The Science Behind Lasik Eye Surgery

Since being brought to market in the early 1990s, tens of millions of people around the world have taken advantage of Lasik eye surgery and put away the eye glasses and contacts forever. The procedure is relatively cost-effective and simple, yielding positive results for the majority of Lasik patients. But how many of those patients know the science behind Lasik?

Lasik is an acronym for the medical term "laser in situ kertomileusis". The term describes, in essence, what the procedure does; it uses a low level laser to reshape the cornea, the eye's transparent covering. In patients with near and far-sightedness the cornea is often misshapen, causing blurry vision at certain distances. By reshaping the cornea most patients can expect between 20/20 and 20/40 vision after the procedure. Lasik also seems to be effective astigmatism, an abnormal curvature of the cornea which, under normal conditions, is the shape of a half-moon.

With near-sighted patients the cornea has too much point at the crown of the curve. The laser is used to remove excess tissue and thus, remove the point. Far-sighted patients have the opposite problem; a cornea which is too flat. In this case the laser is used to remove tissue on the perimeter, forming the proper curve. With astigmatism the corneal defect can be manifested in several ways, but the process of removing tissue to restore corneal shape is the same.

As Lasik science has advanced over the years, great strides have been made in using lasers to treat other vision problems as well. Cataract sufferers, for example, begin to lose their vision as calcium deposits from behind the cornea. This condition often rendered its victims blind in past years, but with the same low-level laser an ophthalmologist can now quickly and safely open the cornea and remove the cataract completely. The cornea's ability to self-heal very rapidly after the procedure makes the use of Lasik even more attractive for cataract patients.

Though Lasik eye surgery can be an effective treatment for a number of vision problems, it does not address the underlying issue which caused the distress to begin with. Normal aging, as well as other health-related issues can once again cause the cornea to lose its proper shape, thus mitigating the benefits of the surgery. However, in most cases the return of poor vision takes quite a long time, making the benefits of the surgery well worth the risk.By Yang Yang

Effective Eye Care After Lasik Surgery

Post-operative eye care is very important to ensure the success of any eye surgery and make it effective. A lasik surgery or a laser eye surgery is relatively quick and the recovery process is very fast. A person who undergoes this surgery can resume work within a couple of days. The doctor will advise you to take precautions and refrain from certain activities for the next few days or weeks. Post lasik, you will be given certain eye drops that are anti-inflammatory to help with the healing process.

Immediately after the lasik surgery

As a part of post-operative eye care, it is recommended to use dark glasses to protect your eyes from bright lights. Even protective eye wear may be used to prevent accidental scratching during sleep. This also helps to reduce dry eyes after surgery. Right after the surgery you may feel slight irritation in the eyes. Even mild pain may be experienced for which your doctor will advise pain killers. The eye sight may be hazy and take some time to return to normal. It is also normal to have blood shot eyes at this point. You will find that after a couple of days the symptoms will wane and your eyes and vision will be better. It is recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses right after the surgery.

Eye care in the first few weeks

The eye care advised in the first few weeks after the lasik surgery should be followed without fail. All types of eye makeup and lotions should be avoided, especially around the eye area. Cleaning of the eyes on a daily basis should be done. It is better to refrain from swimming and saunas during the first few weeks. In fact all physical sports can be given up for at least a month after surgery. Although you can go on about other daily activities normally, remember to avoid physical strains. Your eyes should be shielded properly and you should avoid glaring lights by wearing dark glasses.

Eye care in the first few months

Although a lasik surgery is quick and easy on the eyes, the first months of eye care after the surgery determine the quality of vision that you attain. Your vision may take anything from three to six months to become stable. It is not uncommon to experience glares and driving difficulties, especially at night during this period. You should tell your doctor if the symptoms persist after the first three months. If the symptoms worsen, then report to the doctor immediately. A re-operation may be necessary is the eyes are still not stable after the first few months or if vision problems persist.

Lasik surgery for the eyes works well in most patients and has a high success rate. The process is quick and does not require staying in the hospital. However, effective eye care post-surgery ensures a higher success rate. One should follow all the eye care essentials as specified by the doctor during the first six months of surgery.

By Jeff Molenda

Eye Whitening Surgery - Facts About I-BRITE Conjunctiva Removal Procedure

The I-BRITE™ procedure is a no-stitch, no-graph conjunctiva removal procedure that whiten and brightens the eye by delicately removing excessive red veins, yellow growths, or areas of brown pigmentation.

I-BRITE™ is comfortable, quick and very easy to recover from. The white areas of the eyes (sclera) are covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is home to the majority of unsightly discolorations and red veins that make the sclera appear dull, dingy, unhealthy, bloodshot and more. Conjunctiva that is in poor shape can be efficiently removed, in which case it will regenerate. The crystal clear, newly-regenerated conjunctiva makes patients' eyes appear brighter and whiter than they can ever remember them being.

Benefits of I-BRITE™ eye whitening surgical procedure:

• 100% no-stitch, no-graft, very comfortable procedure;
• Removes the majority of red veins and the yellow/brown discoloration in the white areas of the eyes (sclera);
• Fast procedure: normally less than 1/2 hour to complete, per eye;
• Patients are able to return to work the day after the procedure in many cases;
• Full, brilliantly white results able to be seen in as little as four weeks;

The I-BRITE™ procedure instantly begins to rebuild faded confidence. Those afflicted with eye discoloration and red veins suffer. Often they report people accuse them of being overly tired, drunk, or high. After a quick 15 to 30 minute eye whitening procedure, years of suffering can be ended. A truly whiter, brighter future is able to be enjoyed.

