Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Mar 16, 2010, 05:00PM - 06:00PM (EST)
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LasikPlus
At Lasik Plus 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. 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 Plus have a lot of information to share with you. 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 Plus specialists anytime at 1-866-921-2179 or visit us on the web at www.LasikPlus.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Nahla488:
Doc please i need to know what can be done for an eye blinking that resulted from stress ... is there a cure for that?? Is it LASIK?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK does not cure this.  Decreasing stress and decreasing caffeine may help.
Wen1949:
I keep seeing silver flashes darting across my vision field, is this normal?  Can LASIK correct this?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
This could be the vitreous gel inthe back part of the eye, or could be a migraine of the eye.  I would recommend seeing your eye doctor for an evaluation right away.  This is not something that LASIK can correct.
ajay_sf:
Hello Dr Awad.  I am considering lasik, but I have a friend who had lasik done a month ago and her left eye is blurry.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Each person's outcome can be unique to them.  I would try to find out why your friend's left eye is blurry.  But this does not mean that you would not be able to have a successful LASIK, and millions of people do every year.
alwaysneedingadvice5:
I am 16 and i have bad eyes. my parents and i have discussed LASIK eye surgery and i am wondering if you think its a good idea or not!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you want to see better without glasses or contacts, then LASIK is a great option.  However, you need to be at least 18 and your eyes should not be changing any more.
auntiejessi:
Can Lasik eye surgery and the removal of chalazion be combined in 1 operation? Does either one require anesthesia?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
No.  You really should have the chalazion removed first as it can affect the measurement of your preseciption.  Once your eye is healed, then consider the LASIK>
pbpb5355:
I had cataracts removed in June of 2007.  Since, my vision has gotten worse. Everything is cloudy, hazy and I am using over the counter readers with the strength of 2.50 and still can't read things close up. I have researched and found out cataracts can't come back, so I am very upset as to what this could be. Could I be a candidate for LASIK?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The most common thing that happens after cataract surgery is development of clouding of the cataract membrane or capsule. This can be treated very easily with a different type of laser.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If you have some astigmatism after the cataract operation, this could be treated with LASIK if you don't want to wear glasses after the cataract surgery.
theanswer42:
I heard that there are different types of laser eye surgery? What are the different types and what are the pros and cons of each one?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
There are many different types of lasers used in eye surgery - at least 7 different lasers.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The laser used in LASIK is an excimer laser, which reshapes the cornea so that light will focus clearly without needing glasses.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The femtosecond laser is used in LASIK to create the all-laser cornea flap.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Amongst excimer lasers, there are several "brands" which all can have pros and cons.  I'd encourage you to visit your local LASIK center to determine which laser is best for your eyes.
mohammadrezaabbasi:
Hi. I want to know how you understand which one of the refractive surgeries (prk,lasik,lasek) is suitable for a myopic person according to his/her corneal topography?Which data do you pay attention to guide your patient?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If the cornea thickness and cornea shape are normal, then most people choose LASIK, as the recovery of visionis the fastest.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
PRK and LASEK are very similar, and are used if the cornea is thinner or if the cornea shape is not as regular.
sk123:
I have a very minor hole in my retina and was told that I should see a retina specialist before I can be cleared for LASIK, how necesary is that, and should most retina holes be repaired before LASIK?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
The retina doctor will actually know best, that's why you were asked to see the retina specialist.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Some retina holes are chronic, and will not change over time.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
But other retina holes can progress to a retinal detachment.  It's worth having it checked out prior to LASIK.
Brian402:
Hi doctor. I have never had misaligned eyes before in my life. I have high astigmatism and i feel that my left eye is deviating. I have not had any or surguries or injuries to the head or the eyes ever. I have no double vision. I see as good as i used to see before. And I feel that my left eye has deviated only slightly. Since last month i intentionally started focusing on the left with my left eye and it became sort of a habit. Could this have caused the deviation? And if i continue doing this will it be worse?  Should I try Lasik?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK is a great way to correct astigmatism.  And having the best possible vision is one of the best ways to keep your eyes straight so they don't deviate.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to see if you are a candidate.
palo_alto_mom:
How many procedures does an average lasik doctor perform in a year?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I have done a fellowship in refractive surgery, but have had busy and not-so-busy years depending on the circumstances.  I had one year with only about 50 cases, and other years with over 5000.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I think you should look for a LASIK specialist who performs the procedures at least a couple times a month.
Maltadiva:
Are there any conditions that would enable one to qualify for state-funded LASIK? My eyes and skin are very sensitive and lenses cause irritation and wearing glasses makes the bridge of my nose and behind my ears blister, no matter what weight or material the glasses are.