Advantages and Disadvantages Lasik Surgery

The term Lasik implies the use of laser rays underneath the corneal flap to improve the shape of the cornea so as to correct defects in eyesight. In Medical terms, it is referred to as Lasik insitu keratomileuesis.

The procedure involves three steps:

* Removing the thin corneal flap by making a small incision.
* Reshaping the cornea to a predetermined pattern.
* Replacing the corneal flap back into position. Though the procedure sounds to be very advantageous and simple, it has certain disadvantages. What follows is a list of advantages and disadvantages of the procedure.

Advantages of Lasik surgery:

* It is a very short procedure that takes less than half an hour. There will be no stitches or bandages.
* It eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contacts.
* When compared to refractive surgery, the risk of visual impairment is much less through lasik.
* The technique has a high success rate. But it should be done by an experienced eye surgeon.
* Like other surgeries, hospitalization is not required. The patients can drive home on their own within one or two hours after the surgery. So there will be no disturbance to the regular work.

Disadvantages of Lasik surgery:

* The changes made to the structure of the cornea are irreversible.
* The need for reading glasses may arise in future.
* Some people may suffer with dry eyes, increased light sensitivity and double vision after undergoing the surgery.
* If the surgery is done without having made perfect calculations, it may result in under- or over-corrections in the shape of the cornea. This, in turn, results in additional vision problems. In certain cases, the actual problem may become even worse.
* This is a very expensive surgery. Many insurance companies do not offer coverage for lasik. Hence, check with your insurance provider before undergoing the surgery.
* In certain cases, other surgeries may have to be performed to obtain the complete results of lasik surgery. In some other cases, lasikly essential for several months after undergoing the surgery.
* Some people may suffer with glared vision or the presence of a halo around all the objects.

In view of the disadvantages of lasik surgery, it is essential to discuss with the doctor to find the actual cause for poor vision and decide if lasik can improve the vision. To reduce the risk of post operative complications, do thorough research and get the surgery done by an experienced eye surgeon with a great number of positive reviews.

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