TV adverts promise better sight quickly and safely. They tell you to throw away your glasses and live life to the full. They promise perfect sight—at a cost. I can't see well enough to read without glasses—can't even read my computer screen. Along with everything else in this 72 year-old body, my sight is declining. Imagine dispensing with the mad scramble to find my glasses each time I want to read. But how does it work? And, even more important, is it safe?
Laser eye surgery works by removing tissue from the cornea to change its shape. But sometimes, things go wrong and patients are being left with dry, sore eyes, tunnel vision, detached retinas and even blindness.
One case in point shows the dangers. A 42-year-old man suffered a complication after the first op and needed corrective surgery the next day for a crease in his left eye. Hold on! He went back for more after the first procedure didn't work?
Yep! You know what's coming. His condition worsened. Five years on, after several more ops, he has virtually no sight in his left eye and limited vision in his right. Doctors say nothing can be done to save his sight.
One major firm said its complication rate was very low. 96% of their patients get 20/20 vision or better. Of course, some procedures are necessary, like removing obstructions which prevent sight. But if you could see just as well by wearing glasses, would you take the risk?
Laser eye surgery works by removing tissue from the cornea to change its shape. But sometimes, things go wrong and patients are being left with dry, sore eyes, tunnel vision, detached retinas and even blindness.
One case in point shows the dangers. A 42-year-old man suffered a complication after the first op and needed corrective surgery the next day for a crease in his left eye. Hold on! He went back for more after the first procedure didn't work?
Yep! You know what's coming. His condition worsened. Five years on, after several more ops, he has virtually no sight in his left eye and limited vision in his right. Doctors say nothing can be done to save his sight.
One major firm said its complication rate was very low. 96% of their patients get 20/20 vision or better. Of course, some procedures are necessary, like removing obstructions which prevent sight. But if you could see just as well by wearing glasses, would you take the risk?
Google glasses - sfgate.com A procedure has recently become available in the UK which is widely used around the world. The sight of 50,000 patients in Japan has already been taken care of.
The simple treatment combines eye drops and UV light can make the procedure far less risky. Lasik Xtra, almost negates risk of the three most common complications: corneal ectasia, regression of sight and epithelial ingrowth. According to the manufacturers, no patient has suffered any of the three most serious complications.
We know all medical interventions carry risks. Some of the pictures of celebrities after their facelifts send shudders down my spine. The eye is such a precious part of our body. I sympathize with those who have limited sight and wish them every success in their effort to improve this major sense which most people take for granted. But, for those who can see shapes, colors and movement, is corrective laser treatment worth the risk?
Right! Off with my computer glasses now. I'm going to make porridge for breakfast—with the help of my other glasses to assist in measuring the ingredients.
The simple treatment combines eye drops and UV light can make the procedure far less risky. Lasik Xtra, almost negates risk of the three most common complications: corneal ectasia, regression of sight and epithelial ingrowth. According to the manufacturers, no patient has suffered any of the three most serious complications.
We know all medical interventions carry risks. Some of the pictures of celebrities after their facelifts send shudders down my spine. The eye is such a precious part of our body. I sympathize with those who have limited sight and wish them every success in their effort to improve this major sense which most people take for granted. But, for those who can see shapes, colors and movement, is corrective laser treatment worth the risk?
Right! Off with my computer glasses now. I'm going to make porridge for breakfast—with the help of my other glasses to assist in measuring the ingredients.
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