Corrective Contact Lens after LASIK

The aim of LASIK surgery is to reshape the cornea in an attempt to improve a patients vision. However perfect 20/20 vision is not guaranteed with every LASIk procedure. Besides poor vision some patients may experience the complications of LASIK surgery, such as headaches, eyestrain and night visual disturbances. A repeat enhancement procedure is suggested as a way to remedy these complications but it is not always the best solution and it may not suit all patients. Contact lenses may be used as an alternative to repeating the procedure especially in patients who may have a thin cornea, may not want the risk of further complications, cannot afford another LASIK procedures and have other eye or vision problems which cannot be treated with LASIK surgery.

Types of Contact Lens after LASIK

You need to take into account that LASIK surgery changes the surface of the cornea and as a result you need to take special care when choosing the appropriate contact lenses. Due to the irregular corneal surface, soft contact lenses cannot be used as they adhere to the cornea and do not provide the desired effect. Gas permeable contact lenses are recommended as they provide the necessary optical correction required to improve a patients vision. They are rigid lenses that adequately adhere to the irregular surfaces of the cornea and maintain the lens shape.

Hybrid & Sclera Contact Lens for LASIK Patients

For many years gas permeable contact lenses have been used to correct post-LASIK visual complications and developments in this regard has given rise to highly specialized contact lenses for LASIK patients. The two options available are the sclera contact lens and the hybrid contact lens.
Sclera contact lenses are very comfortable and there is a special liquid that fills the space between the front of the cornea and the back surface of the lens. This ensures a good fit although the cornea has an irregular shape and helps with dry eyes as well.
Hybrid contact lenses have a highly permeable oxygen central area, they are designed to provide a stable fit over the irregular corneal surface and are also comfortable to wear.

Cosmetic Tinted & Color Contact Lens after LASIK

For patients that have had successful LASIK surgery, tinted contact lenses can be safely used for cosmetic purpose. The irregular corneal surface must be taken into consideration when choosing the type of lenses used and you should seek advice from your opthamologist or optometrist before continuing with tinted contact lens. Your previous pair of colored contact lens which you used before LASIK will obviously not be suitable after you undergo the LASIK procedure and you will have to invest in new lenses.

Your needs as a patient must be taken into consideration before the correct pair of contact lenses are chosen, this will depend on the complications you are experiencing and the extent of your visual problems. Contact lenses improve a patient’s vision and may decrease the complications of LASIK surgery, greatly improving a patient’s quality of life.

LASIK Dry Eyes

One of the most common complications of LASIK is dry eyes, due to the of the lacrimal glad (tear glands) to produce sufficient tears. In most cases the corneal nerves responsible for tear production are damaged when the corneal flap is cut during LASIK. The symptoms of dry eyes may be accompanied with a stinging or burning sensation, pain and swelling of the eye and an itchy sensation or as if there were a foreign body in the eye or ’sand in the eyes’. Most patients that have LASIK surgery will suffer with dry eyes for the first six months to a year following surgery but the symptom subsides when the eye heals completely. Eye drops are used to treat dry eyes and apart from lubricating the eye, drop also help stimulate tears.

LASIK Post-Operative Visual Disturbances

Visual disturbances immediately after surgery are common. Glare is a common visual complication occurring immediately after LASIK procedure. A patient will experience both day and night glare for the initial 3 to 4 days following the procedure and the symptoms usually disappear after 6 months. The glare occurs as halos or bursts of bright light. The severity of the glare depends on the pupil size of the patient and a patient with large pupils may suffer the effects of glare permanently. Many patients report night visual disturbances which affects the ability to drive at night. Visual disturbances may become a permanent problem if they do not resolve and they may affect the patients overall quality of life.

LASIK Infection

There is a great risk of infection during the first 48 to 72 hours following LASIK procedure, anti-inflammatory drops are used in the first week after the LASIK procedure to prevent infection.The eye is always at risk of infection because the corneal flap never completely heals.Severe infection in the eye post-operatively can cause scarring that may eventually cause severe visual impairment or blindness but this very rarely occurs. Following a LASIK it is advisable not to participate in contact sports because the corneal flap can easily dislodge.

LASIK Under- & Over-Correction

LASIK sugery in most cases is successful but sometimes there can be ‘under-correction’ or ‘over-correction’ of the cornea. ‘Under-correction’ occurs more often than ‘over-correction although small degrees of ‘under-correction’ do not affect the resulting vision whereas if it is to large degree, it will require a second surgery. In many cases the corneal tissue is incorrectly reshaped due to miscalculations or a misdiagnosis by the surgeon or it may be due to the patient not achieving the expected results of the surgery.

