Read more on "Cutting-Edge Laser Improves Surgical Procedures"]]> Laser eye surgery has been one of the leading treatments in the medical industry for a few years now. Able to correct a wide range of afflictions from cataracts to glaucoma, laser eye surgery is a quick, relatively painless, outpatient procedure which is both affordable and practical. Millions of people have gone under the laser to date, and the more people exploring this option, the more advanced the industry becomes as a whole. It is the epitome of supply meeting demand.

Recently, a new type of laser was introduced on the market, one that far exceeds the capabilities of the previous lasers and promises to light the way in the coming years.

The new laser recently released is the iFS femtosecond laser – a fifth-generation IntraLase laser, most commonly used in LASIK eye surgery procedures. Not only does the iFS improve LASIK procedures, but it also has some unique capabilities which will help to expand the types of procedures patients can have done.

The iFS Femtosecond Laser

Think of the iFS laser as a convection oven released after a basic thermal oven was already on the market – it does pretty much the same thing, only it does it a lot better.

In general, IntraLase lasers revolutionized the world of LASIK eye surgery. Believe it or not, these surgeries were still widely done without lasers. A surgeon would use an oscillating metal blade to create the corneal flap, the first step in the LASIK procedure. As you can imagine, many complications arose from using surgical steel to operate on an eyeball. Lasers changed the game, and now the advanced iFS promises to change it even further.

The iFS laser is a huge upgrade and performs circles around its predecessors. The laser is a lot faster than older models and is able to accurately cut out very complex shapes. For basic LASIK procedures, the iFS gets the job done in less time, and it even excels at corneal transplants and other complicated procedures. The laser has the capability to cut tighter incisions and to secure wounds more accurately for better overall results.

Doctors love this laser for the tongue-and-groove incisions they are able to create, which heal much faster and with far fewer complications. And patients are taking a shine to this new laser due to the increased efficiency of LASIK procedures.

Overall, the iFS is sure to eventually replace all previous lasers. Only a few clinics in the country are using this laser right now. Of course, being brand new and superior to fourth-generation lasers, the fifth-generation comes at a steep price.

In a year or so, however, prices will fall as more competitors begin to manufacture similar products, and that means more and more clinics will be offering more efficient eye surgery to patients.

Read more on "LASIK Surgery Goes Viral"]]> In this modern age, whether you need to know about ADHD treatments, weight-loss information or how to put in a kitchen sink, you can find information online in an instant. And thanks to a leading Kansas City laser eye surgery clinic, Durrie Vision, prospective eye surgery patients can now find pertinent information online via other LASIK surgery recipients.

Dr. Daniel Durrie wasn’t exactly reinventing the wheel when he decided to create a Facebook group for patients. He was simply taking advantage of a social media platform that millions upon millions of people use every single day. The basic idea was to give patients an alternative look at the procedures and the risks associated with eye surgery in general.

How will eye surgery affect you, how much will it cost, who should have the surgery, what is the recovery time, and are there any alternative measures – these questions, along with many others, are all asked by potential eye surgery recipients, and going viral and speaking to other recipients of eye surgery can answer them all.

In terms of what you need to know about having eye surgery, Dr. Durrie is certainly on to something. Using the Internet and its countless social media outlets can help you get the answers you need by speaking to people who were in your shoes.

Benefits of Online User Groups

Let’s say your child develops a problem in his or her eye and laser surgery is suggested. This is different than if the problem was yours. Any risks are greatly magnified when dealing with a child. This is where seeking the support of others in your shoes can be a godsend.

Not only will the costs be explained to you, but you will find out about the more important information from parents who were once just as concerned about their child’s wellbeing as you are. You will learn about all the potential risks, the recovery, the sort of special care your child will need from you, the amount of time he or she may miss from school, and other vital information.

The idea of the support group was around long before the Internet was, but having instant online access makes it much easier in this day and age to reach out and get in touch with someone.

Replace this scenario with any you face pertaining to eye surgery. The path you take should still be the same. You should get in contact with people who were once in your shoes. You will avoid the pitch from the clinics and the misinformation out there provided by paid-for shills. You will get to the true heart of the matter and find out what you need to know.

Read more on "Is Laser Surgery Right for You?"]]> A few decades ago, vision problems were considered untreatable beyond throwing on a pair of glasses and calling it a day. With the advancements of laser eye surgery, however, a wide range of vision problems can be corrected with a short outpatient procedure.

Knowing what happens during laser eye surgery—most commonly LASIK surgery—can be a bit off-putting for some. The laser reshapes the eye’s cornea, changing its ability to focus, and most patients end up with perfect 20/20 vision. For individuals who cringe every time they need to change a contact lens, the thought of a laser beam shooting directly into their eye is more than a little disturbing.

But you cannot argue with the results. Laser surgery has a great track record of correcting vision problems and it just might be able to correct yours.

With its growing popularity, affordable pricing options and proven results, hundreds of thousands of people are having LASIK surgery every year, and that number only continues to grow. But how do you know if laser eye surgery is right for you? After all, no medical procedure is a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are always risks associated with any surgical procedure.

What You Should Know Before Surgery

With any surgical procedure, there is a long list of do’s and don’ts, as well as considerations based on health, previous procedures, other medical conditions, etc. Although you’re not being put to sleep and cut open here, laser eye treatment is still considered surgery and can still be rather risky if you do not fit a certain bill.

The truth of the matter is that not everyone is the ideal candidate for laser eye surgery. There are a few requirements one must meet in order to be considered for the procedure, including:

• All patients must be at least 18 years of age before receiving laser eye surgery.

• Women who are nursing or who are pregnant should not have laser eye surgery.

• Due to the risks associated with the surgery, individuals taking any sort of prescription medication should not have laser eye surgery.

• Although the surgical procedure is most commonly sought after in order to correct vision problems, all patients receiving laser eye surgery should have “stable” vision for at least one year prior to the procedure.

• It is recommended that anyone receiving a laser eye procedure be in generally good health, so a checkup with a local physician is a good idea before proceeding.

• Any infections or serious injuries one year prior to the procedure can cause complications, so potential patients are urged to wait before having laser eye surgery.

• Patients suffering from an autoimmune disorder, like Lupus or Sjogren’s Syndrome, should not have the procedure.

• Patients cannot have scarring of the cornea if they wish to have corrective laser surgery.

• Pupils should not dilate beyond 7mm in the dark.

Overall, patients should understand that there is risk in any such procedure. Before deciding to receive laser eye surgery, be honest with yourself and with your doctor about your medical history.