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(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 18, 2011 ) Milwaukee, WI - Dr. John Suson, of Suson Eye Specialists, began his discussion with "Lasik surgery is a highly successful and life changing experience for many people. But many patients, and even surgeons, forget to consider what the patient needs to know beyond their Lasik surgery. Are there any important considerations which are important for your future after Lasik?
In general, I believe that all Lasik patients should be seen for regular eye check ups at least every one to two years. Partly, these exams are for standard purposes in terms of glaucoma, cataracts, and general health of the eyes. In addition, because they have had Lasik surgery, I think that these patients should be watched for specific additional reasons:
1) To monitor for any future corneal or refractive changes
2) To monitor for retinal changes
3) To keep track of Lasik surgery parameters for future cataract surgery purposes
The first reason is that patients should be monitored for any future corneal or refractive changes. In a small percentage of people, there may be some late onset regression and return of nearsightedness. This change is usually small but possibly can be treated with additional Lasik. If these changes occur, the surgeon should watch them over a period of time and decide if they remain stable. In discussion with the patient, a decision should be made if additional Lasik is warranted. If the change is small, it may be adequate to simply observe or possibly use a small glasses prescription in certain conditions, i.e. night driving, and in other cases the limit for Lasik surgery may already have been reached.
In some rare patients, especially those that have had retreatments, epithelial ingrowth may occur. Epithelium is the outer surface “skin” that normally covers the cornea. In epithelial ingrowth, this tissue layer may grow beneath the lasik flap. If it is significant, it may need to be removed. If your surgeon notes evidence of this phenomenon at any time, he may wish to see you at periodic intervals to make sure it remains stable and to determine if any intervention is required.
The second reason is the need to monitor for retinal changes. Patients that are highly nearsighted are known to have a predisposition for retinal tears and detachments because of a tendency to have thinner peripheral retinas. Although they are not technically “nearsighted” after having had Lasik on their cornea, the structure of their eye is otherwise unchanged and this includes the retina. In other words, the retina still has a tendency to be thinner and should be monitored into the future for any development of retinal tears or detachments.
The last reason refers to changes that occur in all people when we get much older. When most people get into their 70s and 80s, the lenses in the eyes become cloudy, a phenomenon known as cataracts. When these elderly individuals reach a certain stage, their vision will deteriorate and they will require removal of the cataracts and placement of intraocular lenses. For patients that have previously undergone Lasik surgery, it is extremely helpful to have the Lasik treatment parameters available when doing calculations for the intraocular lens implants used for the cataract surgery.
For this third reason, it is very important to make sure that the Lasik surgery records remain available for future reference. It can be invaluable in choosing a Lasik surgeon to find out if they also perform cataract surgery and other general eye care. If so, all of the follow up and future cataract surgery could be done at one center and all records would be available for future use. Having a board certified ophthalmologist that performs cataract surgery and general eye care as your Lasik surgeon can allow for better, long-term, comprehensive care into your elder years."
For more information about blade-free Lasik eye surgery - in addition to scores of other eye related procedures, such as cataract surgery - visit Dr. John Suson's blog, at http://www.supereyes.com/blog/
To book a consultation with Dr. Suson, or to learn more about Suson Eye Specialists, visit http://www.supereyes.com/
Suson Eye Specialists
Dr. John Suson
414-778-2020
doctorjohnsuson@gmail.com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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