Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Nov 17, 2009, 05:00PM - 06:00PM (EST)
At Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> we know your vision changes throughout your life. But the importance of caring for your eyes and maintaining your sight never goes away. With constant advances in technology, more people can now be considered excellent candidates for laser vision correction than ever before. Whether it’s the hassle and expense of glasses or contacts, health issues, or the desire to focus on what’s most important to you, you have your own unique reasons for considering laser vision correction. <br><br>
Everyone’s eyes are different, and not every procedure is appropriate for everyone. Having helped a million people nationwide through this process, we at Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> have a lot of information to share with you. <br><br>
If you are considering LASIK surgery, or just want to learn more about the procedure, join Omar E. Awad, MD as he answers your questions regarding laser eye surgery. You can also call one of our Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> specialists anytime at 1-866-921-2179 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/CHI/go/147163270/direct/01/" target="_blank">www.LasikPlus.com</a>. We look forward to hearing from you!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The first lasers were called broad beam, because the laser pulse was the full 6 mm diameter and was made smaller by using an aperture.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Variable spot uses a combination of broad beam pulses, (which are more efficient and treating because each pulse treats a larger area), and flying spot pulses, which are better for smoothing the treatment and fine tuning it.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Flying spot lasers use only very small diameter pulses, and must operate a higher frequency (more pulses per second) to do the treatment, but give nice smooth ablations and can treat the "subtlies" of the correction very well.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
At LasikPlus, we have both flying spot lasers and variable spot lasers, and will use the one we feel will work best on the specific prescription and anatomy of the eye. We do not use strict broad beam lasers any more.
yapitai:
Hi, I tend to have anxiety panics and am worried about going under the laser. What are my options to help control the anxiety? Is general anesthesia an option?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I tell my patients that nervous patients tend to actually do the best - because they follow directions really well and hold really still.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
We offer anti-anxiety medication to all patients (valium).
Omar E. Awad, MD:
General anesthesia is not used as it is important to be awake so you can look at the fixation target, which is a flashing light on the laser.
jger:
Hi Dr. I had laser surgery on my retinas, to prevent detachments and patch some holes in it. I have -10.5 in both eyes. Am I a candidate for Lasik/ and will it correct all of the myopia?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
You cold be but it will depend on the thickness and shape of your cornea. If you have a thicker than average cornea, you may be a candidate for LASIK. Otherwise, an implantable vision correcting lens could be an alternative. I recommend visiting your local lasik center to see if you qualify.
pedinurse:
I am 51 yrs old. Is it possible that I could be a candidate for LASIK surgery? I am also currently receiving chemo for breast cancer. Would this prevent me from being a candidate? Thank you for answers and your time.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
There really is not an age limit for LASIK. So if your exam indicates you are a candidate, age is not a factor.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you are actively receiving chemo, you may want to wait until it is completed to be sure it does not affect your healing.
MedHelp:
That's all we have time for today. Thank you so much again Dr. Awad and thanks to all who participated!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Thank you all for your questions! Best to you!
MedHelp:
Please join us for the next Lasik health chat scheduled for December 15th at 5pm EST. http://www.medhelp.org/health_chats/register/33
