It will take a very comprehensive article begin to show realistically the promise of laser eye surgery and other refractive surgery treatments - the power of these highly-technical, life-changing procedures to correct focusing errors such as common nearsightedness. Unfortunately, many people are learning about the popular state-of-the-art LASIK operation through mass advertising campaigns. Some marketing methods can be misleading. Although "sound-bite" commercials help make people aware of this innovative technology, they are unable to tell the whole story.
For example, TV and radio advertisements seldom explain refractive surgery's effect on age-related presbyopia (a condition causing blurry near vision that affects middle-aged and older people). Nor can short commercials present details about potential complications.
Many LASIK eye surgery newspaper articles begin with a happy story about a thrilled patient praising their new miracle vision and end with a sad case about a different person with a poor result. While most people get excellent results, problems absolutely do occur.
Complication rates can vary considerably among doctors, depending upon their surgical skill, their training, and their understanding of their laser. A corneal surgeon - an ophthalmologist specially trained to operate within the cornea's multiple layers - may have an advantage performing LASIK. The newer flying-spot lasers may decrease the chance of problems.
Statistics can be confusing. You may wonder what is covered in the "complication rate."
Does it include "undercorrections" where the patient's eyesight after surgery remains a little near- or far- sighted?
What is the rate of rare serious infections that must be treated immediately with antibiotics?
Are the complications temporary or permanent?
Can they be surgically corrected?
Some complications can be managed immediately during the surgery, some are temporary, and some can be permanent.
You need to be able to select a doctor with the lowest possible complication rates for the procedure that you are considering.
Keep in mind that a physician may have a distinguished career in general ophthalmology, yet still be inexperienced at performing LASIK. LASIK eye surgery looks deceptively easy to perform, but it requires great technical finesse. The surgeon's learning-curve is steep and endless. LASIK has the potential to help millions of people, but the reputation of a procedure is only as good as its worst results. As much as humanly possible, doctors and their informed patients must reduce surgical risks to a minimum.
You may be fascinated with the idea of improving your vision, but you probably fear an operation on your eyes - especially after reading about a poor outcome in the popular press. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you achieve your goals and reduce your anxiety. Of course, caution is always prudent. But I believe that patient education is the key to managing the fear of refractive laser eye surgery.
Such knowledge should enable you to use this sophisticated medical technology to your benefit.
After researching your options you should begin to think more as an expert does. You will gain a better understanding of how your remarkable eyes work. You will have more insight into the benefits and risks of the operations mentioned above. You will know key questions to ask your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for refractive laser eye surgery. My goal is to help you make an informed decision about your eyes. Only then can you decide if the benefits are worth the risks, considering your lifestyle.
Do you want to have refractive surgery? Which kind? Are you a good candidate? If so, which procedure is right for you? And of paramount importance to your future vision, who should be your doctor?
Laser eye surgery is becoming an extremely popular method of correcting vision problems, but do you fully understand the implications and risks of opting for laser eye correction? Arms yourself with the facts about corrective eye surgery to help you make an informed decision before you risk the health of your eyes.
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