Is LASIK Right for Me?
The subject of LASIK is a very interesting one. There is a lot to investigate and understand about the process of getting your vision corrected through laser surgery. I hope this article helps to point you where you need to go to do the best research. There are both pros and cons to consider before submitting to this type of surgery. First, if you are already firmly set in your decision to have LASIK, read these pointers: 1.
Make sure you go to a doctor who uses the new Interlase laser for making the corneal flap. Why? Because the Interlase is 100 times more precise than the "old fashioned" method of using a microkeratome to cut the initial flap. Many speculate that most of the problems that come from LASIK surgery have been due to the impreciseness of the microkeratome device used to cut the cornea. 2. Most definitely insist on a custom wavefront laser to do the actual reshaping of the cornea.
Why? Because the custom wavefront can get rid of what is called higher order aberrations. What does this mean to you? It means much sharper vision after the surgery and a significantly reduced chance of having halos, starburst and other "complications" from LASIK. Repeating: Make sure you go to a surgeon who is using both Interlase and Custom Wavefront technology to do LASIK surgery. Relatively few practices have these new technologies. Consider that surgeons who invest in these technologies may have more of your interests at heart.
One of the top 5 LASIK surgeons lives in Kansas City. Check out his site: durrievision.com Look at the information on his site including the videos where he explains what LASIK is all about. Compare your perspective surgeons website to his and you may detect a difference. Next, you should be aware of the potential problems of LASIK surgery as you review surgicaleyes.com you may find that these horror stories came from procedures that didnt use interlase and custom wavefront technology together. See-there is a reason to go with the newer technologies.
You can email the people on this site and ask them questions about their procedures and the complications that they faced or are still facing. One of the problems with LASIK, has been the LASIK 20/20 phenomenon. Some people do technically see 20/20 after the procedure but it is not normal. Instead, it is hazy or blurred. This is probably due to the higher order aberrations mentioned earlier.
That is why it is important to get custom LASIK done. The custom wave front lasers can remove those aberrations, hopefully allowing you avoid the LASIK 20/20 phenomenon. If your doctor says that you dont need the custom treatment, I would ask him if he has a custom wave front machine. There may be a few legitimate reasons to not have the custom procedure done, but I seriously doubt there are many. If he doesnt have such a machine, I would wonder if his recommendation is based on the best thing for you as the patient.
It always pays to get a second opinion anyway and in this case, you should. These are your eyes that we are talking about and you owe it to yourself to get educated on every aspect of this surgery before undergoing treatment. The surgical eyes web site mentioned above is worth investigating. You need to know what could go wrong and how to choose a doctor and equipment that will allow you to avoid problems. I will say it again.
Try to go with Interlase to cut the corneal flap and try to go with a custom wavefront laser to reduce your risk of complications! I cannot stress this enough. I went through a screening process to get LASIK done and was categorized as an excellent candidate. They even wanted me to participate in a study program that would save me about $600. I still turned it down. In the end, I decided that I didnt want to get my eyes lasered.
Of course, there is something to be said about not wearing glasses or contacts anymore and there are many happy patients out there. I just want you to be aware of both the pros and the cons. Do you really need to have LASIK done? I think its worth it to investigate natural vision therapy and see what you can do about correcting your vision naturally before permanently etching your current prescription into your cornea. Many people have gotten results from vision therapy. A few have even gotten rid of their glasses and /or contacts forever.
An industry insider has informed me that this does happen but not very often. There are a couple of books to check out on natural vision improvement if you are interested in that alternative. Relearning to See by Thomas Quakenbush is one that comes to mind. The original pioneer in vision improvement was Dr. Bates.
He was an early 20th century ophthalmologist who really stuck his neck out to go against the prevailing theories of the day (that still persist). Many of the people who he helped were very grateful, Im sure. I have dabbled with naturally improving my vision. I have experienced a decrease of tension, but I have not recovered 20/20 vision. This type of improvement does take work and determination.
That is why there is LASIK today; everyone is different in their wishes and expectations. If you are in a hurry and you dont mind the permanent etching of a prescription in your cornea, LASIK might be for you. I hope this helps you on your quest to learn more about LASIK Surgery and point you in the right directions to gain more information so that you can make an informed decision before deciding to undergo this often expensive elective procedure. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or suggest treatment for any health condition. Please consult a health care professional if you have or suspect you have any health related problem for proper diagnoses and treatment.
David Snape is a health, fitness and well-being enthusiast. To receive a copy of the above article by auto-responder, send an email to lasik@tobeinformed.com His website is: http://tobeinformed.comdavid@tobeinformed.comTeeth Whitening - Laser Bleaching Systems And Non-Laser Bleaching Systems
The search for more effective options in the treatment of tooth staining is nothing new. Historically speaking, there has been an ongoing interest in seeking solutions for whitening teeth. In ancient times the Romans used Portuguese urine in an attempt to whiten their teeth! During the 14th century, having your teeth bleached was the most requested treatment after that of tooth extraction, and was performed through the combining of metal files and nitric acid. In the late 19th century a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, ether and electricity was used. Soon after, electricity was replaced by heat.
