Forums that discuss laser eye surgery are very useful for many people. The forums discuss various aspects of the surgery from pre-surgical preparations to post-surgical complications.

Pre-Surgical Help

Many people who have undergone surgery discuss in forums about who needs to undergo laser eye surgery. Before deciding on whether or not to have the surgery, you can weigh the pros and cons of each kind of surgery. Any doubts can be posted on forums and answers can be obtained from experienced persons. Some forums even have expert doctors and ophthalmologists to answer individual queries for a patient before he or she undergoes surgery. Information on good clinics, methods, and things to take care of may also be available on select forums.

Some good forums carry postings about what the actual procedure involves. Step-by-step personal experiences have been written by some. Information is also available on what complications could arise due to different types of laser eye surgeries. Some give graphic descriptions of what they experience. This helps people to have a complete picture of what is involved during laser eye surgery and decide whether or not to undergo the procedure.

Post-Surgical Help

Forums not only have postings about patients’ personal experiences but also have sections where one can get personal advice, depending on the nature of one’s problem. Medical experts trained in laser eye surgical procedures are available to offer advice on how to deal with post-surgical complications. Some patients offer tips on how to cope with problems associated with LASIK, such as glare, haloes, and flaring.

Forums are good resources for educational purposes. They have medical literature on laser eye surgeries that describe in detail what happens in each method of surgery. People can learn about the advancements in the field of laser eye surgery through forum discussions.

Some good forums are www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/living/health/specialties/lasik_eye_surgery/ask_expert_front.htm

www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=4220

www.lasermyeye.org/forums

Laser Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery Costs, Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries, Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries and more. Laser Eye Surgery is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery.

Laser eye surgery is becoming more and more popular as more research is conducted and more sophisticated procedures are being developed. Laser eye surgery is the best alternative to glasses or contact lenses, as it removes the need to don any object in order to improve upon one’s sight. Laser eye surgery is now much more safer and less expensive then it was ten years ago, and no one can foresee the advances that scientists will make in the field in ten years.

Specialized doctors all across the nation are now involved in this field. The business is lucrative, as many people are interested in the procedure, as well as prestigious. The service is even being advertised heavily on TV now, and there are many establishments completely devoted to laser eye surgery.

As stated, laser eye surgery is very cheap (relatively) nowadays. Some companies who have put their businesses online proclaim they will perform the procedure for less than three hundred dollars. On television, advertisements for laser eye surgery have deals such as, "Pay $2,000 for one eye, and get the second eye half off!" Some people have even pondered about getting one eye done and then having the other done months or even years later, just to save money.

Some of the long term effects of laser eye surgery are not yet known. A humorous look at a possibly "blinding" effect is your eyes falling out after ten years (Simpsons). Of course, that is extremely unlikely, if not totally impossible, as an effect that extreme. However, it is truly unknown about some of the lesser serious long term effects laser eye surgery, but that small possibility should not stop anyone from receiving the procedure, if they need it.

It might be better to wait a few more years before having laser eye surgery, as so far the research has been exponential and it become even more safer and effective then it is now in just a few years. Still, the technology today is still amazing, and it is definitely worth having the procedure done now.

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The cost of laser eye surgery depends on different factors related to your eye as well as on the geographical location of the surgical center in which you are going to have the surgery done. Normally the laser eye surgery price is given for one eye. This is actually the international standard by which it is quoted.

LASIK Laser eye Surgery Cost

The price of the lasik surgery procedure that is advertised varies widely. You might not get it done for the advertised price since any complication you might enter into as well as after surgery treatments are normally not included in this price. So, just be prepared that you might fall into a category that is not eligible for that price. As a matter of fact, it has been shown that only about three percent of all LASIK providers have a laser eye surgery cost lower than $1000 per eye. Therefore, I recommend that you look for any hidden costs or the fine print if you come across any advertisement that promises laser surgery for bargain prices.

