LasikInfo2u - Do Insurance Cover LASIK?

Elective Surgery vs. Other Types of Surgery

Many health companies consider LASIK an "elective" procedure, meaning your life does not necessarily depend on having the treatment. Elective procedures generally include cosmetic treatments that bolster image and perhaps your self-esteem.

If this is the case, the surgery will probably not be covered by your insurance, but it doesn't hurt to double check. Some insurance companies will offer a portion of coverage, especially if your doctor feels you need the surgery. This coverage, often offered by larger corporations, is usually an indemnity plan.

Don't forget however, to ask your doctor if your LASIK surgery might qualify as medically necessary. Many procedures that were once called "cosmetic" are now labeled necessary, and if that is the case your insurance should help you out.

LASIK Insurance Guidance

If you have any type of healthcare policy, you should contact your benefits coordinator and find out what exactly is and is not covered. You can ask your company questions regarding the amount of coverage offered, what procedures may be covered, and how much you will have to pay whether you use an in-network or out-of-network healthcare provider.

Costs of LASIK Surgery

When talking about surgery it is important you pay attention to the costs associated with LASIK, because not all companies charge the same price for various procedures. Usually you can expect to pay $1000 to $2600 for each eye depending on the complexity of the surgery.

While for many this may not seem like much, for others this can be an unreasonable price. For this reason many people decide to have LASIK surgery performed when an ophthalmologist or surgeon has "special rates". Just be sure if you plan to take advantage of a service like this, you first find out what exactly the special rate includes, and how well the doctor providing the service performs. You will want to check references to make sure you pay for quality surgery.

Getting LASIK Without Insurance

If you don't have insurance coverage, there are still many ways you can finance your surgery and work with a good LASIK eye surgeon. Many companies now offer financing for "elective" procedures, which may include various LASIK procedures. Some surgeons offer their patients "discounted" plans that lower the costs associated with paying for surgery out-of-pocket.

Keep in mind, however, that the discounted plan may not be as advantageous as financing your LASIK procedure through other means, such as a loan from your bank. Often when a surgeon provides the option of a "discounted" fee for service plan, the plan limits the types of LASIK covered, so you may not get the surgery you want if you take advantage of these plans. This is one reason it is important you and your doctor determine ahead of time what procedure or type of LASIK is most likely to produce a good outcome.

If all else fails, ask your doctor for payment plan options. You may find you are able to pay a small monthly fee with a finance charge to compensate your doctor for surgery. This is common practice for many surgeries insurance companies deem medically "unnecessary".

Original Article - Snappy Writting

LasikInfo2u - Lasik & Dry Eyes

What to do about the result of dry eye LASIK procedures

One of the most common side effects of LASIK surgery or refractive surgery of any child is dry eyes. Dry eyes can last for a few days for several weeks or months after surgery.

Surgeons are increasingly seeking new and effective tools to help prevent dry eye following LASIK procedures. One way to avoid dry eye is LASIK to avoid if you have dry eyes before surgery. Patients who have dry eye syndrome usually have a generally worsening symptoms following any procedure LASIK.

What are dry eyes?
Everyone can have dry eye, even those who do not have LASIK surgery. Some patients have dry eye before having LASIK procedures performed, placing them at greater risk of irritation after surgery. The dry eye is a common condition suffered by millions of people. It follows from the inability to produce tears or decrease production of liquid tear ducts in his eyes. This may be a hereditary condition, or caused by illness or accident. Some people notice that they experience dry eyes during certain weather conditions.

Usually, having dry eye does not present many problems. Doctors often prescribe artificial tears for people suffering from chronic diseases of the eyes dry. It's simple and proven method to relieve itching and discomfort with dry eye. Others rely on over the counter medications to fight against the occasional dry eye, resulting from the disease May. Medical treatment to correct dry eye in general focus on restoring the eye's ability to produce natural tears.

Here are the symptoms of dry eye to observe:

* Stinging or stinging eyes
* Uncommon tear, even when it seems necessary tear
* A redness or swelling of the eyes
* Scratchy feeling in the eyes, as if a foreign substance have been in the eye
* Sensitivity to light
* Eyes that fatigue easily
* Difficulty seeing, including the blurred vision

Some people with dry eye and vision problems, it is impossible to wear contacts. That is one reason why many people with myopia or in relation to vision problems seek corrective surgery, as LASIK, to improve their vision. LASIK can be very effective in restoring vision for people with dry eye, even if people with dry eyes are more at risk of complications.

