27-Apr-2009 - LASIK EYE SURGERY AND OTHER REFRACTIVE SURGERIES: AN UPDATED GUIDE
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An updated guide by WebMD traces back the origins and development of Lasik noting that refractive surgery, commonly thought to be fairly new, actually goes back as far as approximately 100 years. Today’s state of-the-art refractive surgery procedures, however, are of more recent development; these newer techniques were first performed in the U.S. in 1978. Among various refractive surgery services widely available in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Lasik, (short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most common type of refractive surgery which is intended to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses in people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (unevenly curved cornea), and/or presbyopia (age-related loss of sharp close-up focusing) by changing the eyes' focus.
Technically speaking, Lasik is an excimer laser procedure. The excimer laser used in Lasik is computer-controlled; it gives Los Angeles eye surgeons the ability to remove precise amounts of tissue from the surface of the eye. This provides a high degree of safety and precision for laser-assisted procedures like Lasik. The steps involved in Lasik eye surgery are as follows:
Eye numbing drops are given before surgery to prevent pain.
1. The eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea. 2. The excimer laser vaporizes part of the stroma. 3. The corneal flap is put back in place, which reattaches within a few minutes without sutures. 4. Eye drops or ointment is applied to aid healing.
Recovery from LASIK surgery is usually fast and painless. A renowned Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon tells us in a recent interview that patients may notice improved vision by the next day or sooner.
Concerning refractive surgery costs, most types of health insurance will not pay for procedures of this kind. Only about 3% of LASIK surgery procedures cost less than $1000 per eye. The good news is that the cost seems to be coming down. On average nationally in mid-2006, the cost of having LASIK surgery done on both eyes was $1950. Using wavefront technology or the "laser microkeratome" costs more. Price also varies slightly by region. For additional cost information regarding Lasik eye surgery Beverly Hills and Los Angeles patients should consult their local eye surgeon who can make clear what is and is not included in the price they are quoted. It is also strongly recommended to ask if there are additional costs if follow-up visits or treatment for complications are needed down the line.
Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.
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