Lasik Surgery: Miracle or Avoidable?  

Although lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery has worked wonders for millions, it does have drawbacks and someone who’s thinking about it should ask himself or herself if he really needs it.

Most people do it for reasons of vanity ore convenience, not to have to wear those ugly glasses any more or to carry all that contact lens paraphernalia around.

But many post-lasik patients have found problems after they underwent lasik procedures. According to David Harmon, President of a ophthalmic research company called Market Scope, since 2000, around 800,000 people a year have undergone lasik surgery. Statistics presented by The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery shoe that 95.4%, a healthy figure, of patients are pleased by the results of the lasik procedures. 19 such studies centred on patient satisfaction have been conducted, partly on those who had completed ten years since their surgeries and partly on those who were just 10 days past their surgeries.

If you ask an ophthalmologist, he /she is likely to tell you that both lasik surgery and photorefractive keratectomy, or P.R.K (like lasik surgery, another cure for astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness) are effective and reasonably safe. Dr. Marguerite McDonald, President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, believes that most patients are enormously content with their surgical procedures and delighted by improved vision.

Although patient satisfaction is high and doctors’ attitude reassuring, there are risks. Doctors cite dry eyes, reduced contrast sensitivity, poorer night vision and double vision as side-effects, which are usually temporary. 5 to 10% of patients need further corrective surgery. Women suffering from hormonal imbalances are particularly susceptible to dry eyes and blurred vision.

Fees for the operation range from about $4000 to $6000. If your insurance does not cover elective, as many health policies do not, it’s wise to shop around a little.

All said and done, this is a surgical procedure that is not really necessary. So think carefully and w3eigh the pros and cons befoer you decide to subject you eyes to lasik surgery.

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