LASIK

LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon cuts a flap in the stroma, then uses an excimer laser to remove material under the flap. LASIK usually takes less than one minute per eye.

• Epi-Lasik is like LASIK in that the flap is cut only in the epithelium, but the surgeon uses neither a blade nor alcohol. Instead, the surgeon uses an epikeratome, which is a separator that creates an epithelial sheet. Because no alcohol is involved, patients are likely to feel less pain than in alcohol procedures and will generally heal faster.

• Bladeless or "All Laser" LASIK is like LASIK, except that an additional laser instead of a bladed instrument (mikrokeratome) is used to create the flap in front of the eye. As with regular LASIK, the flap is lifted and laser energy is used to reshape the eye for vision correction.

• Custom LASIK or Wavefront LASIK: Custom LASIK surgery, also known as wavefront LASIK or wavefront-guided LASIK, uses 3-dimensional measurements of how your eye processes images to guide the laser in re-shaping the front part of the eye (cornea). With a wavefront measurement system, some extremely precise, individualized vision correction outcomes may be achieved that would be impossible with traditional LASIK surgery, contact lenses, or eyeglasses... Depending on the custom laser system used and other factors such as appropriate thickness of your cornea, a patient might be considered a candidate if he/she has mild to moderately high degrees of common defects such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is similar to LASIK, except the surgeon creates a flap in the epithelium without a blade and then performs the laser ablation. This means that any infection would be more readily treatable. LASEK is still in the investigational stages.
ReSTOR Lens is the brand name for the Acrysof ReStor apodized multifocal intraocular lens. The ReStor lens is used with cataract surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). The potential advantage of any multifocal lens is the ability to see clearly objects both near and distant.

ReSTOR attempts too resolve presbyopia.

Photoablation Procedures - In photoablation, a surgeon uses ultraviolet radiation to remove tissue. Photoablation is the second step in LASIK and LASEK. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is an eye surgery that treats nearsightedness, mild to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon uses an excimer laser to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea. This removal (or ablation) results in a new shape, thus reducing the vision problem. PRK usually takes less than one minute per eye.

RK (Radial Keratotomy) treats mild to moderate nearsightedness. The surgeon makes incisions in a radial (spoke-like) pattern in your cornea, which causes it to flatten, thus reducing nearsightedness. The procedure usually takes less than half an hour.
Ten years ago, RK was performed fairly often. Today, surgeons prefer newer myopia correction procedures, such as LASIK and corneal ring insertion.

AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy) treats astigmatism. The surgeon cuts the cornea in a manner that allows it to become more rounded when it heals. Many people undergo AK in addition to other corrective eye surgery.

HK (Hexagonal Keratotomy) used to be performed to treat farsightedness. Surgeons stopped using it because of the high incidence of complications. Limbal and Scleral Incision Procedures - The outer layer of the eye can be divided into three areas: the cornea, the limbus, and the sclera. The cornea is the clear part that covers the iris and pupil.

LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty) is a new procedure that was FDA-approved in June 2000 to treat mild farsightedness (hyperopia) in people over 40. The surgeon uses a holmium laser as the heat source. The procedure takes only a few seconds. In some people, the amount of correction is reduced over time, so they would require pretreatment to maintain their level of vision correction.

RFK (Radio Frequency Keratoplasty) is another such procedure , but it is still in investigational stages. Radio waves are the heat source, and the procedure takes about 15 minutes. Epikeratophakia treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon attaches human donor tissue to the cornea. Surgeons occasionally performs Epikeratophakia to treat keratoconus, but they usually do not use it in other circumstances.

SEBS (Scleral Expansion Bands) are new implantation devices to treat presbyopia. The surgeon places four PMMA segments just below the surface of the sclera. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is still in investigational stages.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) uses mild heat from radio waves to shrink collagen in the periphery of the cornea. This steepens the cornea overall to correct farsightedness or presbyopia. This procedure takes about five minutes. Near vision CK is a monovision technique that induces myopia in the patient's non-dominant eye to help people with presbyopia see items both near and distant. Presbyopia is when you need to use reading glasses or bifocals. CK was first FDA approved as a treatment for hyperopia; however, hyperopia treatment with CK has been all but abandoned. Most doctors prefer the more permanent conventional or custom wavefront LASIK, Intralasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, P-IOL, or RLE to resolve hyperopia.