During the last few years the eye surgery cost has increased. The costs listed below give you an idea of such an increase in the price.

o In 2002, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost ranged between $1,550 and $1,600.

o By October 2003, it had already increased to approximately $1,710.

o At the end of 2004, LASIK laser eye surgery cost raised above $1,800.

o In the first half of 2005, the average price was $1,965.

The figures above include several types of businesses, from individual surgeons use rented equipment to those who own it. It also includes every type of clinic from regional clinical centers to nationwide eye surgery provider networks.

You could see the increase in the price of laser surgery for example in the TLC Laser Eye Centers, a leading LASIK provider. They had an average price of $1,800 in 2002 but at the end of 2004, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost rose to $1,957 and at the beginning of 2005 the price was $1,983.

The same is the case of a company called LasikPlus, another famous nationwide provider, which reports an average price of $1,344 per eye in 2005, which is slightly lower than $1,351 at the end of 2004, but much higher than $1,173 at the beginning of 2003.

Costs for Other Types of Eye Surgery

The costs of the other types of eye surgery also vary depending on various factors. The surgeon who is performing the surgery as well as the place of surgery play a role in the price. Here are the average prices per eye for other common eye surgery procedures:

o Corneal inserts: $2,800 to $3,800

o CK: $1,200 to $2,500

o PRK: $1,000 to $1,800

o LASEK: approximately the same prices as for LASIK

Newest Technology Laser Eye Surgery Cost

Laser eye surgery procedures that use the newest technologies are also more expensive. In LASIK with the IntraLase technology, the surgeon cuts a flap form the cornea with a laser, not a microkeratome. On average, an increase of $250 to $500 is there in these procedures. This increase is partly explained by the fact that the surgeon has to cover the cost for the system. Patients paying for this procedure are said to have less flap complications and require less treatments after surgery. It is found that they have a better chance to achieve a 20/20 or even higher acuity.

You can reduce your burden on the cost of laser eye surgery by going for a good financing option. There are many companies that finance you for such a procedure. Fixed rates and long term plans are available from many finance companies. Most of the laser eye surgery centers, and the surgeons co-operate with some finance companies so that the patients who come for surgery can get a good financing option.

Dean Brooks is an internet publisher who likes to publish eye surgery info. You can go to the website Eye Surgery101.net for more information.

All forms of surgery carry inherent risks. The nature of laser eye surgery means that the fear of unforeseen complications can be immense as if problems do arise then the damage may be irreversible. People considering laser eye surgery are often particularly afraid they may lose their sight. So how risky is laser eye surgery, and what are the complications that can arise?

Although the risk is very small – less than 5 percent - the corneal flap can become detached from the eye during the procedure. In some instances the surgeon may be able to reattach it, although in a small number of cases this is not possible and there is permanent sight damage.

Post operatively, patients have between a 5 and 10 percent chance, (depending on the type of laser eye treatment used), of developing an infection under the corneal flap where the incision was made for surgery. In most instances this does not cause lasting damage but it can slow down the healing process. Another rare complication is corneal ectasia, where ‘bulging’ is caused by a build up of pressure against the weakened cornea. The condition can be cured by a highly skilled surgeon through a corneal transplant. If left untreated the vision may become progressively worse.

There are several risks which are considered ‘normal’ by laser eye practitioners, and should not cause undue concern as the effects should not be permanent. The eyes may remain sensitive for several months which means, if surgery did not result in 20/20 vision and the use of contact lenses is still a necessity, that the eyes can become very uncomfortable. Dry eyes are also a common side effect and patients often require drops for six months to lubricate the eyes.

Night vision can be impaired by laser eye surgery, which can make driving at night inadvisable. Seeing a ‘halo’ effect around lights is also an associated risk of the procedure, and can also make driving after dark potentially dangerous. Both of these problems can be temporary, lasting between 6 and 12 months, but unfortunately this is not the case for all patients.

