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Eye Surgery: Amazing Results

By: Fabian Toulouse Our eyes are the most central, immediate way that we are connected to the world. There is a broadly accepted belief that sight is the privileged sense. Think about how often we use phrases like "A picture is worth a thousand words!" or the well-worn "See what I mean?" Consequently, it's not surprising that the thought of eye surgery frightens a good number of people.

There is an extensive history of cataract surgery, going back at least as far as ancient Rome, where archaeologists figured out that hollow needles were used to break up cataracts. Fortunately, treating vision problems with surgery has improved since its earliest procedures, and the vast majority of eye surgery employs high-tech solutions that painlessly improve the vision of millions of patients.

There are two kinds of procedures used to improve a person's vision, PRK and LASIK. PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and is used to shape the cornea, often using a specific type of laser called an excimer laser. This laser generates a kind of UV light that is able to remove exceptionally fine layers of material without disrupting the rest of the eye.

LASIK also alters the cornea using the excimer laser, but does so by lifting up a flap and then modifying the inner layers of the cornea. Both of these surgical treatments are outpatient procedures with very little discomfort and are now considered standard options for correcting eyesight. In fact, LASIK is now the most frequently chosen elective procedure. It is effective, has an unbelievably low level of complications, and since it generally takes fifteen minutes or less, is a remarkable time investment for a lifetime of improved vision.

There are quite a few different kinds of eye surgery, but PRK and LASIK are two of the most common. If you are interested in taking the next step in helping your vision, you should arrange a consultation with an ophthalmologist who will have you seeing things in a whole new light.