How The FDA Made Lasik Eye Surgery Brooklyn NY More Available

By Richard Schmidt


Corrective procedures on the eyes was prohibitively expensive until the mid-2000s. This period saw the passing of the procedure by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, opening up a whole new world of patients. Now many major medical plans will even cover up to 80% of lasik eye surgery Brooklyn NY.

Long before this procedure was in common practice in the United States, the Europeans, Canadians, and even Australians had been enjoying the benefits. Once the Food and Drug Administration passed it for vision correction after the year 2000, more Americans were able to seek this benefit. Prior to this, the patient had to bear the full burden of the cost.

There were banks providing loans for prospective patients in those days, and this is the only way many of the early patients were able to afford it. The whole process could cost as much as $5,000.00, and the patients underwent the whole ordeal with a clear understanding that they had no legal recourse if something went wrong. Luckily for them, the risk of accidents is very slim thanks to computer and laser technologies.

A computer begins the process for each patient by creating an extensive mapping of the lenses of each of their eyes. Over time and with ongoing strain from reading or staring at a computer screen, the lenses of most eyes change shape, and myopia is the result. Lasers controlled by computers which have uploaded these optic maps make microscopic burns and cuts which helps to reshape the lenses, thus allowing the retina to focus light properly once more.

The surgeon himself or herself has one primary duty. This duty is to perform the actual incision which opens the eyes, allowing the work to be done reshaping the internal structures. The computer-led lasers take it from there.

The patient too has a responsibility during the procedure, as they must do their best to keep their gaze affixed to a blinking light above them. This can be a very difficult goal for them to keep. As it turns out, one is barely capable of focusing on anything when their eyes are opened up.

The surgeon remains close by the side of their patient, keeping a steady reminder to them that they must maintain their focus on that flashing beacon. He or she monitors the entire procedure from this vantage point, also watching the progress of the remapping on a screen stationed in front of them. This surgeon may not control the laser with their own hands, but without their expert monitoring, the risk of complications or accidents increases.

Better technology has made these procedures even more elegant in their execution, and the benefits to the patient include the entire rest of their lives free of corrective vision wear. The most common side effects are halos in their vision, or the starburst effect when driving at night. When compared to the consequences of going through life without their vision corrected, these side effects are a reasonable trade for most patients.




About the Author: