Use of an excimer laser has been approved for correcting vision problems since the 1980s in Canada and the 1990s in the United States. Laser Eye Surgery has become more complex since then. Initially only used to treat minor and mild vision disorders, Laser Eye Surgery is now used to correct more severe vision problems and is even used to treat cataracts in some individuals.
The cost of Laser Eye Surgery varies from person to person and between practitioners. Currently in Australia it can cost on average between $2 000 for a simple procedure on one eye to about $10 000 for more complex surgery on both eyes. For many people however the cost of glasses or contact lenses can add up to this over a period of 10 or 20 years or even less.
Laser Eye Surgery is not right for everyone, however. Patients with recurring problems such as glaucoma and diabetes may not be able to undergo laser eye treatments. Laser Eye Surgery requires the patient to have good health and to have quick healing of the eyes after operation to be effective.
Proponents of Laser Eye Surgery speak of being able to throw away your glasses and contact lenses for ever!! Although there are a percentage of patients who have undergone Laser Eye Surgery and never have to worry about wearing glasses or contacts again this is not true for everyone. Often in cases where 20/20 vision is achieved it does not last after the 6 months following surgery.
The vast majority of individuals who have undergone Laser Eye Surgery have significant improvement in their vision. Some have side effects such as dry eyes" halos and blurriness but these are mostly temporary. A small percentage of people have experienced worse vision following surgery but fortunately this is a small percentage.
The most important things to remember before committing to a Laser Eye Surgery procedure are to consult a doctor or opthamologist first and to choose the surgeon doing the procedure carefully. Laser Eye Surgery does have risks and is not a procedure to be taken lightly.