Lasik FAQ: Answers To Common Questions About
Lasik Eye Surgery
Author: Lanny Frankel

* What is lasik surgery?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This is
a refractive surgical procedure which is performed by an
ophthalmologist. This surgical procedure is done in order to
correct the vision of the patient, thus lessening his or her
dependence on any corrective devices such as contact lenses or
eyeglasses.

* How risky is lasik eye surgery and what exactly are the
risks?

Some patients are happy with the result of LASIK surgery. But,
like other surgical procedures, risks are inevitable. This is
why it is necessary that you know your limitations and the
possible complications of the surgery.

The risks of LASIK eye surgery include:

Patients might lose their vision.

Patients may develop unbearable visual symptoms.

The surgery may either be undertreated or overtreated.

Patients might develop serious dry eye conditions.

* How much does lasik eye surgery cost?

If you opt for the traditional LASIK, the surgery can cost from
1,600 to 2,000 dollars per eye, but if it is customized LASIK
that you want, it will cost you around 2,000 to 2,500 dollars
per eye. The prices for LASIK surgery differ depending on your
chosen LASIK surgeon.

* Does insurance cover Lasik surgery?

Although LASIK surgery is not a cosmetic surgical procedure, it
is still considered elective surgery. Such surgeries are covered
mostly in Asian and European countries, but most insurance
policies in the United States, Canada and Latin America do not
cover it. Furthermore, not even Medicare will cover it.

However, it is probable that the rate for LASIK is deductible
on U.S. federal taxes. Therefore, before having the surgery,
check to see if it can be considered a deductible health care
expense.

* Is the Lasik procedure painful?

Patients do not experience any discomfort during the LASIK
procedure itself, because the eye is given an eye drop
anesthetic before the procedure takes place. If the patient
suffers much discomfort after the procedure, he or she can take
Ibuprofen or Tylenol during the first two days after surgery.

* How long has Lasik technology been around?

LASIK technology has been around for more than 10 years now.
The first time it was performed in some clinics in the U.S was
during the early 1990s. From that time, more than a million
procedures of LASIK were performed. Recently, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has endorsed it as the newest eye remedy
technology.

* What procedures can a laser perform?

There are three types of procedures that a laser can perform.
The most popular of the three is the LASIK. In this procedure,
a thin coating of the cornea is removed to make a flap. This
allows the laser to take tissue from underneath the flap. After
the flap is replaced, eyesight is restored in an instant.

Another procedure is the LASEK or EPIFLAP surgery. This
includes the incomplete removal of the outer layer of eye cells
and the epithelium, which show the cornea. The cornea is
flattened or otherwise reshaped using a laser, then the outer
cells are repositioned and after several days, the eye will
heal.

The third one is the PRK. This procedure includes the full
removal of the epithelium or outer cells of the eye.


About The Author: Lanny Frankel is editor of
http://www.Lasik-FAQ.com, the online Lasik guide. He also
writes Lasik FAQ's for
http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/LasikQuestions/ .