Is LASIK Safe? Plus, Answers To Six More Questions About LASIK (NAPSA)—You'vehadit with glasses and contacts getting in the way of your lifestyle. You've heard about LASIK and maybe even talked to one of the more than 19 million people who have had the popular laser vision correction procedure. Dr. John Vukich,assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin and member of the Refractive Surgery Council, answers six of the most-asked questions about LASIK: 1) Is LASIKsafe? “All surgery comes with risk, but there is a huge amount of clinical research backing LASIK as safe and effective,’ assures Dr. Vukich. “That research, and the clinical experience with the procedure, showsit has a 96 percentpatientsatisfaction rate and the risk of sight-threatening complications is extremely low—less than 1 percent.” 2) Doesit hurt? “The procedureis relatively painless because numbing drops are used throughout” Dr. Vukich confirms. “Some people experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, mostly irritation and dryness, but that usually disappears within 24 hours” 3) Whatarethesideeffects? “Some patients experience dry eye symptoms. Somehavelight sensitivity, Now maybe thetimeto correct your vision with LASIK. Your eye doctor can help. have at the time ofthe procedure, but it won't prevent the vision conditions that occur naturally over time, such as presbyopia andcataracts.” 5) Can anyone have LASIK? “About 20 percent ofpatients aren't goodcandidates forthe procedure”says Dr.Vukich.“Eye health,the shape of the cornea, medical conditions like lupus and diabetes, or certain medications can make it a less than ideal choice.It is important to share your complete medical history with your eye surgeon” 6) Do they actually shoot lasers into your eyes? “The short answer is yes! Today's laser technologies reshape the cornea and correct vision without damaging any surrounding tissue? says Dr. glare, halos, ghostingor starbursts”says Vukich.“The technology weuse today Dr. Vukich. “These generally go away is so precise, the vision correction is with time and healing, but sometimes additional medication or other treatment may be needed.” 4) Will berid ofglasses forever? “LASIK doesn’t stop the aging customized to the individualpatient's eye, notjusthis or herprescription.” glasses at some point,’ answers Dr. americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/ If you are thinking nowis the time process, so everyone needs reading to seriously look into LASIK, get the facts and go into it as informed patient. Get started by visiting www. Vakich. “LASIK improvesthe vision you blog.