Vision after LASIK

Younger patients should remember that as you get older your eyesight can regress and you maybe required to use glasses or contact lenses again. LASIK surgery does not prevent you from developing cataracts or long sightedness that occurs with old age. While LASIK eye surgery has a very high success rate and the complications are very rare, it is important to be prepared for complications that may arise. Recent reports have indicated that there is an increased incidence of suicide and depression in some patients that experience complications after LASIK surgery.

It is important to note that complications after LASIK is usually considered to be a “bad LASIK” procedure but the complications may have arisen from poor post-operative care rather than an improperly conducted LASIK procedure.

LASIK Age Restrictions

LASIK surgery is not suitable for any person younger than 18 years of age and while some unscrupulous practitioners may overlook these LASIK restrictions, the onus is on the parent or caregiver to disallow indemnity for the LASIK procedure in teens. Sadly enough there have been cases reported where parents have allowed their teenage children to undergo LASIK procedures while holidaying in developing countries where the LASIK restrictions are not as thoroughly enforced. The long term effects of teen LASIK procedures are yet to be determined but undoubtedly, there will be repercussions for interfering with the developing eye at such a young age.

LASIK in Teens

The obsession with being spectacle free means that young person with glasses are often ridiculed for their corrective eyewear. Young girls with glasses often suffer with lower self esteem and due to insecurities about themselves, may risk their vision by undergoing LASIK at such a young age. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has set the LASIK age restriction at 18 years for a specific reason and attempting to bypass these criteria is an offence both on the part of the attending LASIK doctor as well as the LASIK patient. In the case of a minor, the parents are held liable if they provided consent for this procedure to be undertaken by a teen and can face prosecution in this regard.

Contact Lens, Not LASIK for Teens

While teenage boys may be able to carry off glasses with little ridicule, it is often the teen girls with glasses that bear the brunt of mockery and even bullying. While these reasons can never justifyi breaking the law and performing a LASIK procedure on a teen, other possible routes should be considered. Contact lenses are usually the better choice and with different colored lens, it can even be a fashion statement. Alternatively, coming to terms with your glasses will allow you to be more secure about your appearance and not feel pressure from classmates. The intelligent woman, with thin rimmed metal glasses, and chic business suit, is the popular image of today and many teen boys find girls with glasses more appealing.

Opting for LASIK is a decision that should be made carefully, when your case fits the criteria for a LASIK procedure without having to break the law and you have weighed out the pros and cons of LASIK. A teen LASIK procedure is risky and may lead to a bad LASIK experience resulting in permanent damage to your eyesight. Rather wait till you reach the approved age for LASIK and follow the proper route for corrective eye surgery. Rushing to cheap LASIK clinics, where the doctor may not place more importance on your money than your health, can have devastating consequences.

Risks of Cheap LASIK

The dangers of searching for cheap LASIK is that some doctors and clinics offering reduced rates may be able to cut costs because they are :

• not be using the appropriate equipment.
• have insufficient qualified staff on the premises.
• untrained personnel to deal with any possible complications and side effects that may arise after the procedure.
• not a reputable or legitimate facility and offer cheap rates to attract new patients.

It is important to verify the reputability of the facility offering cheap LASIK procedures as you may have limited grounds for litigation should you opt to conduct your LASIK procedure with a questionable practitioner.

Cheap LASIK Doctor & Clinic

If you have found a facility that is performing cheap LASIK procedures, you should ensure that you do sufficient research before conducting the procedure. Speak to the local medical association or professional council to enquire about the practitioner’s qualifications and registration. Ask your family doctor for more information about the practitioner or facility or alternatively speak to other doctors in and around the area of the facility. Other medical professionals are usually aware of practitioners with a poor reputation or dangerous medical practices.

Cheap LASIK Price an Rates

Picture or LASIK Surgery

While most LASIK facilities price their services within the same range, there may be reputable clinics that can offer a cheaper service. A cheap LASIK does not mean a bad LASIK but there are important considerations to take into account. Most facilities and practitioners price their services based on the cost of the equipment they use, trained staff in their employ, professional malpractice insurance and general business operating costs. If any facility is offering cheap LASIK, you should take these factors into account or question why they are able to do so and monitor their customer base.

