The Basics

Wearing contacts or glasses can be a real hassle, especially when you need to where them constantly.  In the past, people just dealt with this.  They didn't have any other way to see well without the help of these aids.  That's not the case anymore now, though. 

This surgical procedure is called LASIK eye correction.  LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.  It is a surgery done on your eyes to help permanently improve your vision.  But LASIK vision correction isn't for everyone.  For one thing, LASIK surgery does have a moderate price tag.  It can cost more than $1,000 for the procedure.  Although this may seem like a lot, you should take into account how much glasses and eye exams cost.  Glasses, including lenses, can cost $250 or more.  That price increases if you want anti-glare or anti-scratch technology on the glass.  As you can see, this can really add up.  By paying for LASIK now, you will forgo the hefty price of many pairs of glasses or contacts throughout your life.  Although it's a big bill now, you won't have to pay it again.

LASIK eye correction is a very swift procedure.  It usually only takes about thirty minutes from start to finish.  The surgery starts with the doctor securing your eyes open with clamps.  They then numb your eye so that you don't feel any pain during the procedure.  You will be kept awake during this, so this is a very important step.  Next, using either a laser or a machine, the surgeon cuts open the cornea of your eye to make an almost-closed circle.  The cornea is the clear part of the eye that acts as a lens.  They then open up the flap that they created, and use a laser to smooth out the inside portion of the cornea.  Then they close the flap, undo all of the equipment, and let you on your way.  It's just that simple.  While the surgery may sound scary, it goes by really fast.  Before you know it, you will have perfect vision.  Say goodbye to your old, annoying glasses.

As with any other surgery, there can be some complications when it comes to LASIK vision correction.  Although these do happen to some people, most patients come out of the surgery with a perfect procedure and perfect vision.  Still, you need to be aware of what can happen so that you make the best decision for your own health.  In the worst circumstances, LASIK eye correction can lead to loss of eyesight.  Because of this, doctors know who are most at risk for this and avoid doing the surgery on these people.  In other circumstances, you may acquire blurred vision that may or may not go away.  You may also experience extreme dry eye for a period after the surgery.  Make sure that your surgeon briefs you on all of these possibilities before the day of surgery.

In order to make sure that you are getting the best treatment, pick a surgeon that you can trust.  They should have great recommendations and all of the credentials needed in order to practice this kind of optical surgery.  While it may be tempting to choose a surgeon that charges a cheap rate, this often translates to poor service and more complications during surgery.  Instead, spend the extra money in order to protect your eyes.