Lazer eye surgery?

Question

I am just wondering is it safe? I know like many types of surgery it can cause damage, but for the most part is it a pretty safe deal? Sources would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

Do you mean Lasisks? Have you read the papers lately? It is not all that it claimed to be. My husband is an eye Doctor.

Answer 2

IF DONE CORRECTLY, ITS SAFE  15 MINUTES PER EYE.

Answer 3

The eye is a delicate organ, requiring extreme care before, during and after a surgical procedure. An expert ophthalmologist must identify the need for specific procedure and be responsible for conducting the procedure safely. Many university programs allow patients to specify if they want to be operated upon by the consultant or the resident / fellow.

Proper anesthesia is a must for any eye surgery. Local anesthesia is most commonly used. Retrobulbar and peribulbar techniques for infiltrating the local area surrounding the eye muscle cone are used to immobilize the extraocular muscles and eliminate pain sensation. Topical anesthesia using lidocaine topical gel is preferred for quick procedures. In topical anesthesia, patient cooperation is a must for a smooth procedure. General anesthesia is recommended for children, traumatic eye injuries, major orbitotomies and for apprehensive patients. Cardiovascular monitoring is preferable in local anesthesia and is mandatory in general anesthesia. Proper sterile precautions are taken to prepare the area for surgery, including use of antiseptics like povidone-iodine. Sterile drapes, gowns and gloves are a must. A plastic sheet with a receptacle helps collect the fluids during phacoemulsification. An eye speculum is inserted to keep the eyes wide open. For anxious patients, supplementation with a facial nerve block using lidocaine and bupivacaine is recommended.

[edit] Laser eye surgery

Although the terms Laser Eye Surgery and Refractive surgery are commonly used as if they were interchangeable, this is not the case. Lasers may be used to treat nonrefractive conditions (e.g. to seal a retinal tear), while radial keratotomy is an example of refractive surgery without the use of a laser.

[edit] Cataract surgery

    Main article: Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery, using a temporal approach phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and "chopper"(in left hand) being done under operating microscope at a Navy medical center

Cataract surgery, using a temporal approach phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and "chopper"(in left hand) being done under operating microscope at a Navy medical center

A cataract is an opacification or cloudiness of the eye's crystalline lens due to aging, disease, or trauma that typically prevents light from forming a clear image on the retina. If visual loss is significant, surgical removal of the lens may be warranted, with lost optical power usually replaced with a plastic intraocular lens (IOL). Due to the high prevalence of cataracts, cataract extraction is the most common eye surgery.

Answer 4

The FDA just started an investigation into it's long term effects. No one knows for sure what happens twenty years after surgery because no one had it done that long ago. There are risks, but I think the vast majority of problems reported are minor, like dry eyes.

Answer 5

The FDA just released a statement this past week about better regulating Lasik surgeries.  If you are wanting to have it done you need to go to a reputable eye surgeon....don't get caught in by the 500 dollars per eye deal or the businesses that appear to be like a mill.  There are some risks involved...you will have to sign a consent form stating you are aware of the risks which include the possibility of losing your vision, seeing halos, having eye pain, needing reading glasses sooner than the norm, etc.  I can tell you I just had the lasik procedure done one month ago and I'm ecstatic with the results....I can now see 20/15 and I have no problems with reading up close...I can live with needing reading glasses as long as I don't have to wear prescriptive glasses while running, etc.  Before your procedure you go in to visit the doctor and they do a variety of exams (measuring pupil size, pressures, etc).  They should at that time tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.  I won't lie, the actual procedure was uncomfortable for me.  I was prescribed valium  to take beforehand and they applied a topical anesthetic.  You can smell the singe with the laser procedure...a little weird!!!  Afterwards you leave with eye shields and are encouraged to rest your eyes for approximately 4 hours (good nap time).  You are given antibiotics and a topical anesthetic.  You have to use them every couple of hours and you should be diligent in doing so...developing an eye infection could affect the result of the surgery and you could get a bad infection otherwise.  If you are a female, no eye makeup for two weeks.  The doctor gives you these metal cups (they look like fly eyes) that you tape on before going to bed...to prevent you from rubbing your eyes.  I was miserable the first day but the next day I was doing well.  Moisturing eyedrops are to be used and they do sooth they eyes.  If you hate wearing glasses and hate having them interfere with your activities I highly recommend the procedure.  It's a bit pricey...about 4500 dollars.  Hope this helps your decision!