Once upon a time, the visually impaired had to rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. In the last few decades, however, laser eye correction procedures have restored millions of people’s vision to its former glory.
When ‘laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis’ (LASIK) was developed initially, the laser treatment was primarily intended for those with a specific medial condition, rather than for those simply seeking to avoid the hassles of wearing glasses or contact lenses. Furthermore, in scenarios where the treatment was available to the wider public, the cost precluded most people from venturing down the laser treatment route.
In recent years, however, laser eye surgery has come down significantly in price and is far more widely available than it once was. Furthermore, it isn’t restricted to those with medical conditions – anyone who simply wants to return to perfect 20:20 vision can be considered for it, assuming they are approved for treatment during the consultation period, of course.
In a nutshell, laser eye surgery succeeds by reshaping the cornea in the eye. By changing its form, the path of light through the eye to the retina is altered too, thus replicating the effect that glasses and contact lenses have on the eyes.
The success rate or surgery is good too, with the vast majority of patients enjoying greatly improved vision after treatment. Not everyone will be restored to 20:20 vision – indeed, some people may still have to wear glasses or contacts on occasion. The degree to which surgery helps a person’s vision will depend on the extent of their existing impairment, whilst age is a contributing factor too.
Furthermore, the laser correction process is more or less painless. There may be a slight irritation for a short period in some cases, but laser eye treatment on the whole won’t cause too many problems.
The great thing about laser eye surgery is that its benefits are noticeable more or less instantaneously. So the journey from squinting at the television to enjoying crystal-clear vision on the widescreen plasma can be as little as 24 hours.
Anyone who says that wearing glasses or contact lenses isn’t that much of a hassle may have a good point, but they probably have 20:20 vision themselves.
Indeed, life through a pair of manmade lenses isn’t difficult to adapt to, but there are many little annoyances that go with the territory that makes laser eye treatment all the more appealing. No more smudging, no more messing around with contact lens solution and, importantly, no more squinting at the television when you accidentally leave your glasses on the bus!
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/i-can-see-clearly-now-a-guide-to-laser-eye-treatment-1588604.html
Read More...
We’ve all seen or at least heard of cosmetic makeover shows and witnessed the life-changing effects treatments can have on a patient’s life. With the development of technology and new minimally invasive procedures, cosmetic surgeries have become more advanced.
Laser eye procedures are one of the most frequently executed procedures on these makeover shows as they are quick, heal quickly and make a major difference to a person’s appearance. If you’ve been inspired by makeover shows and are considering a laser eye treatment, you will be glad to know that there are revolutionary techniques that can genuinely rid you of the need for any corrective eyewear. Imagine the bliss! No more glasses or fiddling with contact lenses, no more paying for visits to the optometrists or spending on contact lens solutions and broken frames!
The Advancement of Laser Eye Treatment
Many people are under still unaware that the effects of presbyopia (ageing eyes) can be so successfully corrected with laser eye treatment. This form of eye surgery is also a very useful option, especially for those who suffer from astigmatism. Other eye related problems including short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia) can also be corrected through this type of ocular surgery.
This form of cosmetic surgery differs from mainstream aesthetic cosmetic surgery – the tummy tucks, the breast augmentations and the nose jobs – which have a vast impact on how the world sees you.
On the contrary, laser eye treatment has a very profound impact on the way you see the world. It is a wonderful gift to give yourself, one that will bring you joy during your every waking moment. Having freedom from corrective eyewear can be an incredibly liberating feeling and often, patients experience a heightened sense of self-esteem and confidence.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
If you suffer from short-sightedness, your eyeball is slightly longer and rounder than it should be. This means the light converges just in front of the retina, creating a blurred image at distance. In the past, this condition has been treated with glasses or contact lenses; however, it is also an ideal condition for laser eye treatment. By slightly reshaping the front of the cornea, the light is refocused precisely on the retina, eliminating short-sightedness.
In the case of people who suffer from long-sightedness, the eyeball is shorter and flatter than it needs to be, resulting in a blurred due to the light focusing on a point just behind the retina. Long-sightedness can affect both distance and near vision, but with laser eye treatment, this condition can too be eradicated, along with the need for glasses.
An astigmatic cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than the normal sphere. People who suffer from astigmatism experience symptoms such as blurred small print, difficulty reading, inability to see both near and far without squinting, constant headaches and fatigue. Although it involves a slightly more complicated procedure than those associated with long and short sightedness, this condition can also be permanently treated with laser eye surgery.
Lastly, older candidates that suffer from presbyopia (ageing eye) will be glad to know that the effects of this condition can be countered with laser eye treatment. This allows most patients to reduce their dependency on reading glasses for many years.
The Laser Eye Treatment Process
The thought of laser eye treatment can seem daunting to those who don’t know much about it. That said, it is in fact a remarkably safe and potentially life altering procedure.
Just as you would conduct research on the plastic surgeon you’d want to operate on your body, a great deal of research should go into considering the right laser eye surgeon to operate on your delicate eyes. Once you’ve found a reputable surgeon who has deemed you a suitable laser eye candidate, you should establish a relationship of trust from the very first screening.
The procedure itself is minimally invasive – you will usually be given a topical anaesthetic so the surgery itself is virtually pain-free, you may experience slight discomfort, but that’s about it. Pre-laser eye treatment preparation for surgery on the day usually takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the operation itself takes only minutes, and the excimer laser used during the procedure is only active for mere seconds.
The WOW Effect
Laser eye treatment is one of the greatest alternatives to conventional corrective vision techniques. Within a considerably short amount of time you will be able to experience sharper vision, without the help of glasses and contacts. Headaches caused by eye strain will be eradicated and you will be left with a new perspective of the world.
Stop hiding behind glasses and consider undergoing a quick and transformative procedure – not an extreme makeover, but definitely transformative.
If you are thinking about laser eye treatment, contact the London Vision Clinic today to set up a screening and find out more. You can be assured of an individually-tailored approach, rigorous attention to details, revolutionary techniques and internationally acclaimed surgeons.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/what-you-need-to-know-when-considering-laser-eye-treatment-1464256.html