Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Dec 15, 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!
MedHelp:
Hello everyone. This chat will begin at 2 pm Pacific / 5 pm Eastern. Feel free to submit your questions now.
MedHelp:
Welcome to today's health chat on Lasik.
MedHelp:
Dr. Omar Awad will be joining us shortly and answering your Lasik-related questions.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Welcome to a webchat about one of my favorite topics - LASIK laser vision correction!
sybie2006:
What is Lasik eye surgery?
MedHelp:
Welcome, Dr. Awad and thanks for joining us!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
Omar E. Awad, MD:
That basically means that a laser is used to reshape the cornea, so that light coming into the eye will focus in the right place so you can see without glasses or contact lenses
Omar E. Awad, MD:
It has become a very popular procedure, thanks to it's excellent results and safety!
foureyesTT:
Hi Dr.- Are there any new Lasik technology advancements scheduled for 2010? I am wondering if I should have the procedure done now or wait.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
This is always a good question, as technology seems to improve continually.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
However, I don't see any new advancements for 2010 or really on the horizon right now at all.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
One thing we are trying to solve is the issue of presbyopia - the need for reading glasses after a certain age (~45)
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Once that issue is solved, I expect that those who have already had LASIK for far vision will still qualify and will get the procedure. But it looks like this may be several years at the earliest.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
In summary, I think the technology right now is fantastic! I'd recommend having the procedure now - I actually had it done on my eyes this year as well!
mjh1964:
My current subscription in both eyes is -7.75 for glasses and -6.0 and 6.5 for contacts. Previously I was not a candidate for Lasik. Has the technology changed that can increase the odds that I can be corrected to 20/20?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Excellent question also!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I too was not a candidate previously, but with improvements in technology I realized that I was a candidate. I had the surgery done this year and can see better that 20/20!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to learn about the advancements and see if you are now a good candidate! Best wishes to you!
cboat:
Is there any relationship between Lasik surgery and subsequent development of cataracts, or does that involve an entirely different area of the eye?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Cataracts are in a different part of the eye (the lens). I tell my patients that cataracts will happen to everyone if you live long enough - often starting in the 60s or 70's but can really happen at any time. The development of cataract is not related to LASIK at all.
Carol768:
I have dry eyes and was told that I'm not candidate for the surgery. I was also told that I could have the surgery to see, but I will have to still use readers to read. I'm constantly losing my glasses. I just want something that does not have to be taken off like contacts and glasses. Is there anything else that can be done?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Usually we try to treat the dry eye condition first. Once the dry eye is controlled, then often people can have successful LASIK surgery.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you correct both eyes for distance and you are over 45, then you probably will need glasses for reading. One way around that is what we call monovision - where we correct your dominant eye for full distance and correct the non-dominant eye for reading vision.
mjh1964:
I have an injury to my right eye recently, where the sphincter muscle was damaged. The pupil reacts; however, it does not constrict all the way in bright light. Will that be an issue with Lasik surgery or is it something that may help correct the muscle?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
It depends on how big your pupil is. If your pupil still reacts to light, this is a good sign. I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to have the pupil measured and determine if you would be a good candidate.
isis95:
I am farsighted with severe astigmatism (-400). Have worn glasses since 5th grade ( I am 47 now). Is there any surgery that could correct my vision at least 50% better than what I am dealing with now?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Some of the newest lasers will correct astimatism, even to the -4.00 level, really well. The degree of your farsightedness may be a factor however. I think there is a really good chance that you would be corrected more than 50% of the way, provided you are a candidate. I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to find out! Thanks!
Jay1207:
Good afternoon. I have diplopia double vision. My left eye is mainly affected. Will lasik surgery correct this disorder?
Jay1207:
I have private insurance (aetna). Will it cover the procedure? Thank you.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Is your double vision correctable with your glasses or contact lenses? If so, there is a chance that LASIK will also correct it. However, we usually do not expect LASIK to correct diplopia, and this may make you a non-candidate.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Private insurance does not cover LASIK surgery in my area. Most people pay out-of-pocket or use the convenient financing.
