patients

The internet is the best place to find sources for lasik eye surgery procedures. Using a search engine such as http://www.google.com, you can find information on just about anything. Searching something as simple as “lasik†returns over four million websites. That’s correct: four million. You can narrow your search by getting a little more specific. For example searching for “lasik pricing†yields two hundred thousand results.

You can use the internet to search for local eye doctors that do lasik in your area. A search for “lasik in Shreveport, Louisiana†yields fifty three thousand results. You can use just about any search engine. You may not find the site you need with your first try, but you will be lead in the right direction. Using the internet you can have all your questions answered about lasik, the procedure, the side effects, the pricing, and just about anything else you wanted to know, but was afraid to ask. You may even have some questions answered that you did not even think to ask. The internet is the most common referral source for lasik.

The second most common source for referrals is magazines. If you have ever had to go to the doctor or the dentist, you have seen tons of medical magazines in the waiting room. Most new innovations in medical science can be found by perusing these magazines. Doctors are in the business to make money, so it would make since that they would advertise. If it is a new innovation, you may even be able to read up on it in these magazines. The downside of using magazines to research is that there is no real organization or way to search them by topic. You have literally search through many magazines to find the one article you need that may or may not have all the information you need. The up side to magazines is that they are good about getting your attention and making you aware of certain innovations that you can later look up on the internet with a standard search engine.

Medical periodicals is another source that many over look. You can usually find out all the details of a procedure using medical periodicals. The down side is that these usually read like stereo instructions and they are rather boring. They are good to put you to sleep at night, and, like magazines, are good starting points. They can give you the lead you need to start an internet search.

The most overlooked resource you have is first hand knowledge from people who have had lasik. You can ask any eye doctor and they should be able to give you a reference list of patients that have agreed to talk to potential patients. Usually they will give you the best idea of what to expect. They will tell you what the internet and doctors leave out. They have gone through the operation. They know what it feels like, what the after effects are like, and if it is worth it. Now don’t go by just what one person says. Ask as many as you can. Ask anyone you know if they know someone who has had it done.

These four things are the best referrals there are on lasik. The internet, by far, has the most information at your fingertips, but keep the others in mind as well. They were around before the internet and will be around for years to come. The information they provide is very valuable and should not be over looked. If you use there sources, you will be very educated on what to expect when you go into a consultation with any eye doctor. That education will give you a leg up. You will be able to tell when a doctor is just trying to sell you something, or if he/she is really trying to help you. You are a person too, not just a paycheck. You know that, so make sure he/she does too. Once those boundaries are set, then you can feel more comfortable letting him/her operate on you. Knowledge is power, and in this circumstance, that old cliché holds true.

Before you decide on having Lasik surgery, you should always think about the cost. You should never choose a doctor based just on the price. But, you should ask lots of questions about your surgery. You should also know what is included and what is not included in the price of your procedure.

You should always check into your insurance plan before having your Lasik procedure. Most insurance companies will not pay, but it never hurts to make sure. Also, consider checking into what your employer can offer. Some companies offer their employees a special discount when having Lasik surgery. Often, certain Lasik surgery centers are working with the company to operate on their employees. If you have a cafeteria plan or a flex plan at work, check to see if this will cover your Lasik procedure. Many times, a flex spending plan can help pay or defray the cost of the Lasik surgery.

Another option when paying for your Lasik procedure is to check with the finance plans and options offered by the Lasik centers. Most of the time, they can offer payment plans to fit nearly every budget. Sometimes, they can also work in partnership with banks or other loan centers to offer financing with low interest rates.

When you have decided on a payment plan for your Lasik procedure, it is important to work with your doctor to find out what in included in the total cost. Some things to think about are:

Appointments: When you are given the total cost for your Lasik surgery, check to make sure all of your appointments are included in the price. You will have at least five appointments with your Lasik doctor. One will be your first initial appointment and then you will have your surgery and at least two to three follow up appointments. Most Lasik centers do include the price of this appointment in their final billing, but it is always good to double check.

Medications: You will probably be given special eye drops to use for several days after your Lasik surgery. While the cost could be minimal, you should always check to see if the eye drops or any other necessary medications are a part of the final cost of the surgery. Also, if you request a mild sedative to be used during your procedure, see if this is included in the price.

One or two eyes: While it seems simple enough, make sure that the price you are given reflects both eyes. Often advertisements make Lasik seems so affordable by announcing “Lasik for $500â€. You should always read the fine print and see that the low price usually only covers one eye. If you need both eyes done, make sure your price reflects that.

Additional Surgeries: Sometimes doctors or patients choose to have one eye done and then the other eye done a couple of month later. If this is the case, make sure you have the final price for both surgeries. Sometimes, additional Lasik surgeries are required if the outcome does not improve the vision. These are sometimes called “repair†or “enhancement†surgeries. Many times, the price you are given does not reflect additional surgeries that may be needed. Some doctors will give enhancement surgeries at no extra cost when they are done in a specified time frame. Other Lasik doctors will give patients a reduced price for these additional procedures. The need for these surgeries is common so it is always a good idea to find out if the price is included.

