Some LASIK FAQs

If you’re looking for an effective way to correct your eye problems, then you’ve probably heard about LASIK eye surgery. This modern laser based technology has helped many people in Texas dealing with different eye disorders. If you want to know more about LASIK, here are some frequently asked questions about this wonderful technique.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which roughly translates to on-site improvement of the cornea’s refractive properties. The laser device used in a LASIK eye surgery is called an excimer laser. It is designed to produce special beams that can get rid of refractive errors and improve a patient’s vision. Although the excimer laser has been around since the early 70s, LASIK was only developed a couple of decades later, in 1991.

What are refractive errors?

If there’s a refractive error, light entering the eye cannot be focused properly, resulting in an impaired visual image. This is usually caused by the cornea’s irregular shape (which can be caused by different factors). One of the most common types of refractive errors is myopia or nearsightedness, which causes an individual to have a very short range of clear vision.

How does it work?

In a Texas LASIK eye surgery, a professional eye surgeon makes a small incision on the uppermost layer of the cornea to create a thin flap using a special instrument called a microkeratome. The surgeon pulls the flap back, exposing the corneal tissue. The excimer laser uses controlled bursts of laser beams to alter the shape of the cornea, guided by a preset pattern in a computer. After reshaping, the flap is carefully pushed back to the cornea, avoiding the formation of bubbles or wrinkles.

Is it Painful?

Texas LASIK eye surgery is completely painless, thanks to painkillers. The surgeon places a few drops of special eye solution in the patient’s eye, which acts like an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, LASIK surgery does not require any stitches whatsoever; the corneal flap quickly merges with the reshaped cornea after it is pushed back into place.

How much does it cost?

Texas LASIK eye surgery usually costs around $1500 to $2500, but special cases can reach as much as $3000. Therefore, patients should carefully plan their expenses if they plan to undergo LASIK surgery. Some say the cost is too much, but others say the results are well worth the price.