Facts about the I-BRITE™ eye whitening surgical technique:

• Developed over 15 years by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler;
• No lasers are used;
• Conjunctiva (thin membranes on outside of eye whites) are completely removed;
• Conjunctiva is the location of veins and discoloration;
• Patients enjoy a little Valium and Vicodin before the procedure;
• Procedure often takes less than 30 minutes per eye;
• Patients wear eye patches for 24 hours after surgery;
• Can return to work the following day in many cases, if desired;
• Patients should wear sunglasses when outside while healing;
• Instantly recognizable results continue to improve as new, crystal clear membranes (conjunctiva) regenerate;
• Anti-inflammatory/antibiotic eye drops will be used after surgery for 8 weeks to allow full recovery;
• Eyes may appear red for a week or two;
• Full "bright white" results achieved in 3 to 12 weeks after procedure;

I-BRITE™ eye whitening surgery techniques are designed to be minimally invasive, very comfortable and quick to recover from. Most of the time, the discoloration and red blood veins in eyes results from years of exposure to sunlight. After receiving the I-BRITE™ procedure, patients are more mindful about protecting their new, shiny eyes. They are much more likely to wear sunglasses whenever the risk of UV exposure presents itself. Those who take good care of their post-I-BRITE™ eyes can enjoy brilliantly white eye whites for decades to come.

What are the risks of side effects associated with the I-BRITE™ eye whitening procedure?

• Temporary redness and/or bruising after surgery;
• Temporary sensitivity to light;
• Some stinging when applying eye drops after procedure;
• Temporary swelling of eyelids;
• Some degree of temporary discomfort;
• Dryness while healing;

Although it's possible to return to work the day after the procedure, many patients take off for 4 to 7 days. Gardening and other dusty tasks should be avoided for 2 weeks after the procedure, as should swimming.

The I-BRITE™ surgical procedure is not recommended for women who are pregnant.

More facts about BRITE™ eye brightening techniques:

• Is available for appropriate candidates 16 and older;
• Very high success rates with very few instances of secondary surgeries being needed;
• Monthly follow-up appointments required for the first 3 months after procedure;
• Is possible those who wear contact lenses;
• Removes pterygium or pinguecula;
• Does not require amniotic membrane transplant (AMT);

What does the I-BRITE™ eye whitening procedure cost?

Most patients finance the procedures and pay monthly installments of roughly $175.

Depending on the severity of the condition of a patient's conjunctiva, the I-BRITE™ corrective procedure will cost between $3500 and $5500 per eye, if paid outright. Having the whiteness returned to discolored, bloodshot eyes restores confidence and makes life more enjoyable in general. The I-BRITE™ procedure for whitening eyes is the most modern and sophisticated technique available anywhere on the planet. Explore eye whitening further today and enjoy a clearer, whiter future!

By Dr. Brian Boxer-Wachler

LASIK Eye Surgery Dangers

LASIK eye surgery is utilised to handle people who have vision problems. The operation - also known as situ keratomileusis - utilises a laser to make its way underneath the flap of the cornea to help remold the cornea itself. When done the right way LASIK eye surgery will be efficient to repair certain vision problems that makes some people to put on contacts or glasses.
All The Same, like with any medical procedures there are particular pros and cons to deliberate. Many health experts do think that LASIK is a very good process and the majority of patients are pleased with the effects from it. Still, there are gambles involved that people should be made aware of. These risks should be weighed before you make you concluding decision to go through with the operation.
Under Eye Corrections
Betting on how advanced your vision problem is and how well the surgery is didst will determine whether or not one operation is adequate to adjust the trouble. While the majority of people see instant results after only just one operation there are others who are determined to do two in order to mend the problem and see any effects. This second operation will be utilized to focalize the vision and is most commonly for people with truly profound prescriptions. In order to implement the second surgery the patient must hold a few months after the first one to permit the eyes to heal and adjust.
Still Need Contacts And Glasses
It is very rare that individuals will have to wear glasses or contacts even after the operation - but it can happen. This will count on whether or not you have various vision problems and which one you are rectifying. It is best to talk to your doctor about this possibility.
Non Permanent Results
This is also very rare. There are some patients who will have their vision troubles come back after several years since the surgery was performed. Having this problem is more common in people who are older and whose vision is passing due to old age. It is possible to have another LASIK eye surgery to repair the troubles over again.
Visual Aberrations
Visual aberrations are specified visual effects that can occur during the reduction of visual quality and LASIK surgery. The most popular of these is anisometropia - the difference in the refractive power between both eyes, aniseikonia - the difference in the size of the image that is between both eyes, hazy vision, double vision, and the fluctuation of vision during the day time. These troubles are rare and may never go away.
Dry Eye
Several people will have symptoms of dry eye after the surgery. These symptoms may get worse and lead to inflammation, burning, and a reduction in vision after the surgery. The majority of the time this is a enduring condition - but there are medicines that can help you to produce tears.
Loss Of Vision
One of the worst LASIK eye surgery risks can induce such horrible vision problems that glasses and contacts cannot help to improve it. This could be caused by scarring, malfunctioning equipment, infection, or extreme corneal shape alterations.

By Naomi West