LasikInfo2u - Celebrities & Lasik

Celebrities & LASIK - A New Trend In Hollywood

It seems these days everyone has had or plans to have LASIK surgery. If you are a fan (or were) of the reality TV show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, you may have seen the episode where Jessica Simpson has LASIK surgery. She was quite scared, and there was much ado about the whole procedure.

The doctor did everything a normal eye doctor would do; including giving Jessica a mild sedative, I believe to calm her nerves before surgery. LASIK is surgery, but not one that should incite much in the way of fear. Of all the different types of plastic surgery performed today, it is one of the least invasive. You are even awake during the procedure, though admittedly, this may cause some fear in those shy of medical procedures.

Other Popular Celebrities And Their Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery, LASIK surgery... any surgery that improves your health in some way or makes you feel better about your health, is worth looking into, if you can afford it. If you cannot, the good news is most clinics today offer financing.

A reputable LASIK clinic often offers financing for patients that cannot afford to pay for LASIK treatment in full. However, be wary. Some clinics offer unusually low prices for a reason. You want to make sure you get the best surgery for your money. LASIK does involve surgery on your eyes after all, and you do not want an amateur performing surgery.

Who do you know that has had LASIK or other plastic surgery procedures? It is hard to say, especially in Hollywood, where the art of deception is often key to the success of many.

Some stars are very open about their experiences with surgery. For example, Kathy Griffin is one of many stars to willingly admit she has had work done to improve the way she feels about aging and her body.

Here is a list of a few celebrities we think have taken advantage of all LASIK has to offer:

* Nicole Kidman
* Lorenzo Lamas
* Troy Aikman
* Michael Bolton
* Drew Carey
* Courtney Cox
* Tiger Woods
* John Tesh

Who knows? The list could go on and on... there are many people that take advantage of all refractive surgery has to offer.

LasikInfo2u - Lasik May Last Longer Than Previously Thought

Researchers conducted a ten-year study to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of laser eye surgery. The results were presented in November 2006 at the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

The study included 200 eyes with myopia or myopic astigmatism. One-hundred of these were corrected with LASIK surgery, the other 100 with PRK. Ten years after the surgery, researchers measured changes in visual distortion, as well as the patients' ability to focus, and found that both procedures had excellent long-term results, with patients, on average, maintaining 20/25 vision.

What this means for you is your chances of long-term vision improvement are high whether you have the LASIK or the PRK procedure.

January, 2007

This Article contributed by Snappy Writting

LasikInfo2u - Type Of Lasik Procedure

There are many different types of lasik procedure:

* Wavefront LASIK (Custom LASIK) - this procedure, often-called wavefront or wavefront-guided LASIK, allows more precision surgical intervention by providing doctors with a 3D map of the cornea and eye. Using this map, surgeons are able to offer more exact vision correction. Many traditional surgeons are turning to this technique as it offers fewer risks for complication.

* Bladeless LASIK - in traditional lasik procedures, a surgeon uses a microkeratome or special tool to cut a flap in the cornea to reshape the eyes surface. This new procedure developed in conjunction with the IntraLase makes traditional vision correction safer. Using this technique, the surgeon uses a special laser to create the flap previously created using the microkeratome instrument. That is why the procedure is referred to as bladeless. The new procedure reduces the risk of complications associated with buttonhole flaps or corneal ablation.

* Epi-LASIK - modern technology continues to provide surgeons with new choices for addressing visual disturbances. This new laser surgery helps solve many of the complications associated with traditional surgery. It offers a combination of LASIK and LASEK procedures. In the epi-LASIK procedure, the surgeon cuts the cornea's outer epithelium using a plastic oscillating blade in lieu of a fine blade. Epi-Lasik also involves use of an epithelial separator. This procedure is recommended for people with low visual disturbances including myopia. Once the epithelial flap is created the surgeon uses traditional techniques to reshape the corneal tissue beneath.

* PRK - PRK refers to photo refractive keratectomy. This refractive surgery was more popular than LASIK before lasik procedures became well known. This procedure involves slower response and healing times among patients but is a good choice for patients with complications or risk factors including thinner corneas or larger than average pupils. PRK uses an excimer laser to help reshape the cornea. PRK is helpful for those with hyperopia and myopia.

