Benefits and Drawbacks of the iLASIK Procedure

Millions of men and women pursue laser eye surgery to achieve near-perfect vision without glasses or contacts, and there are now several innovative vision correction treatment options available. iLASIK is one of the latest procedures designed to reshape the cornea within a matter of minutes. Instead of undergoing extensive surgery, this quick and simple procedure can be done under 10 minutes and is designed to be almost painless. iLASIK also promises 20/20 vision or better one year after treatment. 

 

Does iLASIK sound good to be true? Here’s what you need to know.

 

How the iLASIK Procedure Is Performed

iLASIK is performed using computer software that creates a blueprint of your eyes. This digital blueprint offers a more precise and accurate result, according to iLASIK.com, and helps the surgeon guide the laser to exactly the right area of the eyes. 

 

The first laser used on the iLASIK procedure is used to make a thin flap in the cornea, and the second laser makes the correction based on the blueprints. All patients receive numbing drops before the procedure so they rarely feel any pain, and the entire process takes less than ten minutes per eye, in most cases.

 

Conventional LASIK procedures require the surgeon to use a thin blade to cut into the cornea, but this presents several risks and the cut may not be made in exactly the right place. The iLASIK procedure makes use of the IntraLase laser which cuts into the cornea more precisely. 

 

Key Benefits of the iLASIK Procedure

The iLASIK procedure is one of the most convenient and affordable vision correction procedures available, and offers several benefits including:

• High accuracy rate 
• Safe and proven technology
• Virtually painless
• Likely to achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery
• Average costs range between $2,000 - $3,000 per eye
• Financing available directly from the iLASIK surgeon

Drawbacks of the iLASIK Procedure

While the iLASIK procedure offers several benefits, there are some drawbacks to this innovative vision correction treatment.

The iLASIK procedure is relatively new and long-term studies have not been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the procedure after several years. 

 

Prospective patients who are under 21 years of age cannot have the iLASIK procedure, and anyone without a stable vision prescription for at least one year will also need to wait for iLASIK; the procedure can only be performed on eyes that are not changing.

 

Finally, the iLASIK procedure may not be available in your area which means you may need to travel extensively to find a surgeon. However, more doctors are being trained for iLASIK as the procedure becomes more popular around the country.

 

The iLASIK procedure has been proven to be safe, but is not without complications and some risks. Learn more about laser eye surgery treatment options in our information guide, or consult with a laser eye surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for iLASIK or other vision correction procedures.

source: http://www.locateadoc.com