Many people seek vision correction surgery every year. Perhaps they're tired of spending money on glasses and contacts, but were afraid of having an operation on their eyes. But after hearing so many success stories from friends and family members, now they're ready to find out if the popular procedures will work for them. Another factor driving the increase in eye surgeries is the aging of the baby boomer generation. This broad generation, which includes those born between 1946 and 1964, has influenced society and culture since they first came into existence after the World War II soldiers returned home and started families. Now in their mid-forties to low-sixties, these boomers are experiencing the natural process of aging and it's affecting their eyesight. Perhaps they want to correct either nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), but the situation may be more dire. Older baby boomers who have been diagnosed with a condition such as cataracts or macular degeneration may require vision correction surgery to treat the condition.
The interesting thing about our eyes is that we see because of light rays. Those with 20/20 or perfect vision have correctly shaped corneas that allow the light rays to properly pass through the retina and hit the back of the eye with precision. Corneas that aren't shaped correctly affect the entering light rays so that vision is distorted. Depending on the cornea's curvature and where the light rays hit, the person is either nearsighted or farsighted. Astigmatism is another common condition that contributes to less than perfect eyesight. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses help to correct vision, though not always to perfection. In recent years, vision correction surgery has become a popular way to correct one's eyesight and eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts. As advances have been made in the technologies, these procedures have become much safer and less expensive. Even so, a prospective patient should be more concerned with finding a qualified and experienced surgeon instead of the cheapest place in town or the one with the best financing plan. A competent surgeon, known as ophthalmologist, will evaluate the patient's medical history, visual acuity, and eyeball structure before making recommendations for possible surgical treatments.
The most popular type of vision correction surgery is known as LASIK. This stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In this procedure, a laser cuts a micro-thin flap or hinge on the cornea which is then lifted up. The surgeon, with the help of a computer, then uses either a blade or a second laser (bladeless) to reshape the cornea. The flap, which acts as a bandage, is replaced. The procedure only takes a few minutes and many patients experience little to no discomfort. There are several sub-types of LASIK procedures, but the main distinction between them is how the flap is created. Prospective patients may want to familiarize themselves with these different types before consulting with the surgeon so that they are well-informed. Two of these types are LASEK and Epi-LASIK. An older type of vision correction surgery, known as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), reshapes the cornea by removing tissue. Though not as popular as LASIK, this procedure is making a comeback because there are no surgical flap complications. Though the initial recovery period after surgery is longer, the long-term results seem to be better for PRK patients than for LASIK patients. PRK is often recommended for patients with thin corneas. Wavefront technology can be used with either the LASIK or PRK procedure. This technology uses advanced analysis techniques to reshape the cornea.
All this unfamiliar terminology and innovative technology demonstrates the need for careful research both before and after a surgical consultation. As King Solomon wrote: "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee" (Proverbs 2:10-11). Prospective patients who are armed with the latest information will know the best questions to ask before undergoing vision correction surgery. These informed individuals will understand the reasons behind a surgeon's recommendation (which should be based on a thorough examination). An informed individual will more quickly see through the polished veneer of a less qualified surgeon and refuse to trust her eyesight to incompetency. Additionally, a knowledgeable surgeon will provide plenty of information on exactly how the recommended procedure works, what the patient can expect both during and after the surgery, and the proper care for after the treatment.
As if the difference between flap and flapless, blade and bladeless procedures wasn't enough, here are some more types of vision correction surgery. Conductive keratoplasty is a non-invasive procedure that steepens the curvature of the cornea. It's designed to improve near vision for those who are severely farsighted or are experiencing the effects of presbyopia (aging of the eyes). This procedure is sometimes recommended for past LASIK patients and those with cataracts. Cataract surgery may depend on the implantation of multifocal or accommodating introcular lenses (known as IOLs). An implantable lens, a type of permanent contact, may also be used to treat extreme nearsightedness. Unless the natural lens is cloudy, as is the case with cataracts, the implanted lens is placed on top of the natural lens. In a non-laser procedure known as refractive lens exchange, the natural lens is actually removed. This is a high-risk procedure that may used to treat high levels of farsightedness. Again, it's obvious that a prospective patient seek the services of a highly-qualified, knowledgeable, and reputable surgeon. Individuals should be aware that there are no guarantees. The vast majority of people who have LASIK or another type of vision correction surgery encounter no serious complications. But other people do have problems, especially those with high levels of either nearsightedness or farsightedness.