* LASEK - this stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis, and is a new procedure similar to the original PRK procedure. Sometimes referred to as E-LASIK, this procedure is typically the best choice for patients with thin corneas or those with flat corneas. Patients with these risk factors are more likely to experience complications with traditional LASIK surgery. This procedure allows a surgeon to use a fine tool (trephine) instead of the microkeratome to cut the corneal flap needed to perform laser surgery. The surgeon typically follows by coating the eye in a solution of alcohol and water to help loosen the epithelium. An excimer laser can then be used to sculpt the tissue lying below. Some patients report minor eye irritation following surgery, and typically recovery times are a bit longer than traditional lasik (up to four days usually, but can be as long as seven).

* CK Lasik - Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is a new type of surgery using mild heat and radio waves to help steepen the cornea. This procedure is recommended for farsighted patients and those with presbyopia. The result is better near and distance vision. This procedure is not recommended for patients who are near sighted.

This is just a small sampling of your choices when interested in refractive surgery. Your eye doctor can help you decide what procedure will help expand and enhance your vision!

LasikInfo2u - Technology And Pricing of Lasik Procedures

Technology And Pricing of LASIK Procedures
As mentioned, pricing can impact LASIK pricing. If you need the IntraLase procedure for example, you'll probably pay more than someone who needs traditional LASIK surgery. This price increase may cost as much as $500 per eye or as little as $250. One of the reasons for the increase in price is the cost surgeons must pay to buy newer equipment and learn to use it properly.

Custom LASIK using wavefront technology also costs more than traditional LASIK surgery. The price increase may be anywhere from $100 to $500 for each eye. Remember however, with this price increase comes greater precision and typically a reduced risk for complications following surgery.

Typical Prices Refractive Surgeries
Surgeries similar to LASIK cost roughly the same in many cases. The LASEK and PRK Procedures for example, generally average between $1000 and $2500 usually. CK procedures tend to cost between $1000 and $2000 total as well. Surgeries that may cost more than LASIK include Intacs or corneal inserts surgery.

Keep in mind fees will vary widely depending on the provider's skill, ability and the technology used. Your prescription and the severity of visual disturbance will also impact the cost of surgery. Don't fall prey to cheap fly-by-night clinics that offer bargain basement pricing, or you may compromise your health and your finances.

Payment Options
Many LASIK centers offer customers installment or payment plans so they can afford surgery. Try coordinating payments with the practice of your choice. Many offer alternatives including interest free payments or no money down payments. A competent care center can help you develop a reasonable payment plan.

Some factors influencing price will include your individual prescription plan or needs. Note that prices vary from clinic to clinic. There is no one set standard when it comes to pricing. The area or region you live in may also influence price. Typically most procedures cost roughly $600-1,000 per eye or more. While you may see advertisements promoting traditional LASIK procedures for roughly $500 for each eye, chances are this provision is for those with very mild prescriptions or the cost does not include important follow ups with the surgeon.

Many hidden costs exist among clinics offering the lowest prices, so be sure you investigate the price of surgery thoroughly before agreeing to work with a clinic. The better or newer the technology your surgeon uses, the higher surgery is likely to cost as well. Studies suggest most procedures average between $1,000 and $2000.

LasikInfo2u - Eye Glasses & Contact Lenses

Eye Glasses

For many, eyeglasses are fun. They are a way to enhance one's appearance and a relatively inexpensive way to express one's personality. If lost, they are generally replaceable. You can mix them up and change them to match your mood, your outfit and your budget. Many people buy eyeglasses frames with clear plastic lenses to spice up a jacket.

Naturally, there are people that do not feel wearing eyeglasses is of any benefit. Naturally, as you expect, there are of course, some cons to wearing glasses. Glasses for example, distort the form and size of objects you may look at. So, while you may "think" you are seeing clearly, you are only seeing through the limited frame of your glasses. Many people with glasses can't see beyond the periphery of the frames they select.

Eyeglasses can improve your appearance, but they might also detract from it or highlight a big nose. They can make your eyes appear larger than they are, so you come out with a raccoon like effect. Unless you pay for the right lenses, you may experience glare. This is one of the worst side effects of wearing eyeglasses. If you don't remember to take them off before a photo shoot, you will look like your eyes are nothing but bright white orbs!