To reduce the risk of complications, spend time researching reputable clinics and doctors. While there are many qualified and highly skilled practitioners there are also many doctors who lack proper training and experience in laser eye treatment. Any doctor can carry out the surgery after just one weeks training, and there is no specialist qualification required to perform laser eye surgery. Success rates can vary significantly between vision clinics. Always ask plenty questions to ascertain the level of skill of the surgeon, such as his qualifications and number of surgeries performed. It is also prudent to check if the equipment at the clinic is FDA approved, as not all clinics will be using the latest (and potentially safest) equipment.

To diminish the risks of laser eye surgery further still, opt to have just one eye operated on at a time. If the first operation presents no problem and the results are favorable a second operation can be booked to correct vision in the other eye.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery cost. www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

For many people who need to wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis, laser eye surgery is a very appealing prospect. The surgery alters the contour of the cornea to improve vision and the effects are permanent, although the procedure does not guarantee a lifetime of perfect vision as natural deterioration in eyesight will still occur. But how expensive is the procedure?

American patients generally pay between $500 and $2,000 per eye. This variation is largely due to the wide ranging variations in what individual patient’s requirements are. The lower end of the pricing spectrum will apply to people who require only straightforward corrective surgery. If you suffer from severe stigmatism, you are unfortunately going to be looking at a much greater bill for your laser eye surgery. If you live in the United States, remember to ask for a break down of what additional costs may be entailed such as post-operative medication.

In the UK, patients can expect to pay around £500 to £850 per eye, depending on which type of laser eye surgery is necessary. The prices quoted at the clinic or hospital will generally be all inclusive.

Although laser eye surgery is, by many people’s standards, very expensive it is a cost effective solution to poor eye sight. Many patients who have gone through the procedure enjoy many years of good vision and the saving made by no longer needing to purchase contact lenses or pairs of glasses invariably adds up to more than the cost of laser eye surgery. So although the initial cost is steep in the long term it is very worth while financially.

It is important to bear in mind that the cost of the procedure should not be your only consideration when selecting a doctor to perform the surgery. Due to the nature of the surgery, any problems which occur may be irreversible so it is essential to find a reputable doctor. While it may be tempting to use the cheapest vision clinic, they may be offering a greatly discounted price because the technology and equipment they use may be less up to date, or their doctors may be newly trained and lack experience. Worryingly, any doctor may carry out laser eye surgery having undergone just one weeks training. Regardless of the price, always ask as many questions as possible about the credentials of both the clinic and the physicians, and check their equipment is FDA approved.

A reputable doctor is also as essential as not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery and the results can be very disappointing if it performed on an unsuitable patient. Doctors will not usually perform it on anyone under the age of 21 as their vision may still be changing (sight deterioration tends to reach a plateau after this time). Patients over the age of 60 may also be discouraged from having the surgery as vision can deteriorate much more rapidly after this age. Eye diseases will also exclude you from being a candidate. Doctors may also be reluctant to perform the surgery on someone who is either severely short sighted (-8 or more) or long sighted (in excess of +2) as the surgery may not be effective.

A majority of patients who have undergone laser eye surgery agree it is a very worthwhile expense.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye surgery, including Lasik. www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

What is a laser? It’s a man-made light beam. There are many types and they’re named according to how they’re made, e.g.

· Gas lasers, such as the CO2 laser which is used in skin resurfacing

· Solid state lasers, such as the nd:YAG laser made with a ruby cylinder, which are the most powerful lasers, and

· Semiconductor lasers, which have less power and are used in laser printers, CD players, etc. Laser light is different from other kinds of light, such as headlights, flashlights, street lights, etc.

· It’s coherent – the light waves are parallel with each other and can travel far without spreading out like a flashlight

· It’s directional – because it’s coherent, it can be highly focused

· It’s monochromatic – it contains only one color, as opposed to white light which contains all colors. They can be within our visual range of color, infra-red, or ultra-violet

Lasers were first made in the 1950s, but not until the 1990s were they used for vision correction.

