Health Fitness :: Health
Laser Eye Surgery by Kent McGroarty
EDGE ContributorFriday Sep 28, 2007 While the thought of never having to deal with contacts, contact solution, drops, or glasses ever again is an attractive one, laser eye surgery is not a foolproof way to perfect vision. There are side effects, the possibility of further treatment after surgery, and the fact that the procedure’s final outcome cannot be guaranteed. It is therefore of the utmost importance to research laser eye surgery to determine whether or not one is a good candidate before making the decision to have the surgery performed.
Although the majority of laser eye surgery patients acquire better vision, this surgery is not for everyone. Surgery is always dangerous and risky with potential side effects such as infection and tissue scarring, among others. Furthermore, the eyes are done separately resulting in a fairly long recovery period.
What is laser eye surgery exactly? Laser vision correction generally refers to "the surgical correction of refractive errors using ultraviolet or ’Excimer’ lasers." This means that your prescription is "permanently etched on your eye." Keep in mind that basic surgery will not eliminate the need for reading glasses by those who use them. Since laser eye surgery is a "newer" surgery, no one really knows what the effects are long-term which is scary!
Numerous other unpleasant side effects besides scarring and infection can occur from the surgery. The FDA, which approved the surgery, cannot or will not inform consumers as to the risks involved which is disturbing! Side effects from laser eye surgery include double vision, glare, halos or ’starbursts’ of light, painfully dry eyes, mild discomfort, unstable vision, night vision problems, aberrations, tissue displacement, swelling, infection, and in rare cases, permanent lost of vision. Undercorrection is also common and requires a touch-up procedure to be performed 90 days after the first procedure. It is also possible vision acuity will actually decrease after surgery, even with continued use of glasses or contacts.
Recent studies have indicated that 1%-5% of patients will suffer from side effects with this procedure. This might appear to be a small number, but considering millions undergo this surgery; 1%-5% means thousands of people will encounter problems.
There are steps that can be taken to determine if one is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Therefore, know what tests to get such as one to determine whether or not one’s cornea is too thin or pupils too big. Most patients will have "half their original cornea thickness (about 250 microns) remaining after surgery" so those with thin corneas are unlikely candidates for laser eye surgery. Those requiring a new prescription for glasses every year are not good candidates, either. Pregnant women and those with autoimmune, immunodeficiency, and certain cardiovascular diseases should not have the surgery. Laser vision correction is really only for those who have "low to moderate amounts of near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism."
It is a good idea to visit laser surgery centers to watch the procedure before going ahead with the surgery. Getting second opinions and asking former patients about their experiences with the surgery is also recommended. Those whom I know who have experienced the surgery had varied reactions. Some had a wonderful experience and recommended the procedure while others were disappointed due to side effects or poor results. Remember that not everyone will experience perfect vision from this surgery, and the final outcome is not guaranteed. After thoroughly researching this procedure, you may find that your contacts and glasses aren’t so bad after all!
Kent McGroarty is a freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor to EDGE’S Style, Travel, Health, and Fitness channels. Contact her at kentmcgroarty@yahoo.com.
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