When you get ready to have a Lasik surgery procedure, you should always check with your eye care professional and ask many questions. It is important to know and understand what is and is not included with the price of your procedure. If you do not feel comfortable with the pricing package being offered, remember that many experienced doctors now perform the Lasik procedure. Look around and do some research before making an appointment for any surgery.

You can see that statistics can be easily manipulated to mean anything you want them to mean. You can not base your decision on having surgery simply based on the statistics that your doctor gives you. Remember that he is in business. You are a sale to him. He will tell you what you want to make a sale. Statistics should be considered, but not be the basis for your decision.

Everyone’s eye is different. The decision to go ahead with surgery should be done after have a consultation with a competent doctor. Don’t go to someone you don’t know or trust, especially if they are going to be the one doing the surgery. They just want your money. If you have a regular doctor that you have been going to for years his/her opinion would be valuable. Over the years you have learned to trust this doctor and his consultation has a better chance of being unbiased.

Do not trust anyone who claims you can throw away your glasses forever or that they guarantee 20/20 vision or your money back. There are no guarantees in medicine. The truth is most people still need glasses when they are done with surgery. You may need a weaker prescription, but still you may need corrective lenses. You have to accept that risk before going into surgery.

Many people go into surgery not expecting or even knowing about any of the side effects or complications. You need to research and understand these complications before having the surgery. You also need to ask yourself, “What can I reasonably expect from this surgery.†You also need to know what to expect after the surgery. Although the surgery may only take about 20 minutes, the recovery can take up to six months.

No, you will not have patches on your eyes and you won’t spend six months in pain waiting for your eyes to heal. But it will take about six months to know if the surgery truly worked. If it did not work, your eyes may go back to their original shape within those six months. Also within that six month window, some of the negative side effects may manifest themselves. The first six months is critical. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, report it to your doctor immediately. They key to repairing any potential damage is timing. Don’t wait if you feel pressure behind your eyes, or extreme dry eye, or reduced vision, or glares, or anything that is not normal. Your doctor may still be able to fix these problems, but not if you don’t tell him or wait too long to tell him.

The honest truth is that you may still need glasses or contacts when it’s all said and done with. You need to know the risks involved and have realistic expectations. Going in prepared will help guide you through the entire process. “Knowledge is Power.†The saying may sound cliché, but it has always held true. Do your homework first. Research the surgery. Research the side effects. Research your doctor. Ask questions, even if you think it is a stupid question. It never hurts to ask questions and educate your self. A competent doctor will answer you questions honestly and not just sell you on the miracles of not wearing glasses ever again. Then make an educated decision about having the surgery. Then you can walk into surgery with confidence.

For those not wanting to consider surgery at all, contact lenses or eyeglasses are always available. Many contact lenses are being made to better fit eyes and not irritate as much. They are being made more durable and resistant to outside dust and buildup, which helps with vision if another type of surgery doesn’t want to be considered. While some may be more sensitive to contact lenses, it is always an option for those who have determined that they are not ready to receive a surgery.

However, if you don’t want to have eyeglasses or contacts and can’t receive Lasik surgery, then it is possible to consider lens implants. This is best if you have nearsighted vision. This type of implant occurs through a small incision being made by the lens. The lens, like a contact, is then inserted into your eye through this incision. This is then secured in your eye through the use of a special tool so that it will stay in the iris of the eye. The lens will then stay in the eye without you having to care for it. If needed, it can be taken out or replaced. Lens implants aren’t as permanent as Lasik surgery, but are easier to care for than the eyeglasses or contacts. Unlike Lasik surgery, if something goes wrong during the lens implants, or if they are not being effective as expected, then they can simply be taken out or replaced.

Another type of surgery that is available is known as photorefractive keratectomy, also known as PRK. This is another type of refractive surgery that can be used for eyesight. It reshapes the cornea by taking out tissue from the outer surface. It does this by using an ultraviolet beam of light. This procedure does not take any more than a few minutes and is done only by the use of technology, as opposed to cutting that is offered in both the lens implants and Lasik surgery.

Another type of technological survey that can be used is laser thermal keratoplasty, also known as LTK. This procedure involves taking the cornea and removing parts of the outer part. In response, this shrinks the tissue around the cornea, allowing for better eyesight. This treatment is considered more temporary than the other procedures, as the tissue can easily grow back into place. However, if there is little loss of drawbacks that occur more easily in the other surgeries, such as a loss of eyesight or infection.

One more type of improved eyesight options is orthokeratology, or Ortho-K. This takes the RGP contact lenses or soft lenses and changes them in order to match the shape of the cornea, making them less irritable. The cornea can then temporarily reshape for better vision, causing the lenses to have to be worn less every day than usual. While this takes several months in order to change vision, and is not permanent, it is one option for those not wanting to go through a surgery to correct their vision.

For those who are nearsighted, a surgery known as corneal ring segments is available. These are plastic polymer pieces that are placed in the cornea, causing the cornea to reshape, similar to the Ortho-K. The cornea is then able to become flatter and can focus light easier than before. This procedure, while similar to the lens implants, is not permanent, and is still being tested for its effectiveness.

There are several different types of surgery in which you can receive, all which can help improve your vision either on a permanent or temporary basis. If you are not approved for Lasik surgery, there are several other options to consider trying and continuing to improve your vision.