IOLs (intraocular lenses) have been around for several decades and are normally implanted during cataract surgery. They replace the eye's natural lens, which have become cloudy from cataract and must be removed by the surgeon. IOLs used to be available only as a fixed focal lens to provide distance vision, with cataract patients requiring eyeglasses to help them with intermediate and close-up vision after the surgery. But new IOLs have been introduced that allow the lens to move in the eye or to see at near, intermediate and distance ranges without reading glasses. The technology may not be limited to cataract patients alone, as some surgeons are exploring the use of accommodative IOLs for people who need correction for their myopia, hyperopia, and/or presbyopia. Currently, no lenses are specifically FDA approved for this type of non-cataract procedure. But some eye surgeons will exchange a patient's healthy natural lens for an artificial lens or IOL as a way of providing correction in certain circumstances.

ICL/P-IOLs (Implantable contact lenses or phakic intraocular lenses) are new implantation devices that can treat severe nearsightedness and farsightedness. During a 6 to 20 minute procedure (depending on the type of lens used), the surgeon attaches the lens to the iris or places it behind the iris and in front of the eye's natural lens. Unlike regular contact lenses, you cannot feel the lenses and they do not require any maintenance. The eye surgery is reversible should complications occur. Intacs are plastic inserts that at one time were marketed to treat mild nearsightedness and mild astigmatism, but now are used primarily to correct corneal bulging (keratoconus). The surgeon places the segments in the cornea to flatten it. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The ring segments, though designed to be permanent, can be removed if necessary. Intacs received FDA approval in July 2004. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) is essentially cataract surgery, but exclusively for refractive purposes.

RLE is sometimes called Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), and Refractive Lens Replacement (RLR). In RLE, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a silicone or plastic intraocular lens (IOL). The replacement IOL is of a power to correct most, if not all, of the patient's hyperopia or myopia. RLE alone is not very successful at correcting astigmatism. To correct astigmatism, conventional or custom wavefront LASIK, Intralasik, PRK, LASEK, CK, or Epi-Lasik may be required in addition to RLE.

