Dr Anupam Chatterjee Eye Surgery

Author: Sarah wilson

The world would have been completely bland and colorless for all of us had it not been for our eyes. Much before our mind learns to differentiate the different colors around us, it is our eyes that do this differentiation for us. Imagine a world without sight and you would be horrified. Therefore when you first begin to feel the symptoms of things not seeming as clear as they used to be, you feel a tinge of apprehension. Eye tests confirm a weak eyesight and spectacles or contact lenses with power are recommended by the ophthalmologist. The thick glasses of the spectacles are believed to hide the beauty of one’s eyes to a certain extent and many people would shy away from wearing one. Contact lenses have overcome this handicap but nothing compares to natural sight.

A lasik eye surgery may be the apt solution for people who are averse to wearing spectacles or contact lenses to rectify the vision. A simple lasik eye surgery could do away with the need to use any such sight enhancing methods and restore normal vision to a patient. However, most of us would be having some doubts and apprehensions before we opt for any kind of surgery and a lasik eye surgery is no different. It is therefore crucial that you clarify all doubts before you actually decide on having the surgery. The basic questions to be asked to your doctor would be regarding the cost, the treatment to be used, follow up procedures and obviously if you fulfill the criteria required to undergo such surgery.

The age of the patient is also very important when considering a lasik eye surgery. If you are under forty years of age, you should clarify if the effects of a lasik eye surgery will last even when you cross on to the fifties. Also, many unscrupulous doctors or clinics could charge you an exorbitant amount for a procedure that has already become obsolete. Therefore, complete awareness regarding the procedure to be used and its relevancy in today’s time and age is must. A clear idea regarding the follow up treatment also becomes necessary so that you are aware of all the effects and side effects of the lasik eye surgery as well as the further costs which you might have to incur.

A strong recommendation about a clinic or a doctor from a person who has already undergone a lasik eye surgery should be the first consideration on a patient’s part. Nowadays the advancements made in the field of medical science have resulted in the surgery taking much less time than before. The post operative recuperation time has also been drastically reduced and just after a few days of surgery the patient can resume his normal activities without any discomfort. The lasik eye surgery ahs now become a common procedure with many people opting to undergo the operation to rectify their myopic or hyperopic vision. Also after the surgery there is no need for the patient to continue regular check ups by ophthalmologist. Hence if you considering rectifying your vision, a lasik eye surgery may be just the solution for you.

Author: Dean Caporella

The average cost of lasik eye surgery can vary quite significantly from provider to provider and it’s imperative that prospective patients do some necessary due diligence before making any undertaking to have the procedure performed.

The average cost has been rising steadily during the past few years due mainly to new technologies and procedures such as custom lasik.

Did You Know?

Intralase is a new procedure introduced recently which uses a laser rather than a metal blade used in traditional laser methods. There are two lasers used in this procedure; one to create the flap and the excimer laser which removes abnormal growth.

Cost Factors To Consider

Recently, a close pal of mine who had been considering lasik eye surgery for some time took the plunge and had the procedure performed. The result: an extremely happy patient who after weeks of due diligence and homework now regrets not having had the surgery performed earlier. It set him back close to $3000 Australian dollars but in his own words…”it was money well spent!”

So how much can you expect to pay? Well, this depends on the amount of correction and follow up treatment required per eye. You see, it’s well and good to get excited about an ad advertising lasik at under $500 per eye but you need to consider several factors. The price advertised is more than likely for less intensive treatment and if this applies to you then all well and good. However, what most people find is the price they originally see advertised is a far cry from the quote they are finally given simply because they haven’t factored in the amount of correction required and in some instances, this can be extensive.

During 2002, the average cost of lasik eye surgery was about $US1500 but by the end of 2005, it had risen to just under $US2000. In 2006 and beyond, well, I’ve given you an example of $AUS3000 which equates under current currency conversions to about $US2300.

Testing And Screening Before Treatment Is Very Important

A common dilemma for prospective lasik patients is the great variance in fees and this comes down to pre-operative testing. This is something you must consider. Why? Well, in my friend’s case, he opted for proper screening before he agreed to have his surgery performed. He reasoned that this was a sensible way to avoid any unnecessary complications and it also ascertained whether he was a proper lasik candidate. If he had gone ahead with the procedure without the proper pre-operative test then it could have presented problems.

It must be remembered that while lasik has been a “god-send” in the world of eye surgery to millions around the world there are still those unsuitable for treatment because of a pre-existing condition.

There is one very simple way around this: get screened beforehand. Talk it over with your surgeon. Lasik is a time efficient procedure but people must remember it is still a complex one. “Cover all bases” before you commit to it.

Author: Tim Gorman

When interested and potential patients inquire about refractive eye surgery, they ask: How does laser eye surgery work? How does LASIK work? For LASIK has become synonymous with laser eye surgery.

Some facts about LASIK are needed before one can get to the answers of: how does laser eye surgery work?

LASIK stands for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis and FDA has approved this surgical technique since 1998. Eye surgeons normally prescribe this laser eye surgery procedure for persons who have nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and who have thick corneas.

The preliminary step begins with the eye surgeon administering tests to check your suitability for LASIK. If you have dry eye syndrome, diseases like glaucoma, cataract or diabetes, you will be strongly advised not to undergo the treatment. Reputable clinics report that at least 50% of those who come in for an initial consultation are rejected.

So how does LASIK? How does laser eye surgery work?

First phase of the operation

To begin, you are positioned on a reclined chair, and a numbing drop of solution placed in your eye. Afterwards the cornea is cleaned of floating foreign matter, and then instrument called a lid speculum is put over your eyes to keep the eyelids open. The ring is place right on the eyeball. Suction is then applied around your cornea. You’ll experience blurring and dimming of your vision. Then the surgeon uses a microkeratome (surgical knife) to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea.

Second phase

Afterwards, the microkeratome and ring are removed. The doctor then asks you to stare at the light. This is to get your eye stay focused on a fixed object, so that the doctor can proceed to the final phase of the operation.

Third phase

The pre-programmed laser then cuts corneal tissue, thereby reshaping it. After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is replaced back with a preventative shield is placed over your eyes to protect them from irritants.

The actual operation would have taken you less than a minute, with improved vision apparent in 24 hours.

Post operative care is as important as the operation itself. So don’t drive for a few weeks. Don’t do contact sports. Go for the post operative check ups the eye surgeon has scheduled with you.

Follow the do’s and don’ts faithfully, so you’ll be able to answer the question: How does a safe laser eye surgery work? With a bright smile and clear vision.