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LASIK – Key Facts and Tips for Finding a Surgeon

LASIK – Key Facts and Tips for Finding a Surgeon

LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is one of the best-known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgeries to correct vision problems. LASIK (or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, this is only one type of corrective laser surgery, and the term is often used to refer to other procedures, regardless of the method. So, here is everything one should know before getting vision correction surgery.

Types of vision correction surgery
Vision problems can be corrected using lasers or surgical tools in several ways. 

Conventional LASIK: Conventional LASIK is one of the oldest and least expensive forms of laser vision correction surgery that uses a microkeratome (blade) to create an opening in the cornea. This opening is then folded back so that a laser can reshape the cornea to correct the vision problem. Once this is completed, the flap is replaced.

Custom LASIK: This is a modern approach to LASIK that uses corneal mapping tools for improved accuracy and precision during the procedure.

All-laser or blade-free LASIK: This procedure is similar to conventional LASIK but requires the use of a femtosecond laser instead of the blade. It is often known to offer better results and fewer complications.

Photoreactive keratectomy (PRK): PRK is also known as advanced surface ablation. Although it uses similar corneal mapping tools and lasers as LASIK, it involves the complete removal of the cornea instead of reshaping. The cornea grows back over time after PRK has corrected the underlying problems.

LASIK or epi-LASIK: Here, the procedure is similar to PRK, but the cornea is replaced after vision correction treatment.

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE): This procedure uses a femtosecond laser to create a grouping of tissue in the removed cornea, thereby improving the focusing power of the eye.

Refractive lens exchange: This treatment does not involve lasers. Here, a part of the eye lens is removed and replaced with a vision-correcting eye lens, also known as an intraocular lens.

LASIK surgeries are popular and make up for 80–85% of all vision correction surgeries, while PRK accounts for 10–15% of them. Procedures like SMILE and refractive lens exchange only make up for less than 5% of these surgeries.

Cost
The cost of LASIK and other vision correction surgeries can vary depending on a number of factors. The location, the experience of the surgeon, techniques used, included costs, and individual eye health and vision problems can determine how the procedure is priced. LASIK surgery may cost anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 per eye. The average price in the country per eye was $2,632 in 2020. This equals the cost of glasses or eye contacts and eye exams over 8 to 10 years. 

What is covered in the cost?
The cost and services included in the package can be determined by the person doing the procedure. Some locations offer all-inclusive packages, but it is important to clarify what is included and what is not during the first consultation. Some services that may or may not be included in the cost include pre- and postoperative exams, facility fees, surgeon’s fees, and other treatments used during or after the procedure. Clinics that quote a low price initially may reveal additional costs later.

Insurance coverage
Very few private insurance companies cover the cost of LASIK as it is an elective surgery. People can opt for healthcare programs like a federal savings account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), but most vision correction surgeries are generally paid out-of-pocket. However, some large insurance providers offer discounts on LASIK surgeries as a part of their member rewards or deals programs.

Purpose
LASIK is used to correct the following issues:

Nearsightedness: Approximately 80% of people who undergo vision correction surgery have nearsightedness or myopia.

Farsightedness: Farsightedness or hyperopia accounts for 15% of all vision correction surgeries.

Age-related changes: As people age, their eyes lose their elasticity, leading to vision problems like presbyopia or farsightedness.

How well does LASIK work?
It usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to perform LASIK on one eye, and results can be observed as soon as 24 hours after the procedure.

Like many other surgical procedures, there is a chance that LASIK or any other vision correction surgery may need to be repeated, or may lead to other complications. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC), about 30% of people who undergo LASIK experience temporary side effects that are considered a normal part of the healing process. These side effects generally go away within 3 months, but for some people, they may last up to a year. Common side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos, and problems with nighttime vision. According to the ARSC, less than 1% of people who undergo LASIK develop serious complications after the surgery, such as infections.

Tips for finding a doctor
Before making an appointment for surgery, it is important to find the most suitable clinic and doctor for treating one’s vision-related issues. Some tips for selecting a laser eye surgery doctor before scheduling the procedure are:

  1. Visit or contact several local LASIK doctors, and ask them about their experience, procedures, success rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
  2. Select a doctor who has performed multiple LASIK procedures and has a high success rate, whose location is convenient, and who makes one feel the most comfortable.
  3. Ask the surgeon who they think is a good candidate for the procedure. This can help one reduce their chances of complications.
  4. Seek recommendations from friends and family who were happy with their surgeries for referrals.
  5. Don’t always go for the cheapest options, as they may be lacking in experience, or have hidden costs.
  6. Talk to the LASIK surgeon about the technique that will be used, and have a realistic expectation of the results.
  7. Remember to ask about savings programs, discounts, and payment plans. As few insurance companies cover LASIK, service providers may offer deals and discounts on the procedure.
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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Fatty Liver Disease – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Fatty liver disease, also called steatosis, is a common health condition caused by the storage of extra fat in the liver. In most cases, people do not show any symptoms, and it does not cause significant problems or complications. However, some may suffer liver damage due to inflammation. Scarring and liver failure are also possible in rare cases. The good news is that adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or reverse the condition. Foods to eat Fatty liver causes immense damage to the organ. It prevents it from removing blood toxins and making bile to aid digestion. When the liver cannot function properly and perform these tasks effectively, it might lead to other problems. One way to manage the situation is to follow a healthy meal plan consisting of the following foods: Garlic A staple in almost every household, garlic provides immense benefits for people with fatty liver disease. Research suggests that garlic powder supplements aid in the reduction of symptoms. It also inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation, which is highly beneficial for overall health. Besides these advantages, garlic adds a unique flavor to meals, making it a must-have food. Flaxseeds Researchers have found that people who add flaxseeds to their meals are less likely to develop this health condition. Flaxseed oil is also beneficial. Alpha-linolenic acid, an ingredient found in flaxseed oil, helps combat fatty liver by suppressing lipogenic enzymes and boosting the activity of fatty acid metabolism receptors in the body. Coffee Besides boosting energy, coffee has several other benefits for people with fatty liver. A recent study found that decaffeinated coffee reduces liver damage and inflammation. Another study suggested reduced fat built-up in the liver and improved body metabolism. However, coffee must be had in moderation, as excess can lead to other health problems. Broccoli One of the most nutrient-rich vegetables, broccoli is extremely helpful in managing several disorders, including fatty liver disease. It effectively reduces liver lipid accumulation by promoting lipolysis. This veggie also regulates inflammatory response and delays the condition's progression by regulating the liver macrophage polarity switch. Almond milk Calcium plays a vital role in the prevention of liver disease. Almond milk is a rich source of not only calcium but also vitamin D (required for calcium absorption). Since patients with fatty liver are also at risk for other complications like osteoporosis, drinking up to three glasses of almond milk every day is advised. Green tea Green tea has been acclaimed for its health properties for thousands of years. It possesses several antioxidants, including catechin. Multiple studies have concluded that these antioxidants may help improve fatty liver symptoms. Furthermore, research suggests that green tea extract supplements decrease liver enzymes in patients. Foods to avoid While eating the above foods, patients with fatty liver disease should avoid or eliminate certain others from their nutrition plan. This may aid in maintaining a healthy liver, reverse fat buildup, contribute to liver healing, and maintain overall health. Some foods to be avoided are: Beef Red meats like beef contain high amounts of saturated fats. The American Gastrointestinal Association suggests that an individual with fatty liver disease should avoid saturated fats as much as possible because their intake gradually increases the amount of fat around the organs, including the liver. Instead, one can opt for alternatives like tofu, oily fish, and lean meats to maintain liver health. White bread Refined and processed grains used to make white bread often leave behind a starchy product. White bread also contains added sugar, which is highly harmful to people with fatty liver disease. Moreover, its simple carbohydrates can be easily broken down into sugar and cause further complications in the body. Instead of white bread, one can opt for alternatives like wholegrain bread, quinoa, and rolled oats. Butter Dairy products like butter have been associated with high triglycerides in the liver. Hence, patients with fatty liver disease are suggested to avoid it. Butter is also a source of saturated fat, which increases liver fat accumulation by 40%. Instead of butter, one can opt for other substitutes, such as peanut butter, for the spread. French fries Rich in trans fats, French fries and other fried foods are incredibly harmful to the liver. Research suggests that these fried foods may increase the risk of inflammation and even lead to compromised liver function. An alternative that patients can consider is sweet potatoes. They are filled with beta carotene, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C that help lower inflammation and promote liver repair. Soda Soda, a popular beverage in the country, contains more than 40 grams of added sugar in a single can. Regular consumption of such high amounts of sugar affects multiple bodily functions, including the liver. Too much soda also increases insulin resistance and oxidative stress, which, when combined, increase the delivery of free fatty acids to the liver, thus increasing the risk of fatty liver. Bacon Processed meats like bacon are known to have a negative impact on liver health. The preservatives usually added to them have high amounts of sodium and artificial nitrates that may harm the organ and lead to other complications. This includes high blood pressure, which plays a direct role in liver inflammation and damage. While the above food tips may help patients, one should consult a doctor before changing their nutrition regimen drastically. Those who do not have the condition should be aware of its symptoms to diagnose it as early as possible. Some common signs include nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, and swollen abdomen and legs. This disorder may not cause any problems initially, but its progression may lead to severe liver damage. Hence, patients are advised to go for regular checkups to ensure early detection and treatment.

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