The Benefits of LASIK vs. Contacts and Glasses

LASIK:
It's the latest and greatest, right? Life without glasses not so bad either, right? Unless you've been living in a cave you must have heard of laser surgery or LASIK. It's the newest and fastest growing tool eye surgeons now use to correct visual disturbances including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and more!
Many people with contacts and glasses like them; others have waited a long time for technology to come up with a way to change their lives… to give them back their freedom. Some people are still on the fence waiting for the technology to be absolutely perfected. For many LASIK surgery is the tool they have been waiting for. BUT…
Doing Your Homework:
Before you jump into the surgeon's chair, you better know what lies ahead. Let's compare LASIK surgeries to contemporary or traditional contacts and eyeglasses to see which you might prefer. Your answer may (or may not) surprise you.
How They Measure Up:
Perhaps you have worn glasses your whole life and want to try something new, but are not at all interested in contacts. In fact, the very idea of inserting a contact into your eye gives you the willies. Well, don't worry, you are not alone.
Alternatively, perhaps you are a contact lens wearer that is tired of spending money on disposables. You probably have a pair of back-up eyeglasses, but decide you'd rather not wear them. OK, that's just fine. So what do you do? LASIK may present new alternatives for those formerly resigned to wearing glasses or contact lenses. EVEN people with hard to correct vision problems may benefit from LASIK. While you may not be able to achieve perfect vision, you might dramatically improve the quality of your vision, and thus your life in general.
For some, while contacts or glasses can be fun, they may also prove a burden. How can that happen? Let's talk more about the pros and cons of each and you'll soon decide whether LASIK would benefit you and your lifestyle.
Eyeglasses:
For many, eyeglasses are fun. They are a way to enhance one's appearance and a relatively inexpensive way to express one's personality. If lost, they are generally replaceable. You can mix them up and change them to match your mood, your outfit and your budget. Many people buy eyeglasses frames with clear plastic lenses to spice up a jacket.
Naturally, there are people that do not feel wearing eyeglasses is of any benefit. Naturally, as you expect, there are of course, some cons to wearing glasses. Glasses for example, distort the form and size of objects you may look at. So, while you may "think" you are seeing clearly, you are only seeing through the limited frame of your glasses. Many people with glasses can't see beyond the periphery of the frames they select.
Eyeglasses can improve your appearance, but they might also detract from it or highlight a big nose. They can make your eyes appear larger than they are, so you come out with a raccoon like effect. Unless you pay for the right lenses, you may experience glare. This is one of the worst side effects of wearing eyeglasses. If you don't remember to take them off before a photo shoot, you will look like your eyes are nothing but bright white orbs!
Some frames are heavy, though you can buy lightweight frames. For those with thick lenses however, heavy frames may be the only option, gradually leaving a permanent imprint on the bridge of one's nose. Eyeglasses are also subject to wear and tear and do eventually need to be replaced. Think about how many times you sat on your glasses by mistake! If you haven't count yourself lucky, because sooner or later someone always does, even if you don't personally smash them.
Contact Lenses:
The greatest advantage contact lenses have over glasses is they are convenient and allow the wearer to retain their natural appearance. That means you don't have to worry about looking bug eyed or getting headaches from wearing thick lenses.
They don't sit on the face, so if you have a large nose you don't have to worry about your eyeglasses enhancing your nose even more than usual. Contacts move with your eyes, so you can get away with wearing them without someone necessarily knowing you even need them. They can also be fun. You can now buy contacts in multiple colors, to change the color or shape of your eye. This is perhaps the greatest benefit for people that want to make wearing contacts fun and engaging. Think about it… you can be green eyed one day and blue the next!
Those wearing contacts however, are prone to infection. You are much more likely to get an infection from wearing contacts than you are from wearing glasses. You are probably less at risk for infection if you have LASIK too, depending on the type of LASIK surgery you elect.
Another problem with contacts is you have to care for your contacts religiously. If you don't you will either break them or irritate your eye, causing an infection! Some people find wearing contacts irritating. There are others that try as they might, just can't get the dang things in their eye, so what is a person supposed to do?
As you can see, there are pros and cons with everything. Some people will simply never be able to wear contacts because they find them irritating or they simply won't correct their vision enough to make purchasing them worthwhile. Which leads us to the next option; sizing up contacts and eyeglasses to LASIK. You know; laser eyes!
Contacts and Glasses Vs. Lasik
The key difference between LASIK and contacts or glasses is LASIK improves vision so the user doesn't have to worry about prescription lenses most of the time (MOST not all of the time). At the very least, LASIK can correct vision so that visual disturbances are minimal. That means for all the bulky eyeglass wearers out there, there is hope you can correct your vision well enough to you can finally buy the featherweight glasses you've always wanted.
They'll make you look more distinguished, right?
Here are some real advantages of LASIK over corrective lenses:
• Glasses limit peripheral vision, whereas LASIK improves overall vision. So, if LASIK works well, you will be able to see well without having to worry about missing something that falls outside your primary visual field.

• LASIK typically improves vision more precisely than glasses or contact lenses can, especially when the patient received custom procedures that map the exact contours of the eye. That means you may walk away from the procedure with better vision than someone that has never had to wear corrective lenses!

• Certain LASIK procedures can help address higher or lower order aberrations of the eye, resulting in improved vision. Thanks to modern technology, even when things go wrong with the eye, LASIK can often make them right!

• LASIK is good for those that have moderate vision problems and want the security of being able to see without wearing lenses or eyeglasses. Let's face it; everyone has lost a pair of glasses or a contact at some point in their life; what do you do if you don't have a spare handy? Do you just go blind? No, you go LASIK.