Cheap LASIK Referral

Before opting for a cheap LASIK procedure at a facility or with an opthamologist you are not familiar with, consult with your family doctor and express your concern about the standard LASIK prices. If your doctor cannot refer you to a cheaper facility, even one out of town or in another state, then ask your doctor to verify the credentials of the specific cheaper LASIK facility. While your doctor may not be familiar with the clinic or doctor in question, he will be able to direct you to the correct channels to find the pertinent information.

Searching for cheaper LASIK procedures is any patient’s right and with rising costs and strained household budgets, price is most definitely a factor for a non-essential medical service like LASIK. However it is important to realize that cheaper LASIK may come with risks and since LASIK is not an emergency procedure, rather take your time, do some research and verify the legitimacy and reputation of a cheap LASIK doctor or clinic.

The main restrictions that disqualify you for a LASIK procedure has been implemented for your own health and well being. Furthermore, it prevents the attending practitioner from any litigation that may arise as a result of the complications and side effects of LASIK.

Age

You must 18 years or older.

This criteria is usually in place to ensure that you make an informed decision about the LASIK eye surgery procedure as a more mature teen. More importantly, under the age of 18 years, normal growth and development of the eye could impact your long term vision if the LASIK procedure is conducted at an early age.

Chronic Conditions

You should not have any autoimmune diseases, be immunocompromised or suffer with diabetes

It is not advisable to undergo the LASIK procedure if you have any autoimmune condition, immunde deficiency or connective tissue disease as this may hamper your body’s healing time and ability. Furthermore, it may predispose you to secondary post-operative infections which can cause serious complications to the eyeball and vision. In cases of uncontrolled diabetes, the healing ability of the body is reduced and there are pathological changes that may occur in the eye, like a glaucoma, that may be complicate the LASIK procedure.

Breastfeeding and Pregnant Women

You should not be nursing or pregnant.

Undergoing any procedure, even a fairly safe surgery like LASIK, should never be considered during pregnancy. The possible side effects from antibiotics, pain killers or even anesthetic eye drops (rare) can be dangerous in pregnancy and even harm the fetus. Nursing mothers should be made aware that that these drugs can also impact on a newborn baby through the breast milk. Since LASIK eye surgery is a non-essential procedure, it may be preferable to wait till after delivery or once you stop breastfeeding to consider the procedure.

Vision Stability

Your vision has been stable for more than a year.

In most eyesight disorders, there are constant changes in visual acuity and you may find that on consecutive visits to your opthamologist, your prescription may be changing. This is often seen in childhood or teenage years but usually stabilizes as you get older. Attempting the LASIK procedure when your vision has not stabilized can reduce the effectiveness of the procedure in the long run. It could also lead to complications as the development of the eye structures may be hampered by the procedure.

Motivation for LASIK

Your reasons for wanting to undergo LASIK.

LASIK should be considered if the wearing of eye glasses is restricting your life, either leisure or work, and there are no other risk factors. Often LASIK is chosen for the cosmetic benefit but this has to be carefully assessed in young persons who may be wishing to undergo procedure due to insecurities about their appearance. In these cases, LASIK is not the solution and psychotherapy should be considered to address the emotional issues at hand. You should always be aware of the pros and cons of LASIK before undergoing the procedure.

Always be cautious about LASIK clinics that are prepared to ignore the LASIK restrictions as you may risk your long term vision and undergo a bad LASIK treatment that cannot be reversed.

The Pro’s – Advantages of LASIK

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), LASIK eye surgery has a 90 percent success rate and the procedure has a “low” rate of complications and a “high” rate of satisfaction. Some of the pros include :

High Tech & Quick Procedure

It is a fairly safe, and effective procedure in which a laser, guided by a computer, very precisely and accurately corrects the curvature of the cornea. Performed as an outpatient procedure, LASIK eye surgery takes about 10 to 15 minutes for each eye and it is relatively painless.

Short Post-Operative Recovery

Immediately after surgery a patient may experience a sense of burning, itching or a feeling that something is in the eye, this usually settles within a day. Vision may appear blurry or hazy but it improves by the next day.

Painless & Low Risk

Pain and discomfort is minimal and this is of great advantage for the patient. Since a local anesthetic is used, the patient is awake and aware, without fearing any complications from general anesthesia.

Good Prognosis

Complete recovery of a patients vision is very individualistic but it may take anything from 2 weeks to 6 months for a patients vision to stabilize. Overall Lasik surgery is a painless, quick procedure, recovery occurs relatively quickly and vision is restored in most patients.

