Every year millions of nearsighted people decide that they're tired of wearing glasses and begin looking for a more permanent solution to their eye problems. In the not too distant past, the solution would have meant going through a procedure called radial keratotomy in which incisions to the eye are made with a precision calibrated diamond knife.
Nowadays, most of these people are gaining 20/20 vision with the relatively new procedure of Lasik eye surgery. It was only a bit more than ten years ago that the FDA approved Summit Technology's excimer laser to be used to correct nearsightedness.
So what exactly is Lasik eye surgery? The acronym "Lasik" stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Lasik actually combines two distinct vision techniques for correcting the eyesight.
First, a knife, called a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea. The cornea is the translucent front part of the eye that acts as a protection for the eye. It also acts as the lens of the eye and controls the entry of light into the eye. The way light passes through the eye determines how well we are able to see the outside world. Common eye defects such as near sightedness are caused by refraction errors, that is, errors in the way light passes through the cornea.
The second vision technique used in Lasik is a computer-controlled laser which is used to vaporize a portion of the stroma, one of the five layers of the cornea. The stroma is, by far, the largest part of the cornea. It is essential to controlling the refraction of light through the cornea.
Parts of the stroma are vaporized to flatten the cornea. The amount of stroma that needs to be vaporized depends on your degree of nearsighteness. Once this is done, the cornea flap is replaced to its original position.
The combination of these two techniques allow surgeons to precisely correct the refractive errors in the eye that prevent you from having 20/20 vision.
Even though millions of people every year opt for Lasik surgery as a way of completely eliminating their dependence on glasses, refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly. Eye surgery is not trivial.
You will need to find not just a clinic, but also a physician who is experienced in vision corrective surgery. In fact, finding the right physician to perform your Lasik surgery is the most important decision you will make. Remember, you are about to place your future vision in the hands of whichever specialist you choose.
This is an exciting time for medical discoveries. The rate of new discoveries in the medical world are taking place at a dizzying pace. New and improved methods of surgery techniques are discovered and implemented everyday. You will want to find a doctor who keeps abreast of the latest developments in refractive eye surgery techniques and who is an active participant in the operations themselves.
If you take the time to choose the right physician, one you feel comfortable with and who is able to explain to your satisfaction, both the benefits and the risks involved, you should have no problems with your Lasik surgery.
Monday 14 September 2009
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Trend: Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers
With the cosmetic surgery industry gaining wide acceptance, the emergence of luxury cosmetic surgery centers is making cosmetic plastic surgery more accessible. Also referred to as medical spas, luxury cosmetic surgery centers merge convenience and expertise into an affordable package.
The Convenience of Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers
Medical advancement is the primary reason for the newest trend in luxury cosmetic surgery centers. With a growing number of minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments available, many procedures no longer require a hospital stay. Cosmetic surgery on the whole is much safer and more convenient.
With the dissipation of past stigma, many people look to cosmetic surgery as a sensible option for maintaining physical appearance. Cosmetic procedures require less time, and the recovery period is also substantially reduced.
Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers are More Attractive
By virtue of the fact that luxury cosmetic surgery centers are a comfortable alternative to the traditional hospital setting, cosmetic surgery is now attracting people from all walks of life. Where cosmetic surgery was once thought to have been reserved for the white female elite, the industry now appeals to men, minorities and people from various income backgrounds.
Proximity is another attractive feature. Luxury centers for cosmetic surgery are available in many locations throughout the country. Options for cosmetic procedures are coupled with options for locating the luxury cosmetic surgery center facility of your choice.
Experienced Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons at Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers
Complex surgeries can now be performed at many luxury cosmetic surgery facilities. Operating facilities should be recognized by organizations such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care or American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Surgeons should also be board certified by an accredited organization such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Surgeons at luxury cosmetic surgery centers should have hospital privileges to perform more complex surgeries, and for cases of emergency. Even if the operating facility at a luxury cosmetic surgery center is adequate, surgeons must acquire hospital privileges to have office-based facilities recognized by the AAAASF. Hospital privileges require extensive peer review. You can check the credentials of your surgeon with the hospital.
Schedule a Consultation at a Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Center
In order to take advantage of the variety of cosmetic surgery options available, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Remember to choose a luxury cosmetic surgery center that upholds the standards of traditional hospital facilities. Check that your cosmetic plastic surgeon is board certified by an appropriate organization. Verify AAAASF certification for operating facilities, as well.
Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers and Cost
Depending on the procedure, cosmetic surgery has a range from a couple hundred dollars into the thousands. Many luxury cosmetic surgery centers provide financing options. Be sure to inquire about payment plans. You can also acquire financing from a health care financing company, such as CareCredit.
The Convenience of Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers
Medical advancement is the primary reason for the newest trend in luxury cosmetic surgery centers. With a growing number of minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments available, many procedures no longer require a hospital stay. Cosmetic surgery on the whole is much safer and more convenient.
With the dissipation of past stigma, many people look to cosmetic surgery as a sensible option for maintaining physical appearance. Cosmetic procedures require less time, and the recovery period is also substantially reduced.
Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers are More Attractive
By virtue of the fact that luxury cosmetic surgery centers are a comfortable alternative to the traditional hospital setting, cosmetic surgery is now attracting people from all walks of life. Where cosmetic surgery was once thought to have been reserved for the white female elite, the industry now appeals to men, minorities and people from various income backgrounds.
Proximity is another attractive feature. Luxury centers for cosmetic surgery are available in many locations throughout the country. Options for cosmetic procedures are coupled with options for locating the luxury cosmetic surgery center facility of your choice.
Experienced Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons at Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers
Complex surgeries can now be performed at many luxury cosmetic surgery facilities. Operating facilities should be recognized by organizations such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care or American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Surgeons should also be board certified by an accredited organization such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Surgeons at luxury cosmetic surgery centers should have hospital privileges to perform more complex surgeries, and for cases of emergency. Even if the operating facility at a luxury cosmetic surgery center is adequate, surgeons must acquire hospital privileges to have office-based facilities recognized by the AAAASF. Hospital privileges require extensive peer review. You can check the credentials of your surgeon with the hospital.
Schedule a Consultation at a Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Center
In order to take advantage of the variety of cosmetic surgery options available, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Remember to choose a luxury cosmetic surgery center that upholds the standards of traditional hospital facilities. Check that your cosmetic plastic surgeon is board certified by an appropriate organization. Verify AAAASF certification for operating facilities, as well.
Luxury Cosmetic Surgery Centers and Cost
Depending on the procedure, cosmetic surgery has a range from a couple hundred dollars into the thousands. Many luxury cosmetic surgery centers provide financing options. Be sure to inquire about payment plans. You can also acquire financing from a health care financing company, such as CareCredit.
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