• LASIK over time will probably save you more money than you spend. Think about the number of eyeglasses you buy over time or the pairs of contacts; you may have already spent more than you might if you just used LASIK to improve your vision. Then you can just keep a pair of glasses or contacts on stand by as a fond memento of times long past.
That said there are some downsides to LASIK. There are relatively few complications associated with wearing contact lenses, and almost none associated with wearing glasses. LASIK surgery however, does come with some risks. The most commonly reported side effects include long lasting dry eyes.
You should also note that LASIK is surgery to your eye; that means your surgeon will permanently change the shape of your eye. The idea is to help you achieve perfect or near perfect vision. Sometimes however, you suffer complications that actually distort your vision in a way that cannot be corrected, even if you go back to wearing glasses.
Some patients are at risk for corneal abrasion or other problems. Some studies suggest LASIK surgery may contribute to higher order aberrations, the very ones it sometimes corrects interestingly enough.
Still other patients may experience under or over correction. That means you will probably have to pay for another LASIK procedure to fix the over or under correction and hope your surgeon gets it right the next time.
Fortunately, by selecting a competent surgeon and carefully selecting the type of LASIK procedure you undergo, most of the time you can reduce your risk of complication to the point where the benefits of surgery outweigh any risks. Most people report they are happy with the results of LASIK. For many LASIK has been a lifesaver, allowing them to participate in activities they may never have had they not treated their eyes to surgery.
As with anything in life, you have to consider your personal health, your medical history and your love or hate of wearing lenses. This will help you decide whether LASIK is right for you. If I had the money, I would bank on it. AFTER finding a really good surgeon that is…
Does LASIK Save Money?
When it comes to cost, LASIK is superior to both glasses and contacts, because while you may pay more for surgery initially, over your lifetime you will end up paying less. The average person for example, who wears glasses, will likely own several different pairs during their lives. They may also need to replace lenses periodically because of damage or a changing prescription. They may want to combine contacts with their glasses. They may need prescription sunglasses. You can get the cheapest pair of glasses or contacts available. Most people with moderate vision problems however, can spend up to $400 or more on a good pair of glasses. Over time, this will likely add up to far more than the initial $1-3k investment in LASIK surgery.
HOWEVER, (there is always a but), there are cases where you need multiple laser procedures because the first surgery leads to complications. When this is the case you may spend more than you intended. One way to prevent the shock that comes with paying for another surgery is insurance. Find out if your insurance provides any relief or assistance with payments resulting from less than ideal outcomes. Alternately, you can talk to your surgery center about your post surgical options.
Most LASIK specialists are more than happy to convert the world of contact lens and eyeglass wearers to the world of perfected laser vision…
Do You Prefer Lenses To Lasik? Read On
A new study revealed in the Journal of Ophthalmology may put some patients' fears to rest when considering LASIK surgery. While LASIK surgery often provides superior vision correction, many patients prefer to use contact lenses for fear of "lasering" their eyes. According to the Dr. Gary Varley, one of the study experts, wearing contact lenses continuously for extended periods may be MORE dangerous or risky than LASIK surgery.
This is good news for surgeons and patients alike. The new study found that the chances for complications, including vision loss, were only one in 10,000 for LASIK patients, compared to one in 2,000 for lens wearers. This study clearly suggests LASIK may be superior to artificial corrective lenses.
Why LASIK May Be Better For Some
How is it that a surgical procedure is safer than a non-surgical one? According the Dr. Varley, there are many reasons lens wearers are more at risk for complications including vision loss. These reasons may include:
• Patients who fail to wash their hands properly before inserting lenses.
• Patients who sleep in their contact lenses (when the lenses they are using are not meant for sleep).
• Patients fail to get routine eye exams or proper eye care.
• Patients who are frail or unable to wear contact lenses or prescriptive lenses adeptly.
Many people have problems wearing lenses because they do not clean them properly or have difficulty keeping their lenses sterile. A doctor typically doesn't follow up with a contact lens wearer to verify that they are using proper precautions when cleaning their lenses. On the other hand, doctors are extremely careful to follow up with patients to make sure their vision is safe after a LASIK procedure.
Therefore, if you are one of the millions of people that have doubted the potential perks of LASIK, it may be time to reevaluate your indecision. If you are vigilant about caring for your contact lenses and eyes, you may have no problem sticking with lenses. Still, it may be nice to ditch them for LASIK.
If you are one of those people that are a little lax about hygiene or their lenses' care, you might consider LASIK a much safer choice. It's also cheaper in the long term. The study suggests that performing the LASIK procedure on candidates is no more risky than wearing contacts, and may be even less risky. Remember that contact lens wearers are much more at risk for serious complications, including vision loss, than LASIK candidates. If anything happens to a lens, damage to the underlying cornea may result. That is why more and more lens wearers are beginning to see the benefits of using LASIK surgery.
If you are not certain what procedure is best for you, be sure to talk with your eye care professional. Together the two of you can weigh the pros and cons to determine what is best for you. A physician is the best person to determine who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, and who may benefit from other procedures or corrective lenses. Make sure you find a competent and qualified ophthalmologist or other eye care specialist to answer your questions and assess your eligibility.
Risks of LASIK Surgery

