Safe Laser Eye Surgery

Asking about safe laser eye surgery should not occur after a person is in the surgeon's chair and the laserbeam is pointing directly into your eyes. Ignoring all the questions about laser eye surgery until the last second can be just as damaging as the groom waiting for his bride to come down the aisle and trying to remember her name. Most people have looked at the statistics on airline safety, so why not know how safe one's eyes are in the hands of a doctor who is going to cut away the eyes tissue? The reality is that the term safe laser surgery may be a misnomer, and that more to the point ought to be the phrase safer ocular laser surgery. When pilots say that flying is safe, they are saying it is relatively safe, but flying is not safe in the sense that nothing ever happens. And safe laser eye surgery is usually the outcome of most procedures of its kind, but it is not always safe from risks.

Most people elect to have this kind of procedure done because they hate glasses and don't want to have to mess with the hassle of contact lenses. There are some who may desire a particular vocation or occupation that requires normal vision that is uncorrected by contacts or eye glasses. So the last resort is to allow a doctor to cut tissue out of one's eyes to reshape the light coming in. Yes, it is a crude way to describe what LASIK surgery is, but that's what a laserbeam does: it burns and cuts. While the surgeon does some general cutting of the eyes with a knife, in some high tech offices the very exacting cutting of the eyes is not in the hands of the surgeon, but rather in the very precise and mechanical care of a computer controlled laser which certainly lowers the opportunities for human error in safe laser eye surgery.

In the end, long term complication risks for a sight correction operation of the eyes are very low. In fact, it is less than half a percent or one in every two hundred procedures. But they can be very serious including blurred vision, over or under correction, inability to drive at night because of night blindness and loss of eyesight, or the vision is worse than before the procedure. Second surgeries can often correct the problems from the first, so perhaps there really is almost one hundred percent safe laser eye surgery, especially after the second time around. Jesus understood the importance of the health of eyes, which is not surprising because He makes the human ocular system, but he likened the health of the eyes to the health of the soul. In other words, just as all of us are affected by the condition are eyes are in, so spiritually God looks at the condition of our heart and judges us accordingly. "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light, but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)

There are two types of laserbeam surgery, LASIK and PRK. In the LASIK procedure, a flap in the cornea is cut by the surgeon. The flap is lifted, and the laser cuts enough of the cornea to reshape it for correction. In PRK, the entire procedure is performed by the laserbeam and instead of a flap being lifted, the laserbeam cuts through the surface cells and reshapes the cornea. PRK sculpts the cornea and LASIK cuts it. PRK is considered to be the most safe laser eye surgery of the two types, yet both of them are essentially routine. Recovery for PRK takes longer, and for many patients, both LASIK and PRK, full corrected sight may not be recognized or experienced for six months.

The good news is that tens of thousands of safe laser eye surgery procedures take place in the United States every year. There are many very qualified and highly skilled ophthalmologists that have done this surgery day after day for several years. But not all those desiring this procedure are good candidates. Those under the age of eighteen, those who have had changes to contact prescriptions in the past year, no woman who is nursing or pregnant, and those with dry eyes syndrome are not considered good candidates for safe laser eye surgery. These exceptions have proven to cause a higher incident of risk complications and so are dismissed by ethical surgeons as poor candidates. And of course it goes without saying that those persons who do not sign a consent form will not be allowed to have the procedure undertaken on their behalf.

Laser eye surgery can be found at varying prices among many competing ophthalmologists who are anxious for your business. Many times there are ads for surgeries on each eye at beginning at four or five hundred dollars. However, the average regular cost is about eleven hundred to seventeen hundred dollars per eye, so the real question is why are those doctors advertising such very low prices? Safe laser eye surgery is possible because doctors must keep all equipment in top notch working order and must, in many cases, pay a royalty to the manufacturer of the laser equipment for every procedure performed. The question is, can all this overhead be maintained with cut rate prices?