Some frames are heavy, though you can buy lightweight frames. For those with thick lenses however, heavy frames may be the only option, gradually leaving a permanent imprint on the bridge of one's nose. Eyeglasses are also subject to wear and tear and do eventually need to be replaced. Think about how many times you sat on your glasses by mistake! If you haven't count yourself lucky, because sooner or later someone always does, even if you don't personally smash them.

Contact Lenses

The greatest advantage contact lenses have over glasses is they are convenient and allow the wearer to retain their natural appearance. That means you don't have to worry about looking bug eyed or getting headaches from wearing thick lenses.

They don't sit on the face, so if you have a large nose you don't have to worry about your eyeglasses enhancing your nose even more than usual. Contacts move with your eyes, so you can get away with wearing them without someone necessarily knowing you even need them. They can also be fun. You can now buy contacts in multiple colors, to change the color or shape of your eye. This is perhaps the greatest benefit for people that want to make wearing contacts fun and engaging. Think about it… you can be green eyed one day and blue the next!

Those wearing contacts however, are prone to infection. You are much more likely to get an infection from wearing contacts than you are from wearing glasses. You are probably less at risk for infection if you have LASIK too, depending on the type of LASIK surgery you elect.

Another problem with contacts is you have to care for your contacts religiously. If you don't you will either break them or irritate your eye, causing an infection! Some people find wearing contacts irritating. There are others that try as they might, just can't get the dang things in their eye, so what is a person supposed to do?

As you can see, there are pros and cons with everything. Some people will simply never be able to wear contacts because they find them irritating or they simply won't correct their vision enough to make purchasing them worthwhile. Which leads us to the next option; sizing up contacts and eyeglasses to LASIK. You know; laser eyes!

LasikInfo2u - Lasik Risks

LASIK surgery is all the rage. If you don't already have it you probably know someone that does, and you are here to find out how you can take advantage of technology without harming your health, right? Great!

While LASIK surgery provides patients many benefits, it is not without risk. As with any surgery, the complications or risks of LASIK surgery should be weighed against the benefits of surgery. Before getting involved with any surgery, you should educate yourself about the risks. This is true of LASIK, IntraLase, PRK and all other types of LASIK surgery available today.

Among the more commonly reported complications of surgery are flap complications. Flap complications occur in the hinged flap covering the front of the cornea. Usually patients undergoing traditional microkeratome LASIK are more at risk for flap complications than are patients undergoing other more precise procedures including bladeless LASIK. With traditional LASIK procedures, doctors typically lift the corneal flap they created to reshape and/or resize the cornea then replace this flap. Basically, the flap serves as a bandage or covering that protects the cornea following surgery.

One of the risks associated with cutting the flap using a microkeratome is abrasion. This means the flap may be cut incorrectly or scratch the surface of the cornea, or have "rough" outer edges, all of which may result in visual disturbances following surgery. While some of these will go away with times, others may be permanent or result in permanent problems, including haloing or the need to wear glasses even after surgery!

Here is a list of some other complications associated with LASIK:

* Keratectasia - This condition results when a surgeon cuts the flap too deeply or removes too much tissue during surgery. This results in weakening and bulging of the cornea. Distorted vision may be permanent.

* Dry eye - Dry eye is a much more commonly reported side effect of LASIK surgery. This can contribute to inflammation and infection, but is typically resolved using artificial tears. While most people will not experience dry eye permanently, it can become a long-lasting complication of LASIK, especially if you have dry eyes before surgery. You should make a point to ask your doctor about dry eye and assess your risk for it before agreeing to surgery.

* Infection - Some patients will develop infections following surgery. Fortunately the risk of infection is relatively low. Some doctors prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.

* Night Vision Problems - These are more common when surgeons use traditional LASIK procedures. They may also result when the surgeon treats too small of an area surrounding the pupil. This often happens, so you should make a point to ask your surgeon if he or she can assess your risk for this. It won't help you much if you see well during the day, but can't drive alone at night. Night vision problems may include seeing halos or lights around objects, making it difficult to drive. You may also find you see glares that impair your ability to see well. Sometimes these symptoms do not resolve. The more experienced your surgeon, and the healthier you are, the less likely you are to suffer from side effects as this.