Before getting involved with any surgery, you should educate yourself about the risks. This is true of LASIK.
LASIK Complications
There are several complications associated with LASIK procedures, some more prevalent than others. How do you know if you have to worry? Most studies conducted during the late 1990s suggest the risk of complications averaged 5%.
Since that time however, newer technology and better-qualified surgeons now report the risks associated with LASIK are more along the lines of 1%. This of course, only applies to patients that are meticulously screened prior to surgery. The good news is most of these complications resolve relatively quickly after surgery or are temporary.
Among the more commonly reported complications of surgery are flap complications. Flap complications occur in the hinged flap covering the front of the cornea. Doctors typically lift this flap to reshape the cornea then replace so the flap serves as a bandage.
One of the risks associated with cutting the flap using a microkeratome is abrasion. However, new technology including use of IntraLase technology has limited this risk significantly.
Some studies suggest cutting a flap and then using custom LASIK procedures may result in adverse outcomes, in part because surgeons don't use custom procedures to create the hinged eye flap. Therefore replacing it over the reshaped cornea may result in less than optimal outcomes.
Another risk associated with LASIK is Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis or DLK. Many call this disorder the "Sands of the Sahara". It results when dead cells lodge beneath the corneal flap. The cornea mistakenly assumes these cells are harmful and initiates an inflammatory response. Unfortunately this may result in scarring, and permanent vision loss may occur if prompt treatment is not initiated.
Irregular Astigmatism
One common side effect resulting from traditional procedures is irregular astigmatism. This can result when laser correction isn't conducted properly or when the corneal surface is not smooth. The symptoms can include seeing double. Many patients experiencing this complication will need additional surgery to correct the problem.
Sometimes double vision is caused by minor swelling after surgery and resolves itself.
Other Common Complications
Here is a list of some other complications associated with LASIK:
• Keratectasia - This condition results when a surgeon cuts the flap too deeply or removes too much tissue during surgery. This results in weakening and bulging of the cornea. Distorted vision may be permanent.
• Dry eye - Dry eye is a much more commonly reported side effect of LASIK surgery. This can contribute to inflammation and infection, but is typically resolved using artificial tears.
• Infection - Some patients will develop infections following surgery. Fortunately the risk of infection is relatively low. Some doctors prescribe prophylatic antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.
• Night Vision Problems - These are more common when surgeons use traditional LASIK procedures. They may also result when the surgeon treats too small of an area surrounding the pupil.
• Over or under correction - This can result in blurry vision or minor visual disturbances. Many times patients will have to wear contact lenses or glasses to resolve the problem. Re-treatment with the laser is often possible.
It is important you carefully weigh your risk of complications and side effects when talking with your doctor. Your doctor can help you make an educated decision and decide whether the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.

