Lasik

LASIK Vision Correction - To See or Not to See?

Are you ready to give up your glasses or contacts? LASIK vision correction is an up-and-coming procedure designed to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. My objective is to show both sides of the procedure, the risks involved and the wonderful possibility of not having to wear glasses or corrective lenses. Of patients with moderate vision impairments who have had the LASIK surgery performed, eighty-two percent achieve 20/20 vision or better and ninety-nine percent achieve 20/40 or better (May 60). However, LASIK vision correction is not for everyone. There are definite risks as well as possible side effects involved. Some of the side effects are hazing, night glare and halos, loss of vision, dry eye, infections and corneal abrasions.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye, using an Excimer laser ("LASIK"). A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of the flap. The flap is then folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is then replaced ("LASIK").

Initial clinical trials of LASIK in the United States began in 1996 with Marc Michelson, M.D. being one of the first LASIK surgeons involved. These clinical investigations culminated in the approval by the FDA of the LASIK procedure in 1999 (May 20). "LASIK is the most popular refractive [or vision correction] procedure worldwide right now," Marc Michelson tells WebMD (Braslavsky). Michelson says that because the LASIK procedure has become very popular lately, patients need to be careful when choosing a surgeon. He emphasizes the need for patients to seek out someone with experience and a long history of good outcomes (Braslavsky).

There are many factors taken into account before becoming a candidate for LASIK surgery. Candidates for LASIK surgery should be at least 18 years old and not be pregnant or nursing. Candidates should also have no active eye disease, a stable prescription for one year and have no restrictions mandated by their employer. Having realistic goals is also an important factor. Some common goals are:

1. To be less dependent on glasses

2. To be able to see the clock in the morning

3. To be able to swim without contacts

4. To enjoy an active lifestyle without being totally dependent on corrective lenses

5. To be able to care for a baby in the middle of the night

6. To be realistic, not to expect perfect vision ("Bringing Your World")

The cost of LASIK vision correction is not cheap. Prices for the surgery range from $1,200 to $3,000 per eye (May 92). Some insurance companies will pay for the procedure, but that is the exception rather than the rule.

Although most results of LASIK surgery have been favorable, many side effects have been noted along the way. One possible side effect is hazing. Hazing is the term used for a cellular reaction that occasionally develops in the corneal stroma following surface laser refractive procedures (May 67). Serious hazing is extremely rare with patients who have chosen LASIK. Patients experiencing hazing are often told to increase the doses of steroid drops they are using. These drops are usually enough to resolve the hazing without affecting their vision.

Another possible side effect evolving from LASIK surgery is that of dry eye. 'Dry eye' is described as grittiness in the eye. This grittiness is usually resolved within the first one to three months following surgery. In a survey of 550 patients done by Dr. Robert Maloney, forty to fifty percent noted experiencing dry eyes three months following their surgery. All patients should be aware that dry eye is a potential complication of LASIK. In addition, patients who seek LASIK who have suffered from dry eye before, are bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause or taking birth control pills should be certain to have a good conversation with their doctor about the potential for increased risk ("Risks"). Using eye drops adequately will most often alleviate the symptoms of dry eye (LASIK).

A third possible side effect is corneal abrasions. In approximately five percent of LASIK procedures, small corneal abrasions may occur. These abrasions are caused by surface cells not adhering properly. When this occurs, surgeons place a very thin bandage contact lens on the eye. This improves comfort