Special Effect Contact Lenses

Special effect contact lenses are not just for the movies anymore. Almost anybody can wear these fun and wild lenses. Keep in mind, the devices are fun and entertaining but are not without risk. A person not used to wearing glasses or contacts may have problems at first. First-time wearers often experience discomfort and vision problems until their eyes adjust. Illusion eye devices are made in both prescription and non-prescription strength. Now party goers are able to add a little pizzazz to their Halloween costume. For example, it's now possible to make the eyes match the vampire suit. Turn eyes angelic, satanic, or obtain the psychotic look of a serial killer. Smiley faces, targets, swirls, stripes, solid colors, flames, or teeth contacts are available for purchase. For those people heading to the big game, special effect contact lenses are made in the shape and colors of team logos. In fact, it may be possible to buy illusion type lenses in any shape, color and design a person desires. Imitation and illusions are fun, but Christians might want to pause and consider for a moment the image being portrayed when wearing some of these illusion designs. Blood red, wild, or sinister illusions might be attractive but may not be presenting an image Christians want to display. "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (3 John 11)

The lenses were originally designed for movies and television. Some people might remember the 1970s television version of The Incredible Hulk. When the main character morphed into his alter ego, after becoming angry, the camera focused briefly on the creature's eyes, which were green. By using special effect contact lenses, makeup artists were able to alter the shape and color of the eyes. Now, manufacturing methods and designs allow almost any person to deepen the color of their eyes, change the color completely, or transform into a cat, vampire, or dragon. Colors are sandwiched in between the lens to create the image. Although special effect contact lenses can be worn by a person who does or does not wear glasses or contacts, the devices must still be fitted properly. Novelty devices can be fun and a party hit, but they are still being put in direct contact with the eye. As a result, serious medical conditions can develop if abused.

Even non-prescription strength special effect contact lenses require a prescription written by an eye care practitioner to purchase. Also, the lenses must not be worn by more than one person. Transferring eye fluids can cause infection and other serious problems. Proper cleaning and disinfecting are required, too. Mishandling and improper use could lead to blindness. Again, illusion, coloring, or tinting lenses are considered medical devices. And most medical devices are regulated by law. This means that they can't be bought legally from just anywhere. So following the rules is important not only in use but also in purchase. Yard sale or flea market prices might be tempting, but avoid the temptation for inexpensive fun. The deal might impress a few people for a little while, but the risks and consequences could be long term. Like most contacts, special effect contact lenses cannot be worn overnight. Talk to an eye care practitioner for use and care instructions.

The design, purpose, and construction of illusion type contact lenses necessitates that the center of the lens be clear so that a person can see clearly. Obviously, having unobstructed vision is a good thing to have. Unfortunately, if the lens moves even slightly, the colored part of the lens could partially cover the pupil of the eye. As a result of the overlap, the person's vision could decrease temporarily. The same result could occur when the pupil dilates in the darkness to let in more light. Fortunately, the decreased vision is only temporary until the contact is repositioned. Special effect contact lenses can be bought from a variety of different sources. Once the prescription has been written, the lenses can be bought online or from many brick and mortar establishments that sell traditional optical devices. And they can be bought inexpensively.

Purchasing special effect contact lenses from a traditional retail outlet can save money, if done right. But buying lenses through the mail or from online sources can save from 40 to 70 percent off regular retail. Although, savings can be found through optical chains and mass retailers, shopping online or through the mail can give buyers the added convenience of browsing extensive selections in the comfort their home. Then the order is delivered directly to their door or mailbox. That saves time and energy. Regular contacts are available online or through the mail, but people who wish to enhance their natural eye tones or dramatically alter the appearance of their eyes or give a character illusion will find mail order services especially helpful. Evaluate all possible sources for the best deals, which involve a variety of factors: price, convenience, customer service, and return policy. But buying through the mail or online can be less convenient for some people. Once ordered, the product will probably spend several days in transition. For a premium charge they can be delivered overnight. Expedited service is expensive. On the subject of delivery, shipping and handling charges can deceptively push the price well over what would be paid at a traditional retailer. So pay attention to all costs and fees and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Loans

