Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Aug 04, 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 cheapest is RK or radial keratotomy - but this is rarely done any more, and does NOT use a laser. RK uses a diamond knife to make radial incisions in the cornea - but this has been shown to cause instability of the cornea and is not routinely done any more.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK or PRK are both laser procedures, and usually cost about the same. They are the most cost effective, as they have been shown to be stable over time.
MrBungle:
Hi doctor...you mentioned to the first question that 2-10% may need a tweak...what are the most common side effects that require a tweak?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Ususally a person would notice that the vision is not quite as sharp as it once was. I should mention annual eye examinations are important even if you have had LASIK. Many of these issues can be detected early and treated easily.
latenight:
Hi, Are there health conditions that preclude one from having lasik? So, would having diabetes cause any complications?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
There certainly are health conditions in which LASIK or any eye surgery is contraindicated. Any condition which causes the eye prescription to change frequently is a contraindication. LASIK can be done in well-controlled diabetes, but should not be done if the blood sugars are not stable. Pregnancy can cause fluctuations is the eye refraction, so we don't do LASIK during pregnancy. There is an eye condition called keratoconus which causes thinning of the cornea, and this is a contraindication to LASIK. Please visit your local LASIK center to see if you are a candidate.
ajayv:
How much does lasik cost?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
This is often one of the first questions, but can be a complex one as there are many factors that contribute to the cost.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
At our LasikPlus center, you can expect the cost to be about $3000-$4000 for LASIK laser vision correction of both eyes using the latest, most advanced equipment.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Some places advertise as low as $199 LASIK, which does a disservice to everyone. Low price ads are usually a bait-and-switch marketing plan, with the low price only applying the rare patient with almost no correction. You also have to look at what you are getting. There have been several improvements in the technology over the years, and some places use older technology which allows for a lower price.
diann57:
Does BC/BS Federal pay for surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Not that I am aware of. You would have to check with your plan to know for certain.
Brenndy:
Hello Dr. Awad. Would LASIK surgery be recommended for a person who, besides being diagnosed as farsighted, has pre-glaucoma? Are there any contraindications?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
It may depend on your level of farsightedness, and the steepness of your cornea. I recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to see if you are a good candidate.
Maineland:
Hello- Can a 64 year old male be a good candidate for Lasik surgery. I have had poor eyesight for almost 20 years. Just curious if there is an age cuttoff?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you can see with glasses or contacts, and want to be less dependent on them, then you can have LASIK. There is no upper age limit. I just did a laser vision correction on an 87 year old person.
jking12:
Hi- I am a 64 year old male with eyesight issues for the last 15 years. Could I be a good candidate for Lasik Surgery or is there an age limit
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Similar questions. You certainly could be a good candidate for LASIK. Visit your local LASIK center to find out! Good luck to you!
frazzzzer:
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
For LASIK, most people can return to work the next day. Much of the cornea healing actually occurs in the first several hours after surgery. Complete healing of the cornea epithelium can take about 6-8 weeks.
diann57:
It was suggested that if the need was necessary and a letter from the surgeon that may help with getting insurance coverage?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
You should check with your insurance plan to see if there are any instances in which LASIK surgery is covered - and even lobby them to get it covered! I know that Medicare, for example, will cover some of the surgery if is is to correct "surgically induced astigmatism" from a previous surgery, for example.
darrensv:
Hi Dr. Awad. How long does lasik surgery last?
MedHelp:
This will be the final question for today.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK surgery is a permanent change to the cornea. It should last indefinitely. This does not mean that your eye couldn't still change or grow on it's own, which occasionally can happen. If it does, we can correct it with an enhancement procedure.
MedHelp:
Thank you to everyone for joining us today. And a big thanks to Dr. Awad for taking the time to answer our LASIK questions. If you have further questions about LASIK surgery, join us for our next chat on Tuesday, September 15. http://www.medhelp.org/health_chats/register/25. You can also follow LasikPlus on twitter @GoLasikPlus.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Thank you all for your excellent questions today! I hope you will visit your local LasikPlus center to see if you can enjoy the benefits of LASIK!
