Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most common type of laser surgery performed for vision correction. More than 16 million laser eye surgeries have been performed worldwide, according to a review by the Joint LASIK Study Task Force published in a 2009 edition of the journal "Ophthalmology." And, more than 95 percent of patients reportedly are satisfied with their results, according to the review.
Background
LASIK surgery was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998 as an outpatient surgical procedure to improve vision. It is most commonly used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Most people who have LASIK attain between 20/20 and 20/40 vision without corrective eyewear.
Procedure
In LASIK surgery, a laser beam is used to change the shape of the cornea to correct vision. After numbing the eye with anesthetic drops, a suction ring is applied to hold the eye open and steady. A thin layer of the cornea is lifted to create a flap. The flap is folded back while UV light and the laser remove tissue under the flap to reshape the cornea. This takes about one minute. The flap is folded back to its original place and re-bonds to the cornea within several minutes. That is the end of the procedure. Vision improvement is almost immediate, and you will wear an eye shield until your return visit the following day.
Wavefront-guided LASIK is a more advanced technology used by some doctors to customize surgery by creating a road map for each individual patient and for each patient's individual eyes, before the surgery is performed. It also allows the surgery itself to be more precise.
Risks
Post-operative risk factors include dry-eye syndrome in patients who have a history of dry eyes, disturbance in night vision, corneal flap complications, over- or under-correction and as with any surgery, there is the possibility of inflammation or infection.
According to the Eye Surgery Education Council, as laser eye surgery has become more common, and the technology has improved, the number of risks and complications has been reduced. To further decrease your risk of complications, choose a highly recommended, well-experienced laser surgeon.
Screening
If you are considering laser eye surgery, you must have a complete exam by an ophthalmologist to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a successful procedure. Since there are several types of laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist can also determine which is right for you.
To be eligible, you must be over 18 years old and have an eyeglass or contact lens prescription that has stayed stable for at least two years. You will be screened to rule out any conditions that might cause post-operative complications. The ophthalmologist will check your eyes to be sure you have a correctable vision problem and that your cornea is thick enough to create a proper corneal flap.
Costs
While costs vary widely from case to case, depending on individual circumstances and location, you will pay a minimum of about $1,000 per eye for basic vision correction, as of 2009. Laser eye surgery is considered an elective procedure and under routine circumstances, and is not covered by most insurance companies. However, it may be covered under your medical savings plan.
When you discuss costs with your surgeon, ask if the fee includes all pre- and post-surgery visits and if it covers any adjustments that might be required after the initial procedure. If not, be sure you understand all costs involved.