Possible Post Operative Complications
There are many advantages to LASIK surgery, but also complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks worth mentioning. It is important you weigh the potential benefits of the surgery with the risks associated with surgery. Doing so will help you minimize your "risk" when taking advantage of all lasik has to offer.
Common Side Effects
There are some common side effects typically considered mild. Many resolve within a short time following surgery or with proper treatment. Examples of common side effects include:
• Dry eye - eye drops may help stimulate tear production and resolve this problem.
• Glare - this may occur as halos or bursts of bright light occurring most often at night. This happens because of an irregularity occurring between the parts of the cornea operated on and those untouched by the surgeon or laser. Some patients have larger sized pupils, while most people's pupils also dilate more in the evening. This may result in a difference between the width of the area operated on and untouched, resulting in a halo effect. Many doctors can help correct this problem by utilizing newer technology. If this is a concern be sure to ask your doctor about minimizing the impact of this side effect.
• Infection - the rate of postoperative infection is relatively low. Many studies suggest the risk is less than 1%. Some patients have a genetic condition resulting in thinning of the pupil after surgery. Most surgeons will screen for this prior to surgery.
• DLK - roughly 2-3% of patients experience a condition called diffuse lamellar keratitis. This syndrome typically resolves shortly after surgery.
• Corneal Abrasion - some patients may develop a small abrasion following surgery. If this does occur a surgeon can help provide comfort and promote healing within a few days.
• Induced astigmatism - Some patients will experience astigmatism following surgery, even where they did not have this visual problem before. This may result in slightly blurred vision, and typically can be managed with a re treatment.
• Over and under correction - LASIK is not always an exact science. Typically a surgeon will do his or her best to reshape the cornea to the desired shape, producing good vision. The amount the surgeon manipulates the cornea depends on many factors. It is possible however, that a patient may not respond to treatment as expected, and a difference may result in the result and the surgeon's expectation. An under or over correction typically results in temporary difficulty, but if permanent the surgeon may need to reinitiate the procedure to correct. Typically undercorrection occurs more often than overcorrection and is more common in patients with larger visual disturbances. To correct this problem the surgeon may recommend an enhancement procedure. You can consult with your physician ahead of time to decide your risk for this side effect.
Factors that may influence your risk for side effects include your surgeon's technique and experience, the types of instrumentation used and the calibration of the laser. This is one of the reasons it is so important to investigate your surgeon's background thoroughly, to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Remember when it comes to your vision, cheaper is not always better. Look for a well-qualified surgeon that comes on recommendation, and you should realize a small percentage if any complications after surgery.

