A Brief Note on LASIK

LASIK surgery, a laser eye surgery that is safe, may be used to improve the eyesight of millions who suffer with various sight diagnosis. Laser Assisted Situ Karatomileusis, or LASIK, procedures involve the use of a monochromatic beam that reshapes the cornea of the eye. The machines and laser beams used in these procedures are regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), insuring patients that the process and lasers used are safe. The FDA oversees the selling of medical equipment in the United States. This means that before doctors may purchase a particular medical instrument or device, this piece must be approved by the FDA, who analyze, thoroughly examine, and test the equipment, to determine the equipment to be safe and to be beneficial to the patient. Once an approval for any device is reached, doctors may have access to the instrument.

The procedure of laser surgery for the eyes has grown in popularity, and doctors use an approved refractive laser system for treating various optical conditions. The most common procedures are used to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are conditions related to focus. These diagnosis are commonly referred to as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and various astigmatisms. Other optical diseases are not yet being treated with laser surgery for eyes.

Safe LASIK surgeries can even be performed in a doctor's office. The entire procedure may take less than thirty minutes. There are many precautions used to ensure safety and to prevent complications, such as infection. First, numbing medicines are used to prevent extreme discomfort and irritation to the eyes. Doctors will thoroughly clean the eye and surrounding area, removing any possible articles which could cause further irritations. There are simple devices used to keep the eyelids open . Before the procedure, doctors may also prescribe a mild sedative to patients, helping them to relax and stay calm, increasing the likelihood of success.

The actual process of laser surgery for eyes utilizes an intense beam to open a flap in the cornea. The doctor places a ring around the eye during the surgery, where pressure causes the eye to come forward. At this point, the doctor will begin to use various intense beams to open the cornea and reshape it, allowing refractive light to be more focused, improving vision. After the surgical event, there will be a protective covering which should be used to keep patients from rubbing the area, which may be itching and burning and there may be eye drops prescribed, to keep the area clean. Excessive tearing or watering may occur with some patients and patients should also consult with doctors about all post-op instructions.

Even though laser eye surgery that is safe can help restore vivid eyesight, LASIK surgery for eyes is not for everyone. There are certain conditions which may prohibit this high-tech laser beam procedure. Teenagers under the age of eighteen are not good candidates for LASIK procedures. Young people may still grow, and the eye and cornea may alter with time and growth. There are also those who have a condition called refractive instability. Refractive instability is a condition that causes the eye's ability to focus light to change often, making this diagnosis impractical for this procedure. Also, those who are pregnant, who have fluctuating hormones, diabetes, or other diseases which prevent healing, should not consider this process. Anyone with an autoimmune diagnosis will also be advised against taking risks with surgical procedures.

There are different methods used in LASIK surgeries. Those considering LASIK should obtain a quick education about the surgery and research several different doctors who work with laser equipment. While the actual equipment utilized during a procedure is considered safe by the FDA, doctors and their practices are not actively regulated. Also, costs for laser eye surgery that is safe is also not overseen by the government, so patients will want to make sure and pay competitive prices and that they are receiving the entire treatment paid for. With the popularity of laser surgery for eyes, the industry has grown very competitive. Those investigating or considering LASIK procedures will want to avoid advertising campaigns that sound too good to be true, and find reputable doctors to ensure that the laser eye surgery that is safe, truly is.

The Bible tells us, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14) No one should be quick to rush into any type of surgery, even a laser eye surgery that is safe. The wise person will seek to get knowledge about any medical procedure before taking risks with the body that God has created and given. It is ultimately the responsibility of the patient to determine what is best for their own bodies and what risks involved will make a medical procedure worth those risks. Spend time in prayer and seek the counsel of others before going forward with laser surgery for eyes.