Laser eye surgery is an exceptionally valuable procedure, but it only achieves results with a specific set of diseases. Laser surgery is carried out when highly skilled physicians direct the laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation), shaping and working on the areas of your eyes that require attention. The laser can alter your eye, or work on damaged blood vessels, but it cannot heal certain conditions.
Understanding which diseases it is suited to can highlight the ways in which this type of surgery can add immense value to your life. It’s an out patient procedure which carries no risk of infection, and so if suited to your needs, is often the obvious choice for treatment. The diseases that are treatable by laser eye surgery are diseases of the retina, early identified glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Diseases of the Retina
When damage has been done to your retina in the form of tears or holes, laser eye surgery can be an effective treatment method. Extensive damage, where the retina has become detached from the rest of the eye, however, is not treatable.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve of the eye. It can be hugely damaging to one’s sight, but if caught early enough, laser eye surgery can contribute to solving the problem.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration affects the small central area of the retina, and can manifest in one of two ways. Dry macular degeneration is untreatable by laser eye surgery, while wet macular degeneration can be treated. When bleeding and scarring occurs in the macula, the laser can seal off blood vessels in order to stop the bleeding.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that can develop as a complication of diabetes, and results in the blood vessels of the eye growing abnormally or leaking fluid inside the eye. Laser eye surgery can slow or even stop this growth.
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud the lens covering of the eye, making vision blurry or unfocused. While laser eye surgery cannot affect cataracts, it can be very useful after a cataract removal operation, when the replacement lens placed over the eye can sometimes also become blurry, by cutting a small hole to let light through as it can cut open the cloudy.
Laser surgery has proven to be a treatment of great potential benefit, but as with any treatment, it must be understood in terms of its limitations as well as its possibilities. If you are unsure of your eligibility for laser eye surgery you shouldn’t hesitate to contact an expert.
About the Author:
About The Author
London Vision Clinic, established in the UK, is home to a host of accomplished and experienced ophthalmologists. Being a leader in Lasik Eye surgery, London Vision Clinic remains at the forefront of eye treatments and solutions.
http://www.londonvisionclinic.com/
Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:31:38 - 100%
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