<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd'>; <html><head><title>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory | What Is Lasik Surgery And What Should I Know About It?</title></head><body><h3>What Is Lasik Surgery And What Should I Know About It?</h3><br /><br />By: <br /><br /><p>LASIK officially stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a modern procedure used to correct vision problems such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia using a laser to reshape part of the cornea. Lasik first started being used in the early 1990s and now is one of the most common forms of surgery in the nation. It allows people who need glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision using laser surgery.<br /> <br /> A little history - The first time the procedure that would become known as Lasik was performed was by Jose Barraquer in Bogota, Columbia around 1950. He developed the first microkeratome, a tiny instrument with an oscillating edge which he used to cut flaps and alter the shape of the cornea of the eye. With the development of the Excimer carbon dioxide laser, refractive eye surgery became possible. A researcher by the name of Srinivasan discovered that the Excimer laser could precisely cut living tissue without harming tissue around the cut. This allowed for tiny incisions to be made in the delicate corneal tissue of the eye.<br /> <br /> How does Lasik surgery work? - Most abnormalities of vision, particularly the most common ones like nearsightedness, are caused by abnormalities in the shape of the cornea. Glasses and contact lenses correct these abnormalities by adjusting how light and vision projects onto your corneas. Lasik surgery corrects these abnormalities by changing the actual shape of the cornea. Small flaps are carved using the lasers, and then the tissue under the flap is remodeled to allow vision correction. Because the areas needed for correction are so tiny and delicate, normal surgical tools have a difficult time performing the exact cuts necessary without causing damage to the surrounding areas. Lasers are the ideal tool for this type of corrective surgery.<br /> <br /> Is Lasik surgery right for me? - If you have poor vision and have the option to get your vision corrected by Lasik, how do you know if it's right for you?<br /> <br /> The first thing to consider is if your eyes are healthy enough to go through the procedure. Chronic dry eyes, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, or eye injuries may all prevent you from being able to undergo the Lasik procedure.<br /> <br /> You must be at least 18 years of age to undergo Lasik surgery.<br /> <br /> You must have had stable conditions in your eyes for more than a year. If your eyes are changing at a rate where they are changing every six months or so, then Lasik surgery won't be able to correct your vision properly.<br /> <br /> If you are pregnant, you can't have Lasik surgery because pregnancy hormones make changes in corneal shape, meaning that surgery must be postponed until after pregnancy is over.<br /> <br /> Autoimmune diseases, such as HIV, make Lasik surgery impossible. Any disease which affects your body's ability to heal will cause problems with the Lasik process.<br /> <br /> Certain levels of eye abnormalities are simply too large to be corrected by Lasik surgery. If too much corneal material has to be removed, surgery won't be able to be performed.<br /> <br /> Of course, financial issues may be a problem. Lasik surgery is not covered by many insurance programs.<br /> <br /> Other than these particular circumstances, however, a visit with your eye doctor can help determine if Lasik surgery is right for you and your eyes.</p> <br /><br /><b>Author Resource:-></b> Roger Ubik has extensive experience in the eye care industry in Austin, TX and is passionate about informing consumers. There are many <a href=http://www.hillcountryeyecenter.com/>LASIK Austin TX</a> surgeons available. Finding the right <a href=http://www.hillcountryeyecenter.com/specializations/lasik.html>LASIK Surgeon</a> is crucial to a successful outcome.<br /><br /><b>Article From</b> <a href='http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/'>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory</a><br /></body></html>