What To Do About Dry Eyes Following LASIK Procedures
One of the most common side effects of LASIK surgery or refractive surgery of any kid is dry eyes. Dry eyes can last for a few days, for several weeks, or for months following surgery.
Surgeons are increasingly searching for new and effective tools to help prevent dry eyes following LASIK procedures. One way to avoid dry eyes is to avoid LASIK if you suffer dry eyes before surgery. Patients who have dry eye syndrome normally will usually have worsening symptoms following any LASIK procedure.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Anyone can have dry eyes, even those without LASIK surgery. Some patients have dry eyes before having LASIK procedures performed, placing them more at risk for irritation following surgery. Dry eye is a common condition suffered by millions of people. It results from an inability to produce tears or decreased production of fluid from the tear ducts located in the eyes. This can be a hereditary condition, or one caused by illness or injury. Some people notice they experience dry eyes during certain weather conditions.
Usually, having dry eyes does not present many problems. Doctors often prescribe artificial tears to people with chronic dry eyes. This is a simple and proven method for relieving the itching and discomfort associated with dry eyes. Other people rely on over-the-counter medications to combat occasional dry eyes, which may result from illness. Any medical treatments designed to correct dry eyes usually focus on restoring the eyes' ability to produce natural tears.
Here are common symptoms of dry eyes to look out for:
• Stinging or burning sensation of the eyes
• Infrequent tearing, even at times when tearing seems necessary
• Redness or swelling of the eyes
• Scratchy feeling in the eyes, as if a foreign substance were in the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Eyes that fatigue easily
• Difficulty seeing, including having blurry vision
Some people with dry eyes and vision problems find it impossible to wear contacts. This is one reason many people with myopia or related vision problems seek corrective surgery, like LASIK, to improve their vision. LASIK can be very effective for restoring vision in people with dry eyes, even if people with dry eyes are more at risk for complications.
Dry Eyes Treatment And Prevention
If you do suffer dry eyes following LASIK, be sure to contact your surgeon. He or she may prescribe special eye drops that will help ease your discomfort. Some other ways to improve your symptoms including wearing shades, resting frequently and avoiding spending long hours at a computer or reading for several days following surgery. Occasionally a surgeon must prescribe medications to help replace natural tears.
The good news is most patients' dry eye symptoms do resolve within a few months at most following surgery. If you have concerns about dry eyes following lasik, be sure to consult with your LASIK surgeon BEFORE you undergo the procedure. Your surgeon may adapt his or her techniques to help minimize your risk of developing LASIK dry eyes.
For more information on dry eyes, check out: The LASIK Surgery Checklist
Bring this list with you and ask your doctor about ways you can reduce side effects associated with LASIK surgery.
Caring For Your Dry Eyes
Whether you opt for LASIK surgery or not, you should take care to protect your eyes. If you suffer from dry eyes, you can adopt simple lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve your vision. Here are a few tips to consider for combating eye fatigue and improving the sensations you feel in your eyes:
• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. UV rays can damage your eyes, leading to many problems including dry eyes.
• Try wearing protective gear when biking or out on windy days, as these conditions can worsen symptoms of dry eyes.
• Increase the humidity in your home, which helps lubricate your eyes naturally. You can buy a cold air humidifier just about anywhere. Just add water, plug it in, and give your eyes a much-needed break.
• Try to avoid rubbing your eyes if they feel irritated, as this can introduce bacteria into your eyes, making your condition worse.
If you find simple measures are not enough to relieve your symptoms, be sure to check back with your eye doctor for a follow-up visit. Your doctor may try a different prescription or recommend re-treatment of your eyes to improve your symptoms. He or she may also refer you to a specialist to rule out any underlying health conditions that may contribute to your symptoms.

Some Patients Face Greater Risks From LASIK
Every year millions of people undergo traditional refractive surgery or LASIK procedures. Most patients experience superb results, improving their vision to 20/20 or better in many cases.
However, LASIK surgery is not without it's risks. In fact, roughly one out of every 2,000 patients will experience worsening vision because of LASIK, in part due to an eye disease or other condition that flares following surgery.
Is LASIK The Right Surgery For You?
For most patients LASIK is a fast and very easy surgery. However, for others LASIK surgery is not even a possibility. One of the most important steps you must take as a patient is interviewing a competent physician to rule out any risk factors you may have for a poor LASIK outcome.
While many patients look like they have normal eyes, on further examination a qualified physician may discover an abnormality. An example may include a thin cornea. Since the lasik procedure thins and reshapes the cornea, surgery on someone with a thin cornea may prove very risky. The odds of coming out of surgery with near perfect vision are not always as high if you have a condition like this.
Some patients in fact, with thin corneas may come out of LASIK surgery with visual disturbances or swollen and bulging eyes.
Certain eye diseases, including those that thin the cornea, sometimes progress much more quickly following invasive procedures like LASIK. This can cause a host of problems for patients.
How do you determine if you have a thin cornea? You can't do it on your own. An eye doctor must do a pachymetry test, typically using ultrasound waves, to measure your corneal thickness. This tool is very important for LASIK physicians, as it can rule out patients that are not well-suited to surgery.
A clinical exam is not enough when it comes to your eye health. Make sure you interview your doctor and investigate what types of screening they will conduct before surgery. This can save you the unnecessary complication of having surgery when it will increase a pre-existing eye disease or problem.
PRK And Related News
The good news is there are treatment options for those with thin corneas and other corneal abnormalities or diseases. One option is PRK surgery. This is a type of refractive surgery where the outer layer of the cornea is removed rather than folded back. While the results are not as immediate as LASIK surgery, they are quite good. Most patients fell the wait associated with surgeries like PRK is well worth it to protect their eyesight in the long-term.
Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for LASIK or other procedures like PRK. Remember that surgeries like PRK may have a longer recovery time, but they can save your eye from permanent visual disturbances. At most many patients recover within a one to two week time period. Not such a bad time to ensure the health of your eyes.