The interesting thing about our eyes is that we see because of light rays. Those with 20/20 or perfect vision have correctly shaped corneas that allow the light rays to properly pass through the retina and hit the back of the eye with precision. Corneas that aren't shaped correctly affect the entering light rays so that vision is distorted. Depending on the cornea's curvature and where the light rays hit, the person is either nearsighted or farsighted. Astigmatism is another common condition that contributes to less than perfect eyesight. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses help to correct vision, though not always to perfection. In recent years, vision correction surgery has become a popular way to correct one's eyesight and eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts. As advances have been made in the technologies, these procedures have become much safer and less expensive. Even so, a prospective patient should be more concerned with finding a qualified and experienced surgeon instead of the cheapest place in town or the one with the best financing plan. A competent surgeon, known as ophthalmologist, will evaluate the patient's medical history, visual acuity, and eyeball structure before making recommendations for possible surgical treatments.
The most popular type of vision correction surgery is known as LASIK. This stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In this procedure, a laser cuts a micro-thin flap or hinge on the cornea which is then lifted up. The surgeon, with the help of a computer, then uses either a blade or a second laser (bladeless) to reshape the cornea. The flap, which acts as a bandage, is replaced. The procedure only takes a few minutes and many patients experience little to no discomfort. There are several sub-types of LASIK procedures, but the main distinction between them is how the flap is created. Prospective patients may want to familiarize themselves with these different types before consulting with the surgeon so that they are well-informed. Two of these types are LASEK and Epi-LASIK. An older type of vision correction surgery, known as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), reshapes the cornea by removing tissue. Though not as popular as LASIK, this procedure is making a comeback because there are no surgical flap complications. Though the initial recovery period after surgery is longer, the long-term results seem to be better for PRK patients than for LASIK patients. PRK is often recommended for patients with thin corneas. Wavefront technology can be used with either the LASIK or PRK procedure. This technology uses advanced analysis techniques to reshape the cornea.
All this unfamiliar terminology and innovative technology demonstrates the need for careful research both before and after a surgical consultation. As King Solomon wrote: "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee" (Proverbs 2:10-11). Prospective patients who are armed with the latest information will know the best questions to ask before undergoing vision correction surgery. These informed individuals will understand the reasons behind a surgeon's recommendation (which should be based on a thorough examination). An informed individual will more quickly see through the polished veneer of a less qualified surgeon and refuse to trust her eyesight to incompetency. Additionally, a knowledgeable surgeon will provide plenty of information on exactly how the recommended procedure works, what the patient can expect both during and after the surgery, and the proper care for after the treatment.
As if the difference between flap and flapless, blade and bladeless procedures wasn't enough, here are some more types of vision correction surgery. Conductive keratoplasty is a non-invasive procedure that steepens the curvature of the cornea. It's designed to improve near vision for those who are severely farsighted or are experiencing the effects of presbyopia (aging of the eyes). This procedure is sometimes recommended for past LASIK patients and those with cataracts. Cataract surgery may depend on the implantation of multifocal or accommodating introcular lenses (known as IOLs). An implantable lens, a type of permanent contact, may also be used to treat extreme nearsightedness. Unless the natural lens is cloudy, as is the case with cataracts, the implanted lens is placed on top of the natural lens. In a non-laser procedure known as refractive lens exchange, the natural lens is actually removed. This is a high-risk procedure that may used to treat high levels of farsightedness. Again, it's obvious that a prospective patient seek the services of a highly-qualified, knowledgeable, and reputable surgeon. Individuals should be aware that there are no guarantees. The vast majority of people who have LASIK or another type of vision correction surgery encounter no serious complications. But other people do have problems, especially those with high levels of either nearsightedness or farsightedness.
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