Financing companies offer cosmetic plastic surgery loans so that people can afford expensive surgical procedures. In reality, however, loans of this type are nothing more than unsecured debt. An unsecured loan, often referred to as a signature loan, is not based on any collateral. Instead, the financing is approved based on the applicant's credit history and past record of repaying debt. Such factors as annual income and length of time at the current job and residential address are also considered. A person who has worked for the same employer and/or lived at the same address for several years is demonstrating stability and this can be an important factor in the loan approval process. In contrast to unsecured debt, a secured loan is based on collateral. In other words, the loan is attached to a specific and tangible object, such as a house or a car. Financial institutions that provide cosmetic plastic surgery loans can't foreclose or repossess anything that has to do with the loan so the debt is unsecured. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't penalties for nonpayment.

Individuals who miss payments on unsecured debts put their credit score at risk. This can be a problem if credit is needed in the future to purchase a home or other big-ticket item. A low credit score may also affect a person's auto insurance rates. Before applying for financing (whatever the reason), potential applicants may want to review the information on their credit histories for any inaccuracies that may have been reported since the interest rate on unsecured financing, including cosmetic plastic surgery loans, often depends on one's credit score. Federal law requires each of the big three credit reporting agencies, namely, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to give one free credit report a year to those who request them. Many people find it helpful to stagger the free reports by requesting one every four months. For example, an individual might choose to get his free report from Equifax in January, the Experian report in May, and the TransUnion report in September. Though the report is free, the agencies are allowed to charge a fee for the actual credit score. Consumers can choose to pay this fee each time they get a report or perhaps just once a year. Each agency has a different formula for coming up with that important score, but consumers can still get an idea of their creditworthiness by obtaining the number.

As already stated, the interest rate for cosmetic plastic surgery loans is often determined by the applicant's credit history and score. Someone with a low score will usually be charged a higher interest rate than a person with a high score. By reviewing one's report before applying for financing, the applicant can correct any inaccuracies that may be adversely affecting the score or improve it by taking positive steps that will increase the score. For example, the ratio of indebtedness to income may be too high or too many late payments may have lowered the score. The individual can take steps to correct these types of factors by paying down debt to improve the ratio and making payments on time for several months. Of course, the time needed to raise the score may mean postponing the planned surgical procedure for awhile. But postponing the procedure until one's credit score applies for more favorable rates will save money in interest costs. King Solomon wrote: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health" (Proverbs 12:18). When someone wants something very much, waiting can be very hard. But postponing optional surgical procedures until one can get the most favorable financing terms on cosmetic plastic surgery loans is wise financial advice. Of course, even wiser financial advice is to save on interest costs altogether by either saving up for the procedure or forgoing it altogether.

When financing is needed, potential applicants should carefully review the loan documents before signing the paperwork. In addition to securing the most favorable interest rate possible (given one's credit rating), the individual will want to choose the best payment plan for her circumstances. One loan may have a fixed payment plan that requires a regular monthly payment for a number of months. Another plan may have a deferred option that charges zero interest for a certain period of times, usually one year. Additionally, applicants should only choose among cosmetic plastic surgery loans that do not include prepayment penalties in the terms and conditions. This type of provision effectively prevents the borrower from paying off the loan early. When choosing a lender, applicants should also pay attention to the level of customer service that is provided and avoid those lenders that don't provide accessibility. Consumers are also warned to stay away from financing companies that select the surgeon who will perform the procedure. Money should only be borrowed from a company that will provide the funds to the medical professionals chosen by the borrower.

The application process for many cosmetic plastic surgery loans is actually quite simple. Companies often provide consumers with the option of applying for funds online, through an automated phone system, or via fax. Usually a decision is made fairly quickly. Applicants often find it helpful to know how much money is available to them before meeting with their surgeons for the initial consultation. Once the loan is approved, the company can wire the funds directly to the medical professionals before the surgery date. This ensures the money is used for the purpose for which it was intended and also eliminates one more thing for the prospective patient to worry about. With financing in place, the consultation over, the surgery date scheduled, and payments made as needed, the patient only needs to worry about her recovery. In summary, cosmetic plastic surgery loans are basically unsecured financing that is marketed for a particular purpose. Unless it's absolutely necessary, it's a loan most people should do without.