Excimer lasers

Excimer lasers are the type used by eye doctors. They’re a type of gas laser and their name is a contraction of “excited” and “dimer” (a “dimer” is a pseudo-molecule which gives off ultraviolet light when it’s in an excited state).

Excimers are non-thermal lasers. That means there’s no danger of any burn to the eye tissue. They’re used for PRK and LASIK procedures.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Treatment

PRK was developed in the early 1980s but was not done in the U.S. until the FDA approved it in 1995. It uses an excimer laser to correct lower-order aberrations – near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism. This procedure is short. You’re positioned beneath the laser and a retainer is placed over your eye to keep it open. Your eye doctor uses anesthetic eye drops so you’ll feel no pain. He’ll remove a tiny amount of tissue from the surface of the eye, the cornea, and the laser will correct the exposed tissue, smoothing it to correct your vision. Wavefront-guided LASIK The remarkable advance of Wavefront-guided LASIK is that it can correct not only the lower-order aberrations, but also the higher-order aberrations like halos, glare and night vision trouble. The laser itself is part of an integrated workstation which includes a highly adjustable patient chair along with the microscope, computer, and controls of all kinds for your eye doctor to operate with. Both the mapping and the correction are done by this system. Wavefront mapping

As you lie back in the workstation chair, the excimer laser first does the mapping work. The light wave is sent through your iris to the retina at the back of the eye, from which it bounces back to a sensor. It carries information with it, based on what happened to it as it traveled through the eye’s cornea (outer surface).

From this information, the system makes a 3-D map of your eyeball, which will show your eye doctor what needs to be corrected. The system translates this information into mathematical formulae which your eye doctor will program into the computer that controls the laser beam. Vision correction

As you continue to lie back in the patient chair, your doctor proceeds with the laser correction. To direct the laser to the tissue immediately below the cornea’s surface, he cuts a thin flap of tissue and bends it back. The laser then removes tiny pieces of tissue that were affecting your vision, modifying the shape of your cornea. The tiny flap is replaced and heals by itself. Laser and doctor work together The precision of the laser and the education and skill of the doctor make a formidable team that plays on your side. Whether you have PRK treatment or Wavefront-guided LASIK, choose an experienced eye doctor and you can then be sure that he’ll use the laser expertly.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact Dr. Levinson at his eye clinic in Denver, Colorado.

Most people who are either short sighted or long sighted are curious about laser eye surgery. Committing yourself to undergoing treatment is a big decision as it is an expensive procedure and will make permanent changes to your vision. It is important to have a realistic idea of what laser eye surgery is capable of achieving, as deciding to undergo the treatment without this understanding can potentially lead to disappointment with the results. When you have your initial consultation at the vision clinic the laser eye practitioner will explain the procedure and its outcome to you, but here is a brief outline of what you may be told.

Many people who have not properly looked into laser eye surgery believe it will give most patients 20/20 vision. This, unfortunately, is not the case. However, in around 90 percent of patients it can improve the vision significantly enough to give them many years of glasses and contact lenses free living. A normal side effect of laser eye surgery is seeing a halo effect around lights and experiencing poorer vision in low light levels. For many patients, this necessitates wearing glasses for driving at night, even if their daytime vision is extremely good.

If considering laser eye surgery it is also imperative to properly understand what ‘permanent results’ means in relation to the procedure. While the effects of laser eye surgery are irreversible there is, at present, no way of preventing the natural degeneration in sight that continues as you grow older so your ‘perfect’ vision will not last throughout your lifetime. Most patients, even those who have had extremely satisfying results from the procedure, require reading glasses by the time they reach the age of 45. However, it is important to remember that while ‘perfect vision’ may not be lasting many people do enjoy glasses free living for many years and, even when glasses become a necessity, their vision is greatly improved on what it would have been had they never undergone surgery.

