Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is another surgical method to improve vision. Both LASIK surgery and PRK involve the reshaping of the cornea by using a laser to alter the shape of the deeper layers of the cornea, changing its shape and correcting the patient’s eyesight permanently. PRK removes a layer from the cornea, while LASIK surgery reshapes it; in some cases where the tissue is not strong enough to withstand LASIK procedures, a planned LASIK surgery may be converted to a PRK procedure during the surgery.

Most practitioners require an in-depth eye examination for prospective patients in order to determine whether they are good candidates for the procedure. Patients must also meet several criteria, including:

• Stable vision for at least one year
• No eye injuries or infections for at least one year
• Must not be pregnant
• Must not be suffering from an autoimmune disorder
• Cornea to be treated must be free of scarring
• Eye must not dilate beyond seven millimeters in darkness

The LASIK procedure typically takes less than thirty minutes to complete and is accomplished by using a specialized LASIK machine. First the eye is numbed, and then a speculum is used to hold the eyelids open throughout the process. A small flap is cut in the surface of the cornea using a precise laser or mechanical device, and the interior layer of the cornea is reshaped to exact specifications. Most LASIK providers recommend making arrangements in advance for someone else to drive the patient home after surgery, since vision will be affected for about a week after the surgery is completed.

Patients looking for the best results from San Jose LASIK surgery professionals should consider more than just price when making their selection. Reputable offices require a full pre-screening and a number of post-operation examinations in order to ensure that the healing process proceeds smoothly and that the surgery achieves the desired effect. After all, lasik complications are easier avoided by means of preclusion rather than prescription. A lazer eye surgery is serious business and preliminary precautions should be taken.

Its important to do your due diligence before committing to lasik surgery. Some of the following ideas might help save a few bucks, without risking the quality of your treatment:

First, shop around. Yes, you will find quite a price range even among the San Jose lasik facilities. The Bay Area is famous for it’s “high-tech,” and laser centers have capitalized on that image (by touting the latest and greatest wave-front lasik scanners, PRK surgery, lasik plus, etc. ) but, don’t let that justify paying the highest price for your procedure. Each lasik machine is approved by the FDA before it can be used to treat people. Just because one laser center splashes the media about their machine doesn’t mean that it is any better than another office with the same machine.

Secondly, consider the total cost of the lasik procedure. Timing both your treatment and your follow-up visits can prove to be either a considerable savings or expense. If you know your schedule in advance, it may be worth taking the time to arrange time-off before and after your procedure so you don’t have any “opportunity costs” (lost sales, etc.) or unnecessary travel expenses (hotels, airfare, rental car, etc.)

Finally, be realistic about your “need” for the lasik procedure. Will it really free you from having to wear glasses? Will you still need glasses to read? Do you work at a computer, where it is likely that you will still need to wear glasses most of the day? These are all legitimate questions to consider before having a lasik surgery. There is substantial evidence online, that supports the argument for simply wearing glasses. Many people who have had the surgery still have to wear glasses.