Surgical Vision Correction

The most common type of surgical vision correction, due to extensive advertising and promotion, is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Of course, that's not what the advertisers and promoters call the procedure. Instead, it's known by its acronym, LASIK. With this type of laser eye surgery, a corneal flap is lifted, the eye is reshaped, and the corneal flap is replaced. The flap is created with the use of a laser. The eye is reshaped, depending on whether the person is nearsighted (myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia), by using an oscillating blade called a microkeratome. A computer guides the procedure for increased accuracy. In a newer operation, the microkeratome is replaced by a femtosecond laser which has proven to be more accurate. Laser eye surgery is a relatively quick operation that is performed on an outpatient basis. In most cases, the process is over in just a few minutes. But just because the process is simple doesn't mean that it's something to be done on a whim. The use of such unfamiliar terms as microkeratome and femtosecond laser should be enough for most people to realize that this is a serious surgical vision correction procedure that should be thoroughly researched.

Before undergoing surgery, the prospective patient will be required to have an eye evaluation. This allows the surgeon to determine the eye's shape and discuss different options with the patient. An individual may go into the surgeon's office believing that her eyesight will be miraculously transformed to 20/20. For the majority of patients, this is a realistic outcome. However, many individuals may find that their corrected vision is no better than 20/40. This is still acceptable, but not perfect. For a few individuals, perfect vision is an unrealistic expectation. Not even surgical vision correction can end dependence on glasses or contacts for people with very poor eyesight. The procedure may help sharpen visual acuity, but these individuals will still need to wear glasses or contacts. A reputable surgeon will discuss likely outcomes with the prospective patient so a good decision can be made on whether to go ahead with the procedure.

LASIK is not the only type of surgical vision correction. Some patients opt for a no-flap procedure. In photorefractive kertectomy, also known as PRK, an excimer laser is used to reshape the eye. Here again, prospective patients will want to do as much research as possible about the differences in procedures so that they can make the best possible decision. Basically speaking, surgery that takes less time and has less initial discomfort also has greater risk of future complications. A surgery that takes more recovery time often has better long-term results. Prospective patients may be interested in doing a side-by-side comparison of different surgical vision correction options. This comparison, along with the surgeon's recommendations, can help the individual in the decision-making process.

Prospective patients may want to do research on various eye surgeries before consulting a surgeon. There are just so many new terms to learn and they really should know what the words mean. And a prospective patient definitely will want to carefully choose the surgeon that is being entrusted with his sight. Consumer advocates warn individuals to not allow either price or easy financing plans to be determining factor when it comes to selecting a surgeon or eye surgery clinic. One's eyesight is much too important for money to be a primary issue. Wise individuals will look for a physician who has experience in advanced techniques, who answers questions clearly, and who has a broad knowledge of surgical vision correction options. The apostle John records the time when a blind man chose the Great Surgeon to heal his eyes. When asked about his newly-gained sight, John tells us: "He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight" (John 6:11).

There are other surgical vision correction options besides LASIK and PRK. Another type, known as laser thermal keratoplasty, or LTK, is especially for people who are farsighted and forty years of age or older. This technique zaps different places on the cornea to shrink the tissue. When people get to about age forty and older, their eyes don't focus the same as in their younger days. This is a condition known as presbyopia and is the reason that older people wear reading glasses. Some contact lens wearers even find it necessary to wear reading glasses in addition to their contacts to read fine print. Two more procedures are refractive lens exchange and implantable lenses. Anyone who is considering surgery should be aware of all the options instead of focusing only on the advertising hype that surrounds LASIK. Though this surgical vision correction option is the most popular and well-known, and works for many people, prospective patients should see if another option will work better for their individual circumstances. It can't be stressed enough that no procedure can be guaranteed one-hundred percent successful. This isn't a surgery that should be entered into on a whim. Instead, research into different procedures, treatments, surgeons, and clinics should be thoroughly undertaken. A well-informed patient will know the questions to ask and will have realistic expectations of the outcome. Armed with pertinent information and cared for by a respectable and knowledgeable surgeon, this individual will know what decision is best regarding surgery.