What can be realistically be achieved with laser eye surgery is dependent on the individual’s sight. Those who have poorer vision are likely to receive greatly improved vision but perhaps not to the extent where they can completely do without either glasses or contact lenses. Many doctors will advise patients who are extremely short sighted (-8 or greater) or very long sighted (in excess of +2) against undergoing laser eye surgery as the results may be unsatisfactory.

Patients need to bear in mind that laser eye treatment is not flawless. While technological advances have made it a very meticulous procedure errors can occur. Therefore, even ‘good’ candidates for laser eye surgery may not receive the ‘perfect’ eyesight they were hoping for, as vision can be slightly under or over corrected by the procedure.

Although laser eye surgery cannot produce flawless vision, undergoing treatment with an open mind and realistic expectation of the end result means a majority of patients are extremely satisfied with their post-surgery vision. The novelty of not having to wear glasses all the time is, on its own, sufficient reason for most laser eye surgery patients to be pleased that they made the decision to undergo treatment.

Leanne has had many articles published on the topic of corrective laser eye surgery. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Poor eye sight is something which afflicts most people at some point in their lives. While for some people this means nothing more than wearing reading glasses as they approach middle age, there are many more people who have been wearing glasses and contact lenses on a regular basis for so long that they can no longer recall what life with perfect vision was like. For these people laser eye treatment – where the cornea is reshaped by a laser – may be an interesting proposition.

However, as laser eye surgery is an expensive and permanent procedure it is not a decision to be taken lightly and there are many factors which need to be considered when weighing up the pros and cons before opting for treatment.

There is no doubt that laser eye surgery can change a person’s life in a very positive way. For around 90% of patients, laser eye treatment means that they no longer require use of their glasses or lenses. After wearing glasses for many years, simple things such as waking up in the morning and being able to see the time on the alarm clock without reaching for your glasses first, can bring a lot of pleasure. It should be noted, however that poor night vision and seeing a halo effect around lights are a normal side effect of laser eye surgery which can make driving at night dangerous without using glasses. However, most patients consider this a small price to pay for perfect vision in the daytime.

Other than poor night vision – which may even be worse than it was prior to surgery – there are further negative factors which need to be considered when deciding whether to commit to laser eye treatment. Common side effects include dry eyes, although after a six month course of eye drops most people find this condition improves. A minority of patients, if they underwent Lasik, may also develop corneal infections. In some instances this may develop in the small flap which was cut in the cornea to allow the laser to reshape the tissue. Corneal ecstasia can occur if the cornea is weakened, as pressure can build up causing an unnatural bulging. Further surgery will be required to prevent vision loss.

There is also the risk of problems arising during surgery, although the likelihood of these occurring is very small. For instance, in Lasik the corneal flap may become detached. In most instances this can be reattached once laser treatment is complete. In a rare number of cases damage occurs to the flap which prevents this. Vision loss is possible in a failed operation, but thankfully is extremely uncommon.

Another factor in your decision should be your expectations. If you believe laser eye surgery will give you 20/20 vision and you would not be satisfied if glasses were still required after surgery, the procedure may not be for you. Although the result is usually sufficient for the patient to go without their glasses – except perhaps at night time, as previously mentioned – the result is not always perfect. Under correction or over correction can occur and it is much harder to achieve ‘perfect’ sight in patients whose vision is very poor. However, for some patients a substantial improvement in their sight is enough to justify surgery, even if they can’t quite see the bottom line on the optician’s sight chart.

The best way to make your decision is to research laser eye surgery very thoroughly. Consulting your optician or contacting a vision clinic which specialises in this treatment is a good way of obtaining information and finding out if it is a good choice for you.

Leanne has had several articles published o the subject of laser eye surgery, including Lasik

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser eye surgery comes at a high cost, and this is certainly a big factor for many people when choosing a laser eye practitioner. However, while finding an affordable vision clinic is important the biggest influence in your decision should be the ability and skill of the surgeon. Opting for a surgeon purely based on cost cutting may bring unsatisfactory results or, in the worst case scenario, lose you your sight.

