The idea to be able to see a lot more clearly or the possibility of having a better vision without wearing glasses and eye contacts for people who have been wearing them for many years is exciting. Doctors have adopted new surgical techniques to correct eyesight. Laser surgery cures a number of eye ailments. It involves different procedures used to correct a range of conditions like short sight (myopia), long sight (hypermetropia) and astigmatism.
The advantage of laser eye surgery over eye glasses and contacts is, it will give you a perfect or near perfect vision. In cases like severe nearsightedness or astigmatism, eye glasses rims may limit your peripheral vision, it will give you a distorted view of your surroundings and it’s difficult to find comfortable frames. Using contact lens everyday may increase corneal infection risk.
Contacts can cause corneal shape distortion which may be difficult to treat. It can also cause eye irritation which can be caused by contact lens materials and solutions. If this happens, some people may not be able to wear their lenses due to discomforts and dryness. Using glasses or contacts can be difficult where physical work is required. During emergency situation, hunting your glasses or contacts maybe impractical, because you need to rely on your own blurry vision and could be very dangerous.
Laser eye surgery risks are treatments known to people who want painless procedure to cure their eye conditions and to be free from wearing contact lenses and glasses forever. The surgery should be done by a well-trained medical professional to avoid laser eye surgery risks. If not properly done by a medical professional, it will result complications to your eyes. But, most complications are not serious and many patients around the world are satisfied with the results after the surgery and now living with better vision.
Many people with eye sight problems are reluctant to undergo laser eye surgery because if the associated risks. In every surgical procedure, there are risks. Laser eye surgery requires careful preparation before the procedure and care afterwards. The doctor will perform a general examination to determine if you are fit for eye surgery. If you are using contacts, it is recommended to stop using them and use glasses for a couple of weeks before the examination. It is also recommended that you don’t use creams, lotions and make-ups before the surgery. They increase the risk of infection during and after the surgical procedure.
Before undertaking a laser surgery, it is important to understand the associated eye laser surgery risks. Complication varies between different clinics and surgeons. It is important to realize that majority of complications can be rectified by skilled surgeons during the recovery period.
Common Complications of Laser Eye Surgery
- Night vision impairment – inability to see at night is caused by glare. Many people have experienced this when driving at night, particularly after treatment. Medical professional usually advise not to drive for a week after surgery.
- Dry eyes – Dry eyes can cause stinging, watery symptoms and burning. In the months after the surgery, some people have problems with dry eyes. It can be medicated by lubricating eye drops or artificial tear supplements and usually clears vision up within 3- 6 months.
- Eye Infection – Infection is usually caused by dust or bacteria that enter the eyes during the operation. This will cause a blurry vision and severe pain for the patient after the surgery. Infection is extremely rare and antibiotic eye drops can be used as treatment.
- Corneal Flap Complication – Flap complication usually happens if you don’t choose well-trained medical professional who uses substandard equipment.
- Developing cells – This is cause by trapped debris; usually surface cells grow beneath the corneal flap after the surgery. To correct it, additional surgery advised.
- Short-lived loss of vision – Visual disorder usually occurs a week after the treatment and it progressively clears during the restorative process.
Laser eye surgery risks can be reduced by choosing the right medical professional that will correct your eye problems and by following doctor’s instructions. Let your doctor discuss with you the different methods and procedures of correcting your eye vision. Also, be sure to discuss possible dangers and side effects with your doctor. Complete eye examination is required before the procedure to make sure your eyes are healthy. Consent form will be signed by you to confirm you understand the procedure, possible risks and benefits, possible complications and alternative options.
Questions you should ask to your eye doctor before going through the surgery:
- Do you think this is the best eye surgery?
- What procedures are you going to take?
- What type of medical equipment are you going to use?
- How long would the procedure take?
- What are the possible risks, side effects, complications and benefits?
- How long is the recovery process?
- Are there any long-term medications after the surgery?
- Are there the possible options to be taken if the procedure doesn’t work? Is it free of cost?
Similar to any medical procedure, laser eye surgery cost is mostly reflected by the technology they use, the patient care level they offer and the surgeon’s quality and experience. It also varies on the safest and best procedure for you. You only get what you pay for.
Cost of Laser Eye Surgery
The price may vary from different factors:
- Laser Treatment – It depends on the procedure that the eye surgeon will use or the type of laser to be use.
- Medical practitioner – The laser eye surgery cost is influenced by the pedigree of your surgeon. Higher costs are charged by the most skilled and experienced practitioners. Also the pricing of the surgeon depends on the location.
- Clinic – Reputed clinics that have the latest equipment more likely charged higher prices. Most clinics offer free consultation and takes deposit before the surgery and this will add up to the cost. Facility cost is always included in the surgery.
- Medication – all surgery and recovery medications.
- Patient’s insurance – most companies don not cover the cost, because they consider the procedure as cosmetic.
- Aftercare cost – It includes all after care treatment and medications. Higher costs are charged for higher prescription if you have an existing eye care.
- Additional cost –In case you are not satisfied with the surgical result, some clinics charge extra to the quoted price.
- Initial Evaluation
- Eye Examination (time and equipment)
- Post-surgery follow-ups
- Post-surgery tests
- Surgeon and facility fees
- Touch-up(enhancement procedure)
- Location – pricing may vary from location depending on pricing trends
Factors Involved in Determining Laser Eye Surgery Costs
Prior to the procedure, discuss fees with your surgeon and ask:
- What is the cost of the whole procedure?
- What is included and what is not?
- If complications occur, how much will you pay?
- How much medical prescription costs?
- If temporary eye contacts or eye glasses need after the surgery, how much does it cost?
- How many follow-up checkups needed to be taken after the surgery until it heals?
Improving your vision is priceless, but in today’s time, it pays to be practical. If you are in a tight budget and want the best quality laser eye surgery, find a reputed clinic with a qualified surgeon. It can be very helpful to determine your options and which procedure is best for you.