Theatrical Contact Lenses

Theatrical contact lenses are available online, however a prescription is required even if eyesight problems do not exist. Careful measurement of the eye is important in order to maintain proper eye health even if the contacts are only worn for a short time. Many different styles are accessible through online sources with a current prescription. Most states require a new prescription every year, though some only require it every two years. Understanding state requirements creates a flawless ordering procedure. Some doctors offices offer computer programs or a sliding chart, which enables a patient to more accurately decide the type of contacts to order. Finding a reputable company to supply special effect contact lenses is imperative to ensure the quality of product and service. If the product delivered is not what was ordered, then the company should be available and willing to replace the product.

Depending on the type of dramatic presentation a person is involved with will determine the best choice of eyewear. Some online companies offer discounts and packages in order to allow people to purchase multiple types of theatrical contact lenses. The type of set up for the performance will determine the type of lens a person should order. If the audience is far away, then more dramatic special effect contact lenses may be required for optimal effect. A person with dark brown eyes will not be able to effectively wear contacts that are light blue with stars. Likewise, a person with light blue eyes may not effectively display some types. Find out what the company's policy is for customer satisfaction in order to ensure confidence in ordering eccentric special effect contact lenses. Even though a new prescription is only required every one to two years a person may wish to be examined more often if eyesight is an issue or if the contacts don't seem to fit right. If contacts are not the right size or shape for the eye, then serious damage to the cornea or retina could occur. In most cases this is permanent, but sometimes can be repairable. The bottom line is to get theatrical contact lenses that fit the eye correctly. Even when the contacts are the right size, proper daily care is very important for the continued health of the eye. Depending on the disposability of the contacts a person may have additional monthly or bi-weekly care to perform. "O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good." (Job 7:7)

In some cases insurance companies will cover the cost of at least the examination, if not the contacts themselves. If a good enough reason can be made for why the contacts are needed simply the cost of the examination is worth getting covered by insurance, especially if the examination needs to be done every year. Checking the policies of the insurance company before making an appointment for examination will ensure the best possibly coverage. Most insurance companies will not reimburse for actions made before contacting them. Likewise, if the insurance company is willing to cover it themselves a certain company or a certain brand may have to be used. After gathering this information a person can determine the choices within these parameters. These choices may include which online company to order the special effect contact lenses from as well as who to get an examination from. The company ordered from should offer great customer service, quality product, and reasonable shipping costs. Sometimes it makes better sense to pay more for contacts ordered from the doctors office when shipping costs are added in. If the prices are comparable consider the ease of simply going to the doctors office to return, exchange, or adjust the device. All these factors affect the way a person will order even if they are only used for theatrical performances. Likewise the cost of washing solution and other costs need to be considered. Though these costs are small, they add up quickly if not considered. Likewise, consider the time needed to apply and removal in a proper manner. Even though this is usually only a matter of minutes hurried application can lead to torn or broken contacts resulting in added cost for replacement.

If a person is unfamiliar with the choices available with contacts in general then he or she should speak with friends who wear them. In some instances hard special effect contact lenses are better than soft contacts and long term is better than disposable even though soft disposable are advertised everywhere. The lifestyle of the person wearing the theatrical contact lenses as well as the medical needs such as the diagnosis of astigmatism may eliminate some choices altogether. Depending on the degree of effect the specific contacts offer, only very limited use be recommended in order to decrease the onset or worsening of eyesight problems. Even if the product is not purchased for others to see, certain types are available in order for a person to see certain objects better. Athletes, nighttime drivers, and people with unique eyesight problems may seek alternative vision through special contact lenses. These may enable the person to see a specific object such as a tennis ball more clearly or be able to identify objects in the dark in order to decrease the probability of an accident. Charts, computer programs, and special lights aid choosing any type of theatrical contact lenses. A person can decide if a specific look is accomplished with the lenses as well as what type of eyesight can be expected during wear.