The number of laser eye surgery procedures conducted by publicly traded LCA-Vision dropped 38 percent in the second quarter from a year ago — a reflection of industrywide troubles. University of Missouri-St. Louis professor Stephen Moehrle said that in a faltering economy, consumers are more likely to choose glasses or contacts instead of shelling out thousands of dollars for Lasik eye surgery. Cincinnati-based LCA-Vision has recently had layoffs, a salary freeze and large cuts to its advertising and marketing budgets because of the economic downturn. According to research firm Market Scope, vision correction procedures peaked in 2000 at about 1.4 million and are expected to decline 17 percent this year from last year’s 1.3 million.
Filed Under (laser eye surgery) by admin on 27-07-2008
The first question most people have on their minds is “how much does the surgery cost?” The good news is lasik eye surgery is more affordable than you may have thought. We’ve also found that many patients have been shocked to realize there are multiple payment options. You won’t have to pay cash unless you want to. There are several financing options available to pay for your procedure at most providers. There is also flexible spending account and health spending account options.
Some employer benefit plans offer discounts or coverage, so check with your HR department to see if you qualify. The best way to learn all about the cost and payment options is to schedule an appointment with a Lasik Eye Surgeon and get your questions answered. It is safe to assume that there are options and one may suit your budget.
LASIK is a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is generally preferred to photorefractive keratectomy because it requires less time for the patient’s recovery, and the patient feels less pain. LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. You may hear people calling it “LASIX,” but the name is actually short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” Many patients choose LASIK as an alternative to wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
How long has Laser Eye Surgery Been Around
The LASIK technique was made possible by the Colombian-based Spanish ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer, who, around 1950 in his clinic in Bogotá, Colombia, Stephan Schaller assisted. Barraquer also provided the knowledge about how much of the cornea had to be left unaltered to provide stable long-term results.
What is Involved In Preparing For the Surgery
There are several necessary preparations in the preoperative period. The operation itself is made by creating a thin flap on the eye, folding it to enable remodeling of the tissue underneath with laser. The flap is repositioned and the eye is left to heal in the postoperative period.
