Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is performed to improve vision, and decrease or eliminate the usage of eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are considering undergoing a laser eye surgery, the first step is to have an initial eye exam. 

Initial Eye Exam

The initial eye check is a very important part of the procedure. It should be performed by a special surgeon (that will also be able to perform the surgery). This exam is conducted in order to test if the laser eye surgery is suitable for you and what is the expected outcome.

Before the initial exam, you will be asked to stop wearing your contact lenses (the time without lenses depends on the contact lenses you own and use).

During the initial exam the surgeon will investigate your medical history and will perform the following checks:

• Test visual acuity (using a Snellen Eye Chart, the board with letters usually found at opticians)
• Measure current spectacle prescription
• Test your pupil function
• Map the cornea using wavefront technology
• Measure the curve and the corneal thickness of the cornea
• Measure the intraocular pressure

The initial exam takes approximately 3 hours.

Laser Eye Surgery Video

For some patients, the initial exam will rule out laser eye surgery. Patients under 18 are rarely suitable candidates for eye correction surgery as their eyes change rapidly. In addition, the procedure is not recommended during pregnancy because hormonal changes might affect the treatment.

Once you were found compatible for laser eye surgery, the surgeon will also recommend the specific procedure most suitable for your condition.

Laser Eye Treatments

PRK- Photorefractive Keratectomy. PRK is also known as surface ablation and was once very common. PRK is a laser vision correction surgery and is used to remove tissue directly from the eye's surface to change the curvature of the cornea. PRK received FDA approval in 1995 and is still commonly used.

LASIK - Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis. During the LASIK procedure, a thin, hinged flap is created in the eye's surface. Laser energy is applied underneath the flap to reshape the eye, then the flap is replaced and will function as a bandage. LASEK is a different form of LASIK. LASEK involves creating an ultra-thin hinged flap removed by alcohol during the laser reshaping. Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK but a special cutting tool is used to lift the flap.

Many surgeons prefer PRK when patients have thin corneas. LASIK patients usually suffer  much less or not at all immediately after the procedure, and vision usually clears up much faster.

Laser Eye Surgery Abroad

Undergoing laser eye surgery is a serious matter. You want the best advisors handling your medical decisions. The laser eye surgery costs vary from one Medical tourism destination to another. We here at TicketMed are ready to assist you in planning your medical trip.

Contact a TicketMed agent or ask for a quote.