The importance of finding a good surgeon

Only a minority of patients achieve true 20/20 vision, although most patients will experience a significant improvement in their vision which allows them to function on a daily basis without either contact lenses or glasses. However, there are also plenty patients who still require use of glasses after surgery despite an overall improvement in their sight.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, if the procedure is not performed meticulously then over or under correction of the vision can occur. Secondly, it is common for laser eye surgery patients to develop very poor night vision and also see ‘halo’ effects appearing around lights. This will necessitate the use of glasses in low-level light conditions, especially when driving. Lastly, patients with extremely poor vision may be unsuitable candidates for surgery at all, as achieving ‘perfect’ vision may be implausible. While the nature of laser eye treatment means that the risk of these side effects or problems can never be eradicated, however skilled the surgeon, a good surgeon will vastly improve the chances of achieving a satisfactory outcome.

Another reason why it is imperative to find a reputable and highly skilled surgeon is that the procedure is not without its risks. Lasik is considered the most risky form of laser eye surgery, but is also the most popular due to its quick recovery time. In Lasik, a small incision needs to be made in the cornea to allow laser treatment to take place. If due care is not take, the flap may become detached. If the flap is also damaged, it might be impossible to reattach it to the eye. While improbable, full or partial vision loss can result from surgery. The likelihood of complications arising diminishes if you are in the hands of a highly qualified and experienced laser eye practitioner.

How to find a reputable surgeon

Your first step in finding a good surgeon should be to first find a reputable clinic. Be wary of vision clinics making outrageous claims such as ‘20/20 vision guaranteed’ or ‘perfect vision or your money back’. Before finding a clinic, research what can realistically expected from the laser eye surgery. If a clinic is making promises that they cannot guarantee delivery on, they may not be a good choice for your surgery. The best clinic is one which is honest about the potential results of laser eye treatment, both good and bad.

Compare as many clinics as possible. This does not just include the cost, although that is still a consideration for most people. Equipment can vary from clinic to clinic. Ideally, you should opt for surgery somewhere which provides the most up to date procedures and uses FDA approved equipment.

Ask your surgeon about his qualifications and training. It is also prudent to ask how many procedures he has carried out, particularly in the type of laser eye treatment you have opted for (for example Lasik or PRK). A good surgeon will be very thorough when discussing the procedure and will outline the potential risks, the side effects and what results you can realistically expect.

To locate a clinic or surgeon try searching the internet or asking your optician for a referral. American patients may also wish to visit American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery cost

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser eye surgery is not laser perfect. Although there are a number of people that will get the best possible results, there are also a few that won’t have the best results. If you considering an eye surgery that will provide you with the tools that you need to stop wearing glasses, or even better to stop have to deal with the problems of contact lenses, you need to know the truth. How often is it possible for patients to get 20/20 vision with the use of laser eye surgery?

The problem with getting a straight answer is that you often have to understand what the options are and what the likely outcomes are. You see, there are a number of factors that play into what your results will likely be. For example, there are a number of different, FDA approved lasers that can be used to treat eye conditions. Each of these has a different success rate. In addition, the extent to which you have an eye condition also matters as well as the eye condition in the first place. Each has a different benefit possibility.

You can visit the FDA website to learn about the specific benefits and results based on a number of these factors if you like. The best way for you to find out what your benefits are likely to be is to talk with your doctor. Doctors can examine your eyes, see what your specific needs and conditions are, and then access your specific possibilities. While you can get some basic information from that website, your doctor will know better about your condition.

Laser eye surgery is something that you can consider, but you should know the benefits you are likely to earn. You’ll find that many individuals will have excellent results. Talk to your doctor to learn what he can offer to you.

Frank Montes has written amazing articles on laser eye surgery. Read these articles and find out everything that you need to know about laser eye surgery, vision correction, contact lenses and a lot more.

You can read more of Frank’s articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com