|
|
|
 |
 |
|
LASIK Close to five million people worldwide have had laser vision correction, including many high profile athletes and entertainers (Tiger Woods and four Boston Red Sox players, to name a few.) The term, LASIK, was unheard of four years ago and now is almost a household word. It seems as though everyone knows some relative, neighbor or co-worker who has had this operation. LASIK is a painless ten minute procedure that, by altering the shape of the clear cornea, can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. A thin flap is made on the front surface of the cornea, the laser reshapes the corneal bed according to your prescription and the flap is replaced. The majority of patients are comfortable the first night, experience improved vision and can return to work the next morning. It sounds almost too good to be true. In fact, for most patients, it is a wonderfully successful treatment that can produce clear vision and eliminate glasses or contacts. However, it is important to realize that this is an operation and there are no 100% guarantees. Not everyone has a perfect result. Problems and complications can occur in one to two percent of cases. Many people (especially those over the age of 45) will require glasses for part-time use. All patients will require the use of artificial tears for several weeks, and approximately 10% of patients will require an enhancement (additional laser treatment to eliminate any under-correction or over-correction). To determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure, you will need to go through an extensive examination with a variety of special measurements. You should have all your questions answered and be comfortable with the informed consent document. Unfortunately, the cost of the procedure is not covered by most insurances. Eye Health Services is a private practice group of ophthalmologists who have provided excellence in eye care to the South Shore for thirty years and have been doing laser vision correction for the past five years. If you have any questions about LASIK, call toll free 1-877-EYE-CAN-SEE (1-877-393-2267). |