Hydrochloric acid was introduced as a method of teeth whitening in 1916, and in 1966 it was used in combination with hydrogen peroxide. By 1970 it was established that hydrogen peroxide was the most effective stain removal agent.As most dentists know, aesthetic dentistry has become an enormous industry. The seemingly insatiable appetite of patients for better-looking whiter teeth has changed...
Teeth Whitening - Laser Bleaching Systems And Non-Laser Bleaching Systems
Laser printer > Teeth Whitening - Laser Bleaching Systems And Non-Laser Bleaching Systems
Brighter Smiles Give Self Esteem Big Boost
With new, inexpensive options for tooth whitening, you can improve your self-esteem without emptying your wallet.Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Yellow or brown teeth are not the best first impression you want to make. Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, the most common being tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, and the natural accumulation of tartar over time. The tooth may also be internally discolored by aging, injury, excessive fluoride, and by certain illnesses and medicines. Although discoloration is natural over time, you can have your teeth whitened safely and professionally for a lot less money than you might expect.
Teeth can be whitened in two ways. A patient can have his or her teeth whitened with Zoom? Whitening, a whitening treatment that uses laser-light activated whitening gel in a comfortable cosmetic dentistry office. Alternatively, they may choose to whiten their...
Brighter Smiles Give Self Esteem Big Boost
Laser printer > Brighter Smiles Give Self Esteem Big Boost
A Brand New Face Without Surgery?
Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen
Great news for those wanting to improve their appearance and take years off their face (without surgery)! This will appeal to the guys, I'll tell you why in a minute.
Have you considered a face lift, S lift or even contour threads but been put off by what people will say or think when you walk back into the office after your "holiday"?
"Wow you're looking good, have you had a face lift?" Squirm while everyone turns around to stare!
I mean this is embarrassing enough for us ladies! I can't
imagine how you guys must feel. We shouldn't be embarrassed by these things if we're confident self assured human beings - but that's probably a subject for another article.....
The Thermacool (Thermage, Thermalift) Face Lift
(the gradual face lift - yes really!)
First let me say that the Thermacool is not for those with heavily wrinkled skin. Those are best treated with laser or...
Laser printer > A Brand New Face Without Surgery?
The HairMax LaserComb for Treatment of Hair Loss is Now Available in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
SINGAPORE (ContentDesk) January 27 2004 -- The HairMax LaserComb (a medical device for home use to treat hair loss, scalp and damaged hair problems) is now available in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. " We are greatly excited to be able to introduce this new medical breakthrough to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as the HairMax LaserComb is affordable, it is designed to be used at home and there's no need for users to pay again and again for unproven and ineffective treatments at hair care centers " according to Mr. Timothy Chan Managing Director of DermaLogix Cosmedics " now users in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia can buy the Laser Comb directly from office or at any of our authorized outlets or from our online shop at http://www.DermaLogix.net " The HairMax LaserComb is a hand-held home Laser PhotoTherapy device for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss as well as all types of hair and scalp problems, such...
The HairMax LaserComb for Treatment of Hair Loss is Now Available in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Laser printer > The HairMax LaserComb for Treatment of Hair Loss is Now Available in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Repair Your Own Laser Printer
Having a printer repaired by a service company can be a pretty expensive proposition so we've compiled a checklist below that may assist you in fixing it yourself.Paper JamsPaper jams are common. To clear the jam pull the paper out gently in the same direction it was headed and then check for any obvious obstructions. If the jams persist the usual cause is worn pickup rollers. Over a period of time the rollers wear down and become slick and don't pull the paper in fast enough. If the paper is stopping in the fuser section it might be a bad gear or some debris causing the jam.
Image ProblemsMost image problems are caused by a bad toner cartridge. If you have any streaking, light/dark areas or repetitive spots on your print, replace the cartridge and see if it clears up. This is common when using poorly remanufactured cartridges. Some recyclers don't replace the image drum and they should because the original drums are only designed to last for the expected toner life. If problems...
Repair Your Own Laser Printer
Laser printer > Repair Your Own Laser Printer
New Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing in Orange County
The new FRAXEL?Laser has been approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles around the eyes, age spots, brown spots, and sun-damaged skin. Total Dermatology in Irvine, California, directed by Nissan Pilest, M.D., a Board Certified Dermatologist and Laser Specialist, has just added Fraxel to its already comprehensive Laser collection. Dr. Pilest is using FRAXEL? Laser for full facial skin resurfacing, treatment of hands, chest and neck-all without significant downtime. "It's very exciting technology, and is a perfect companion treatment to Thermage, which tightens the skin on a deep level" says Dr.
Pilest. The FRAXEL? SR Laser is not like other lasers. By utilizing what is termed Micro Thermal Zones or MTZ's, the Fraxel laser actually penetrates the skin in microscopic dots rather than an all-at-once treatment like the older CO2 lasers do. This allows for keeping the epidermis (outer layer of skin) intact and patients have none of the long term healing required from older technology. The...
New Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing in Orange County
Laser printer > New Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing in Orange County