Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Jan 26, 2010, 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 and welcome to today's Health Chat on Lasik Surgery. The chat will begin in a few minutes, but please feel free to submit your questions on Lasik now.
MedHelp:
Sorry for the delay. Hang on for a few more minutes and we'll get started.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
HI there! Sorry for the delay - had one last straggling patient in the office.
MedHelp:
Hi Dr. Awad. Thanks for joining us today to answer our LASIK questions.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I'm ready now to talk about one of my favorite topics - LASIK laser vision correction!
Still_Hoping2:
If my corneas are 8% thinner than average, what is my best method of Lasik treatment, if at all?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
For thin corneas, we often will choose a procedure called PRK
Omar E. Awad, MD:
PRK is similar to LASIK, except there is no flap created with PRK, so the treatment goes less deep into the cornea.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I actually had PRK done on my own eyes last year, because my cornea is a little thinner than average.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I'd recommend visiting your local LASIK center to see if you would be a candidate. Good luck to you!
thepcmanger:
What is the youngest age in which laser eye surgery is done safely?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK is only approved for 18 years and older.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Ideally you want to be in a position where the eye is not changing significantly any more.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
There are some research studies where LASIK is done on children in certain cases - usually if glasses or contacts cannot be used.
Lynminx:
How long is recovery after getting both eyes done? Does it depend on what your eye glasses prescription is?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you are having LASIK, the recovery is usually very quick.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Most patients are seeing pretty clearly within about 4 hours, and can see great by the next day.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you have a very high prescription, you may take a little longer to heal, but this should still be within a few days.
robh85:
I am interested in getting eye surgery but my eyes are really bad. I believe they are -7.0 both eyes (nearsighted). Is Laser eye surgery able to perform on patients' eyes that are really bad or would I have to go with implantable contact lenses instead? Plus will the cost of the surgery ever go down in price?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
A couple of good questions. I'll address them in order.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
For a -7.0 prescription, most people would choose LASIK - IF you are a good cadidate for LASIK.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you have a normal corneal shape, with a thicker cornea, then you may be a good candidate for LASIK>
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The implantable contact lens (ICL) is also an excellent option for a person who is -7.0. However, the surgery for ICL is a surgery inside the eye, and therefore most people feel it carries a slightly higher risk that a LASIK, which is done on the outside of the eye.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Price is always a question when it comes to LASIK.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Overall, the proce has come down a lot from when LASIK first came out. But there is always new technology coming out as well that makes the procedure even better and safer. You may find that the lowest price places do not use the latest techniques and technology. So in a sense, so may get what you pay for.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to see which procedure might be best for you, and to determine the cost. You can also get a lot of information at www.lasikplus.com
Nerrad:
Lots of people complain of dry eyes...is this common after LASIK?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Dry eyes are very common. We tell our patients that almost everyone will have an increase in dry eye symptoms after LASIK, but it should be temporary.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
In some people it only lasts a few days, and in others it can last 6 months or more.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Fortunately, there are excellent medications (eye drops) available now to treat dry eye. If you have dry eye BEFORE having surgery, you should treat it and make sure it is controlled prior to having LASIK.
Gee3:
I had Lasik surgery in 2006 and came out with halos when I look at street lights or oncoming cars at night (and my vision wasn't 20/20, I think more like 20/80(?)). Unfortunately I never got to complete all follow up visits with my doctor because I moved out of state. My question to you: I hear of other procedures, aside from Lasik, now that claim to be better. Would that help to get rid of the annoying halos? BTW, I'm nearsighted and had very bad vision prior to the surgery and I believe my corneas were thin too, if that means anything. Thanks!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you are undercorrected - meaning that you still have a little bit of nearsightedness - that itself will cause halos at night.