* Over or under correction - This can result in blurry vision or minor visual disturbances. Many times patients will have to wear contact lenses or glasses to resolve the problem. Some people become quite upset when they find they still need glasses to read after undergoing LASIK surgery. The whole point for most people is to avoid having to wear glasses. Ask your doctor what your risk is for this side effect, and then get a second opinion. Know that re-treatment with the laser is often possible and can sometimes correct the under or over correction. While it sounds a bit funny, if you suffer from this you will not feel like laughing, so be sure to talk with your doctor thoroughly before you go under the knife.

* Slow healing or complicated infection - People with compromised immune systems including those with chronic autoimmune disorders or those taking an immunosuppressant are more at risk for complications following surgery, often because their bodies take a lot longer to heal than others. You should always mention any health conditions you have before surgery. Your doctor may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or administer them during surgery to help reduce your risk of infection.

* Permanent vision loss - Sometimes LASIK doesn't work; if this happens you may find your vision worse than before surgery, and you have no choice but to wear even stronger glasses than before. While this is rare, it is something to ponder. Make sure you find out whether you are at risk for this, and what your surgeon's policies are should something like this happens to you.

LasikInfo2u - Costs of Lasik Eye Surgery

Not that you know what to look for, let's find out what you really need to know about the costs of LASIK surgery.

Here are some considerations when reviewing LASIK costs:

* Be clear if working with a company advertising a price that the price reflects your prescription and your individual procedure/needs. Some lasik discounts only apply to people who need minimal vision correction. If you fall outside the range defined by the deal, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you receive your bill.

* Make sure your costs include the cost of follow up visits. You don't want to have to pay extra for visits occurring after your procedure. You should also consider asking the center what their policy is about you calling and coming in if you feel you are experiencing complications after surgery. Provisions for this should be included in their literature.

* Check to see whether the price quoted you includes providing enhancements within the first year of surgery. Many enhancements are performed within this time frame. If possible, make sure you avoid additional fees associated with enhancements. Typically you can negotiate this as part of the actual fee you pay up front. Most competent surgeons make this very clear.

* Find out how much the LASIK surgeon charges PER EYE. Some people mistakenly believe they are billed $2500 total for both eyes, when the fee is actually $2,500 for EACH eye.

* If you feel your vision problems inhibit you from participating in daily life, then you may want to find out if you can encourage your health insurance company to pitch in for part of the cost of surgery. While many insurance companies do not contribute to procedures like LASIK, an equal number do, or at the very least offer some coverage.

LasikInfo2u - Lasik Vs Contacts and Glasses

Contacts and Glasses Vs. Lasik

The key difference between LASIK and contacts or glasses is LASIK improves vision so the user doesn't have to worry about prescription lenses most of the time (MOST not all of the time). At the very least, LASIK can correct vision so that visual disturbances are minimal. That means for all the bulky eyeglass wearers out there, there is hope you can correct your vision well enough to you can finally buy the featherweight glasses you've always wanted.

They'll make you look more distinguished, right?

Here are some real advantages of LASIK over corrective lenses:

* Glasses limit peripheral vision, whereas LASIK improves overall vision. So, if LASIK works well, you will be able to see well without having to worry about missing something that falls outside your primary visual field.

* LASIK typically improves vision more precisely than glasses or contact lenses can, especially when the patient received custom procedures that map the exact contours of the eye. That means you may walk away from the procedure with better vision than someone that has never had to wear corrective lenses!

* Certain LASIK procedures can help address higher or lower order aberrations of the eye, resulting in improved vision. Thanks to modern technology, even when things go wrong with the eye, LASIK can often make them right!

* LASIK is good for those that have moderate vision problems and want the security of being able to see without wearing lenses or eyeglasses. Let's face it; everyone has lost a pair of glasses or a contact at some point in their life; what do you do if you don't have a spare handy? Do you just go blind? No, you go LASIK.

* LASIK over time will probably save you more money than you spend. Think about the number of eyeglasses you buy over time or the pairs of contacts; you may have already spent more than you might if you just used LASIK to improve your vision. Then you can just keep a pair of glasses or contacts on stand by as a fond memento of times long past.

