The risks of Lasik Eye Surgery
Whenever a patient undergoes any type of surgical procedure there is always a possibility for complications. It is natural that when a person’s body is opened up and tools are in use that bacteria of some kind or other can enter the patient or the body could have a reaction related to the medication involved. LASIK surgery is no different, there are risks to LASIK surgery, but they are few and far today as compared to the pioneering days of Lasik surgery.

One major arguement against Lasik surgery is that this form of surgery has only a very short history compared to other forms of surgery. Hence, there has not been enough time to study into the long term risks and complications of this type of eye surgery.

LASIK surgery risk continues to drop as doctors and engineers perfect the equipment used in the process. The risks involved in LASIK surgery also drop as doctors continue to screen for the right candidates to have the surgery. Research now shows that with the right pre-testing and surgical care the risk of any complications in LASIK surgery are less than 1%.

The most common risk with LASIK surgery is a complication with the flap created by the surgeon to cover the cornea. In traditional LASIK surgery the flap is created when tissue is cut by a surgical tool known as a microkeratome. Since this tool, a metal blade is used by a human being there remains a risk related to human error.

When this type of traditional LASIK is performed the risk is when the flap is then used as the natural bandage at the end of the surgery it is not the right size. Therefore, the complication is an irregular bandage that irritates the eye and causes what is known as an irregular astigmatism. This LASIK risk is greatly reduced by a newer “bladeless” LASIK procedure.

In bladeless LASIK the risk of complication is reduced because the blade or microkeratome is no longer used. It is replaced by IntraLase, or another type of laser, that eliminates the human error.

When assessing these LASIK risks it is recommended that when you are considering LASIK surgery that you ask your doctor how he/she goes about correcting these problems. Some complications that arise from LASIK can be made even worse by over or under correction. Ask your doctor as part of your original process how they handle this situation.

Although there are no major risks involved with Lasik surgeries, other type of after effects such as glare, sensitivity to light and watery eyes are some of the more commonly known effects.

Cost of Eye Lasik Surgery?
The cost of LASIK surgery is generally considered to be high because of the costs involved in the use of lasers and other high tech equipment. However, the cost of LASIK continues to come down due to improvements being made to the overall process. Don’t simply go to the lowest lasik surgery price when choosing a surgeon; consider the following cost that a lasik eye surgeon will need to incur:

• Leasing or purchasing of the laser cutting machine as well as maintenance of the blades or lasers can increase LASIK cost.

• Per eye fee to the developer or manufacturer of the laser to pay for the cost of the machine.

• Gowns, masks, gloves, medications, or surgical solutions to keep the operating room sterile and safe.

• Advertising and insurance for the office.

• The cost of LASIK can be reduced if the surgeon is part of the staff, eliminating his fee.

When you are considering different LASIK surgery opportunities you should question your surgeon on what is included in the cost of the LASIK surgery.

• What is and isn’t included in the LASIK cost?
• What will I be charged for if complications occur or enhancements are needed?
• What is the cost for LASIK medications such as anti-inflammatory or painkillers?
• What is the cost for temporary contact lenses if they are needed after LASIK?
• What is the cost of the follow-up visits related to LASIK?

Finally, you should get in contact with your insurance company to determine if they will cover the cost of the LASIK surgery. Some insurance companies don’t cover LASIK cost because they consider the surgery to be cosmetic. If financing is not a problem you should strongly consider using the LASIK surgeon who best suits your needs and concerns.

The FDA considers the average cost of LASIK surgery to be $1,344 in 2005, a significant decrease from the original numbers listed in 2002 of nearly $1,600. Many consider this LASIK cost to be marginal in relation to the comfort created by newly improved vision.

In recent years, countries such as Russia, India, Thailand and Singapore are offering a holiday-cum-lasik surgery package. This will include a holiday, a consultancy by a qualified surgeon, a lasik surgery in a good class hospital and post-recovery in a high class hotel with the possibility of spa, massages and detox sessions included!

This has proven to be extremely popular with patients from USA and Europe as the higher cost of a holiday is offset by the relatively lower medical and operation costs. What's more. most of these surgeons are extremely qualified, having been trained in western hospitals and having undertaken thousands of lasik surgeries.