The Alternative Remedies Guide

A Google search of LASIK eye clinics in New York City alone yielded about 5,000 results. As more New Yorkers resort to LASIK procedures, here is a basic overview of LASIK’s benefits, risks, and costs that potential patients need to consider.

There are many benefits to LASIK surgery that contact lenses and eyeglasses cannot provide. Contacts and glasses are cumbersome. While they are inexpensive in the short term, LASIK can be the most cost-effective procedure in the long term. Most importantly, LASIK improves vision. This is why many choose to undergo the procedure. Even athletes and pilots have been known to resort to the procedure to correct vision problems.

However, the procedure is not without risks. This is why it is important to carefully discuss the procedure and its side effects with your surgeon. Dryness of the eyes is one of the most commonly reported side effects of LASIK. This can sometimes lead to infection and inflammation; however, artificial tears can easily relieve this. Patients can also experience night vision problems, which are more often attributed to the earlier LASIK procedures. Keratectasia, a condition that is caused when a surgeon removes too much tissue during surgery, is a serious side effect that may result in permanent distorted vision.

LASIK eye surgery costs differ from clinic to clinic as many factors determine what you pay for. More established clinics with experienced eye surgeons would most likely charge higher fees. The costs will also depend on the type of LASIK procedure usedthose that use InterLase or custom LASIK that employ wavefront technology will certainly cost more than traditional procedures. Some surgery packages will include follow up visits and surgery enhancements in the cost, which will make it seem expensive but may cost less in the long term.