LasikInfo2u - Finding The Right Doctor

If you are considering refractive surgery, make sure you:

* Compare. The levels of risks and benefits vary slightly procedure not only to the proceedings, but as the aircraft manufacturer, and surgeon surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure.

* Do not base your decision simply on cost and not paid for the first Eye Center, a doctor or procedure you investigate. Remember that the decisions you take on the eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life.

* Be wary eye centers advertising, "20/20 vision or money back" or "packages". There are never any guarantees in medicine.

* Read. It is important for you to read the patient handbook provided to your doctor by the manufacturer of the device used to make Refraction the procedure. Your doctor should provide you with this manual and be ready to discuss its results (successes and complications) compared to the results of studies described in the manual.

Even the best screening of patients cared for by the most skilled surgeons can experience serious complications.

* During surgery. The malfunction of a device or other errors, such as cutting a flap in the cornea through and instead of making a hinge during LASIK surgery, may lead to halting proceedings or irreversible damage to the eye.

* After the surgery. Some complications, such as migration of the flap, inflammation or infection, may need another procedure and / or intensive treatment with drops. Even with aggressive therapy, such complications May lead to temporary loss of vision or even irreversible blindness.

Under the care of an experienced doctor, carefully candidates with reasonable expectations and a good understanding of the risks and alternatives are likely to be pleased with the results of their refractive procedure.

Advertising
Be very cautious about "slick" advertising and / or offers that his "too good to be true." Remember, they usually are. There are a lot of competition resulting in a large part of advertising and appeal bids for your business. Do your homework.

LasikInfo2u - What Are The Risks

Most patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery. However, like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved. That's why it is important for you to understand the limitations and possible complications of refractive surgery.

Before undergoing a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so.

* Some patients lose vision. Some patients lose lines of vision on the vision chart that can not be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery as a result of treatment.

* Some patients develop debilitating visual symptoms. Some patients develop glare, halos and / or double vision that can seriously affect night vision. Even with good vision on the vision chart, some patients do not see and in situations of low contrast, as at night or in fog, after treatment compared to before treatment.

* You May be treated under treaties or more. Only one percent of some patients achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts. You May require additional treatment, but further treatment May not be possible. May You still need glasses or contact lenses after surgery. May this be true even if you only need a very low order before the surgery. If you used reading glasses before surgery, May you still need glasses after surgery.

* Some patients May severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of the surgery, your eye May not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. The dry eye not only causes discomfort, but may reduce the visual quality due to intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This condition will be permanent May. Down by intensive therapy and the use of plugs or other procedures May be required.

* The results are generally not as well in patients with very large refractive errors of all kinds. You should discuss your expectations with your doctor and you realize that May still need glasses or contacts after surgery.

* For some patients sighted, the results May decrease with age. If you are a visionary, the level of improvement in the vision you experience after surgery May decline with age. This can happen if your manifest refraction (a vision exam with lenses before dilating drops) is very different from your cycloplegic refraction (a vision exam with lenses drops after expansion).

* Long-term data are not available. LASIK is a relatively new technology. The first laser was approved for the LASIK in 1998. Hence, long-term safety and effectiveness of LASIK surgery is not known.

LasikInfo2u - When Is LASIK Is Not For You?

* You are not a risk taker. Certain complications are unavoidable in a percentage of patients, and there are no long-term data available for current procedures.

* It will jeopardize your career. Some jobs prohibit certain refractive procedures. Be sure to check with your employer/professional society/military service before undergoing any procedure.

* Cost is an issue. Most medical insurance will not pay for refractive surgery. Although the cost is coming down, it is still significant.

* You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. Patients who are:

* In their early 20s or younger,
* Whose hormones are fluctuating due to disease such as diabetes,
* Who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or
* Who are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision,

are more likely to have refractive instability and should discuss the possible additional risks with their doctor.

* You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.

* You actively participate in contact sports. You participate in boxing, wrestling, martial arts or other activities in which blows to the face and eyes are a normal occurrence.

* You are not an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18

LasikInfo2u - WHAT IS LASIK?

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery. See other sections of this site to learn about what you should know before surgery, what will happen during the surgery, and what you should expect after surgery. There is a glossary of terms and a checklist of issues for you to consider, practices to follow, and questions to ask your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about.

(SOURCE: http://www.fda.gov/CDRH/LASIK/)