LASIK Makes Permanent Vision Improvement
LASIK vision correction surgery is the answer to many prayers for people that have vision problems in South Carolina. Vision is the one sense providing both everything we know about our surroundings and the ability to avoid danger from a distance. When vision begins to fail it leads to many difficulties and makes life a burden for both the afflicted and close loved ones and friends. Reversing and averting impending blindness or severe impairment is almost miraculous in nature. For centuries the knowledge about the eye's function was known to doctors and researchers. Prior to the development of surgical procedures to change the eye, lenses were added to the eye to change the light's focus. Eyeglasses with lenses prescribed to each eye's particular deficiency provided crystal-clear vision. Although still popular and used all over the world, LASIK surgery offers an alternative to the daily routine of cleaning, wearing and worrying about eyeglasses and their frames. Although only recently becoming popular in the West, vision correction surgery was developed in the former Soviet Union and eastern bloc nations as far back as the 1950s. The original procedure was known as Radial Keratonapathy. Although "RK" was a delicate and skilled procedure, it was a far cry from today's LASIK operation. RK involved heavily sedating the patient as though it was preparation for major surgery. The surgeon would then approach the naked eyeball and slice radial lines in the cornea. These lines made the eye look like a spoked wheel. The lines were calculated for different lengths and depth to alter the focal point in the back of the eye. Surgeons could manipulate the cornea if light was focusing too far in front of the optic nerve or at point behind. In adjusting the cornea the eye was made to physically refocus an image. This would eliminate both near and far sightedness. RK, though, had a serious side affect in many patients. As the surgery involved cutting the eye, many times the incision would heal and thus all benefits were lost. In other patients, painful scar tissue developed on the eye. This would lead to additional surgeries to remove and correct the original incision. Although thousands in the former Soviet bloc and later thousands more in the West would have RK surgery, it's technique was quickly surpassed. The advent of more precise laser surgical instruments and greater computer processing power made new techniques painless, quicker and more assured of long lasting benefits. After years of research and millions of dollars, new surgical procedures were approved eliminating the drawbacks of radial keratonapthy. With LASIK surgery the patient enjoyed less recovery time, was more comfortable during and after the procedure and felt less side affects. Like any surgery LASIK has potential drawbacks for certain potential patients. The vast majority of visually-impaired patients, though, can benefit from LASIK procedure results. What makes LASIK surgery different and less intrusive? Instead of performing multiple incisions on the eye's surface, LASIK (meaning L-aser-A-ssisted I-n S-itu K-eratomileusis) only alters the shape of the cornea. The cornea is a lens covering the pupil and iris in the eye's middle. Using a precise micro laser, the surgeon is able to permanently alter the shape of the cornea. This acts in much the same way as changing lenses on a camera. Some lenses alter light so as to magnify objects at a distance. Other lenses allow objects very close to be seen clearly and with great detail. The eye is infinitely more versatile than a professional camera, but the concept is the same. Although the eye can change physically to see close and far away, if the lens (cornea) is mis-shaped, then no amount of adjustment will result in good vision. Prior to vision correction surgery, the only choice was eyeglasses. Now, though, doctors in South Carolina can surgically alter the cornea and provide permanent vision correction. The surgery is now performed as an out patient procedure, meaning no overnight stays. Many doctors in South Carolina today are performing the surgery in their offices. No need to go to the hospital or a large clinic. The doctor can prep the patient for surgery, apply anesthetic to the eye, perform the procedure and provide a post operative recovery area for the patient's comfort. The surgery is quick and painless. The laser mechanism is small and portable and allows the doctor ease of use and access to the patient's eye. The procedure itself may take only a few minutes for each eye. Doctors also must determine beforehand the extent of the vision impairment. The laser adjustment of the cornea is not the same for every patient. Some patients have mild to severe myopia (nearsightedness, meaning they can see things close but not far away) have different requirements than a patient suffering with hyperopia (farsightedness.) The doctor's thorough examination of the eye prior to surgery allows for the exact alteration need to correct the individual's sight. Also, no two eyes are the same. Each patient's eye may require different alterations and thus possible different side affects. Many patients make the decision to have only one eye correct during each surgical session. This allows the patient to continue to see with no chance of possible side affects leading to a recovery period. They may still wear their glasses for the one uncorrected eye even though the corrected eye is healed and now has perfect vision. All these decisions are the patients and allow for the most comfort and assurance. Having eye surgery can be a very difficult choice. No matter how many ways the doctor assures the patient of the benefits, there is always the apprehension accompanying any medical procedure. Every medical procedure, no matter how routine, simple or elective, has risks. Eye surgery in South Carolina is no different. Every patient is different and there is always the possibility of unexpected side effects. Some people even have uncomfortable side affects from the initial anesthesia making the surgery possible. Also, every surgical procedure, no matter how simple, involves a healing process. Patients should always take this into consideration when deciding on having LASIK corrective surgery. Possibly scheduling surgery on a Friday so the weekend is available for recovery would work best. This would reduce any possible missed time at work. It also may allow family or friends to be available more readily in the event of any sort of complication. As surgery involves the body reacting to an invasive procedure and subsequent healing, it is always best to be straight forward with the LASIK surgeon about any and all medical issues. Diabetes and immune deficiency diseases can affect the body's ability to heal. Prescription medication may have an adverse reaction with anesthesia or any follow-up medication prescribed for the treatment of the LASIK. High blood pressure and other physical conditions can affect the healing process. Any sort of known medical diagnosis or treatment needs to be fully disclosed. In extreme cases such conditions can lead to the doctor deciding LASIK procedures are not appropriate for the patient. Although possibly disappointing as the patient was excited about giving of the eyeglasses forever, being safe and avoiding potential debilitating side affects is always the prudent course. Also, it is important for the visually-impaired patient to know LASIK does not always eliminate eyeglasses. Depending on the severity or complicated nature of the eye, even after LASIK corrective lenses may still be necessary. Possibly only for one eye. Eyeglasses are becoming more common with one prescription lens and one piece of plain glass. Even for these patients, though, the advantage of LASIK may still be worth the less-than-perfect results. Reducing the severity of vision impairment may improve the patient's ability to see even without glasses. The possibility of losing or breaking eyeglasses and being left an invalid and unable to function weighs on many vision patients. Reducing this risk may make LASIK worthwhile. If the ability to drive, ask for help or travel to someplace where replacement spare glasses are available after some accident has ruined eyeglasses, then the security LASIK provides could be a valuable alternative. LASIK surgery is a modern miracle making life easier for millions of happy and satisfied patients. Even with the possibility of some complication, the odds of successful results are far greater than any possible negative side effect. LASIK patients in South Carolina, in many cases, are getting a second lease on life and their careers. Whereas vision may have forced reduced hours, responsibility or forced retirement or lay off, employees find the benefits of LASIK allowing them to stay on the job and continue doing the work they enjoy. Older patients who in their senior years fear complete vision loss and finding what life is life for the first time since their teenage years or younger to spend the day seeing clearly and without eyeglasses. The eye strain emanating from reading, looking through a microscope or examining detailed plans or blueprints results in headaches and lost productivity. Being able to see clearly with no effort makes the job easier and everyone more productive. Although vision corrective surgery may not be for everyone, the benefits will be for millions of people. Finally, it's important for students, young people and anyone who still endures constant eye change to not think of LASIK as an alternative too quickly. Doctors in South Carolina know the eye can change through the growing years and while children grow. Performing LASIK too soon will only provide temporary improvement. As the eye continues to change, the alterations in the cornea will also change and poor vision will return. Most doctors consider a five year period of little or no eye change as a good measure when LASIK will be viable. The patient will notice as time passes the lens prescriptions from their eye examinations begin to change in smaller and smaller increments. When these changes finally cease, wait a reasonable period of time (two or three years,) and then pursue LASIK and a way to enjoy permanent vision improvement.Research Leads To Breakthroughs
Early Vision Corrective Surgery
Radial Keratanopathy Side Affects
LASIK Improves Vision Correction Surgery
LASIK Provides Eyeglass Alternative
Careful Examination Vital Prior To LASIK
LASIK Risks
Always Provide Detailed Medical History
Eyeglasses May Still Be Needed
LASIK Gives Millions New Freedom
LASIK for the Young
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