Convenience and Comfort Over Other Corrective Methods

Wearing glasses offers many restrictions for patients, peripheral vision is obscured, there maybe a glare or reflection, glasses require a frame that maybe also be expensive. Contacts lenses allow for increased chances of getting infection and are high maintenance therefore one of the greatest benefits of Lasik eye surgery is that vision is corrected and the patient no longer requires the use of glasses and contact lenses, greatly improving the patients quality of life.

Self Esteem

Improving a patient’s vision can assist boost one’s self – confidence, because poor vision can affect participation in certain sports, traveling, arts and crafts and glasses and contacts are impossible to wear or they can be cumbersome in these activities. Many people are also self conscious of wearing glasses and this affects their social and professional life, Lasik eye surgery greatly improves their situation.

The Cons – Disadvantages of LASIK

In most cases, the disadvantages of LASIK may seem fairly insignificant compared to the advantages for those living with glasses. However, both aspects should be considered for making an informed decision.

Cost of LASIK

One of the major disadvantages of LASIK eye surgery is that the cost of a corneal scan and assessement, the LASIK procedure itself as well as post operative care may not be affordable for many patients . A patient is expected to visit the ophthalmologist regularly and in some instances repeat surgery is required because the initial surgery did not produce an optimum level of vision correction. All of this is done at an additional cost to the patient. LASIK eye surgery is considered as being a cosmetic surgery and many medical insurance plans do not cover the cost of the surgery.

Irreversible Procedure

Changes made to the cornea by LASIK eye surgery cannot be reversed and the results are not always guaranteed. Some patients may experience a glare or halo around images, difficulty driving at night, fluctuating vision and dry eyes. Patients who have LASIK eye surgery may require prescription glasses as they get older and their vision deteriorates.

These are the main disadvantages of LASIK eye surgery and while they may not often occur, it is nevertheless important to consider these possibilities. The final decision for or against LASIK eye surgery should be made by the patient, without coercion from the practitioner or staff, and for this reason, informed consent is a prerequisite before any patient undertakes the procedure.

References

1. LASIK Eye Surgery. Medline Plus
2. LASIK Laser Eye Surgery. WebMD

Bad Lasik Procedures in a Foreign Country

The growing popularity of medical tourism means that travelers can visit their favorite holiday destination for some rest and relaxation while undergoing surgical procedures and therapies which is unaffordable in their home country. Some popular destinations include Mexico, India, Malaysia and South Africa where the currency exchange rate allows American and European visitors to access cost-effective treatments. While there are many reputable service providers in these foreign destinations, there are also a number of unethical, untrained and ill-equipped practitioners that may provide a bad lasik surgery. Less stringent health regulations and questionable medical training in some of these countries means that a practitioner performing bad lasik surgery procedures may be able to avoid detection and litigation while harming patients on a daily basis.

Legal Action for a Bad Lasik Procedure

If you have undergone a bad lasik surgery, you may have grounds for legal action against the attending physician provided that you :

1. Had the procedure conducted at a reputable establishment. It is your responsibility to verify the legitimacy of a practitioner and the facility before you undergo the procedure. Ignorance has limited ground for litigation.
2. Have legitimate medical records and receipts of payment from the practitioner or facility to verify that you had undergone the procedure at the facility in question.
3. Disclosed all pre-existing medical conditions to the practitioner. When sued, the practitioner may attempt to deviate attention from their bad handiwork and focus on non-disclosure on your part related to your health status.
4. Have sufficient funds for litigation. Lawyers are expensive and prolonged litigation can cost you a pretty packet, especially when you are in a legal battle with a medical practitioner with sufficient financial resources. If you are suing a practitioner in a foreign country, factor in the costs for this litigation.
5. Can prove that the facility in question presented themselves as a reputable clinic with trained practitioners to conduct lasik surgery. You will have little ground for litigation if you opted to conduct the procedure in some back alleyway of a third world country as the circumstances should be obvious.

Bad lasik surgery is not an unheard of occurrence. Many unsuspecting patients fall prey to bad lasik procedures every year but just as many informed patients dare to risk cheap procedures at questionable facilities to save cost on lasik surgery. Your eyesight is one of the most important senses and before considering a lasik procedure, do your homework on the practitioner, the facility and previous patients who attended the facility. Bad lasik procedures do not only occur in third world countries and many first world facilities have been accused of performing bad lasik surgery.

No surgical procedure is fool proof and without complications and you should be aware of the risks involved before undergoing the therapy. While the attending medical specialist cannot be held liable for medical complications, a trained and experienced practitioner will know how best to handle any event where a complication may arise. A bad lasik procedure can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in after care that is often more costly than having undergone expensive lasik surgery at a reputable facility.