Lasik Resources
What is LASIK? Where do I go to get wavefront-guided surgery? How do I know my doctor is competent to perform surgery?
There are dozens of questions swirling around the heads of patients interested in LASIK technology. There are fortunately, just as many resources available to help patients find the answers to their most pressing questions. Use the links provided below to learn more about LASIK surgery and other refractive surgery. The more education you have about your eyes, the better able you are to make important decisions about your eye care.
The sites provided below provide details about studies involving Lasik surgery, as well as overviews of the procedure, outcomes, complications and side effects. You'll also gain access to various tools to help you decide whether LASIK is right for you.
LASIK Resources
Interested in LASIK surgery but need a few questions answered first? Try our resource list.
MEDLINE Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Provides detailed information about LASIK and other common refractive surgery. Peer reviewed journals and other information about surgery and links to professionals. Just type "lasik" into the search engine or go direct to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lasereyesurgery.html
Medscape
http://www.medscape.com
Provides comprehensive information and links to LASIK resources and information. Much like Medline, providing peer reviewed journal articles, study opportunities and more. A good site for laypersons and professionals alike.
Sight and Hearing Association
http://www.sightandhearing.org
The Sight and Hearing Association is an organization dedicating to preventing hearing and vision loss through research and education. Find free information about vision and corrective procedures here, including LASIK.
State of Georgia Vision and Lasik Resources
http://www.stateofgeorgia.com/visandlasres.html
This site provides information and links to people living in the state of Georgia interested in finding a qualified LASIK surgeon.
UPMC - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
http://lasik.upmc.com/Resources.htm
UPMC provides a complete overview of LASIK procedure and video describing the surgical technique and hospital protocols. The site also offers details about pre-operative and post-operative care. Help finding a doctor.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/LASIK/resources.htm
Provides links to non-Federal organizations with information about LASIK eye surgery and related procedures. Also provides an overview of what LASIK is, help evaluating your candidacy for surgery, and a FAQ about LASIK procedures. Also provides a table of FDA-approved lasers for LASIK and a lasik checklist.
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
http://www.ascrs.org/
A non-profit organization committed to providing information on cataract treatment and prevention. Includes detailed information on refractive surgery including LASIK and wavefront-guided technology. Links to research materials on LASIK provided.
International Society Refractive Surgery (ISRS)
http://www.isrs.org/
International resource providing information and overviews on all types of refractive surgery, tips for selecting a doctor and registered members. Includes a member's only section for professionals and laypeople alike.
Lasik Resources
http://www.lasik-resources.com/
This site is primarily a blog providing information and links to various LASIK information, providers and resources.

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Excellent site for general and specific information on ALL aspects of eye care, eye diseases and surgery.



International Society of Refractive Surgery:  Get answers to all your basic refractive surgery related questions. What Is Refractive Surgery? How Does Refractive Surgery Work? What Refractive Surgical Techniques Are Currently Available?



American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery: Extensive information on cataract and refractive eye surgery.



Glaucoma Research Foundation Glaucoma:  Information to include the latest research projects.



National Eye Institute:  Information for Public and Patients Information on common eye diseases and current research efforts.



The Contact Lens Council:  Information on contact lens options, glasses and refractive surgery.



CRS Clinical Research, Inc.:  CRS was founded to provide peer-based independent validation of surgical products and procedures.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Center for Devices and Radiological Health:  information on LASIK surgery.