Laser Eye Surgery
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As medical technologies advance at the rapid pace of other technologies, laser surgery is becoming a more common procedure for a variety of medical conditions. Such conditions include heart surgery, eye surgery, and cosmetic surgery. While the scope of this research cannot do justice to all forms of laser surgery, it is adequate to cover one of the most popular and controversial forms of laser surgery û eye laser surgery. In 2001, more than one million excimer laser procedures to correct vision were performed in the United States (Caster 2001). The first corrective vision technique that allowed people to see without the aid of glasses or contact lenses was known as radial keratotomy and was invented in 1973 (Caster 2001). More than a quarter century later, dramatic new advances in medical technology carry out more accurate and beneficial procedures. Lasers controlled by computers are now used in procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Such laser procedures to correct vision are helping millions of Americans see better without the aid of corrective lenses. While there are some drawbacks to eye laser surgery and the procedures available are not for everyone, this fast, painless and effective procedure is extremely beneficial for millions of Americans afflicted with vision impairment. There are a number of visual impairments that afflict individuals. When an individual is required t
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shapes the cornea to the degree required to restore accurate vision. This type of corrective surgery is not covered by insurance companies and is considered cosmetic. This is a significant variable to consider before such surgery as the operation typical ranges from $2200-$3000 per eye (Murray 1999).
Rapidly becoming the hottest form of corrective laser eye surgery is a procedure known as LASIK. LASIK is a more complex procedure than PRK because it requires the surgeon to make a cut with a scalpel. LASIK is the procedure that Maddux and other celebrities and sports figures have made popular due to dramatic results. LASIK has been found to be best suited for myopia and astigmatism at this point in time. During LASIK, the patient is also given a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. The procedure is also performed on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, however, the surgeon is more involved in the outcome than with PRK. During LASIK, the surgeon must use a scalpel known as a ômicrokeratome to cut a flap of corneal tissueö, (Lewis 1998, 2). This is the aspect of the procedure that makes LASIK more complex, more risky, and more in need of a trained specialist than PRK.
Once the surgeon cuts the flap of corneal t
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Some common words found in the essay are:
PRK LASIK, United Caster, Presbyopia Ehrlich, Eye Surgery, Virginia Jeter, Education Council, California Lewis, Surgery Introduction, Nevertheless LASIK, LASIK LASIK, eye surgery, laser eye, laser eye surgery, laser surgery, prk lasik, corrective lenses, lewis 1998, lasik surgery, accurate vision, refractive error, excimer laser, oct 6 2003, viewed oct 6, 6 2003 http//wwwelibrarycom, lewis 1998 1,
Approximate Word count = 2676
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)
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