Is Lasik Eye Surgery Considered Plastic Surgery?
Is Lasik Eye Surgery Considered Plastic Surgery? LASIK eye surgery, a commonly adopted means of improving eyesight, often sparks curiosity in people. One common question is whether it falls into the category of plastic surgery. This article seeks to clarify this query by shedding light on the nature and purpose of LASIK.The categorization requires us to delve into two major concepts: what constitutes LASIK eye surgery and what defines plastic surgery. By dissecting these topics, we can draw an accurate comparison. The aim here is not just answering the question at hand but also enriching your knowledge about both medical practices.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure designed to correct vision problems. Often known as laser eye surgery, it primarily addresses conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The central goal of this medical procedure is to reshape the cornea – the clear front part of your eyes.
The LASIK process begins with creating a thin flap in the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. After lifting and folding back the flap, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to remove some corneal tissue. This step involves reshaping parts of your cornea that lead to vision problems. Once completed, the surgeon repositions and allows the lifted flap to heal naturally.
An essential aspect of LASIK eye surgery lies in its ability to correct vision without any invasive techniques significantly reducing recovery times compared with other forms of corrective procedures. Post-surgery discomfort levels are typically low while positive results can often be experienced within 24 hours following treatment completion which makes it highly preferred by individuals seeking quick solutions for their vision issues.
Is LASIK Eye Surgery Considered Plastic Surgery?
In the sphere of medical procedures, categorizations are not always black and white. It is essential to take into account that plastic surgery refers to a broad field that includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. This wide-ranging medical practice primarily aims at altering or restoring the body’s form and function. However, it is crucial to note that LASIK eye surgery does not fall under this umbrella.
LASIK eye surgery is in essence an ophthalmic procedure rather than a plastic one. Ophthalmic procedures focus on treating conditions related directly to the eyes and their immediate surroundings while plastic surgeries typically relate more with enhancing aesthetic appeal or repairing physical deformities across various parts of the body. The central goal of LASIK is correcting vision problems which sets it apart from traditional ideas of what constitutes as ‘plastic’.
That being said, there can be instances where lines might blur especially when considering some aspects like cosmetic eyelid surgeries (blepharoplasties). These indeed come under both ophthalmic and plastic surgical interventions because they involve both functional improvements (like removing excess skin causing visual obstruction) along with aesthetic enhancements (reducing wrinkles or puffiness). Yet these exceptions do not change the inherent nature of LASIK – its core objective remains fixed on improving your sight without altering any external appearances hence distinguishing itself from conventional notions attached to plastic surgeries.
Considerations for LASIK Eye Surgery
When contemplating LASIK eye surgery, several crucial factors need to be considered. This procedure, while highly effective and relatively safe, is not suitable for everyone. It’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the considerations involved before making an informed decision about proceeding with this medical procedure.
From evaluating personal health conditions to understanding potential risks and outcomes, these are some key points you should mull over:
1. Health Conditions: Certain health issues can influence LASIK’s success rate or lead to complications post-surgery. These include autoimmune diseases, chronic dry eyes, glaucoma or other eye diseases.
2. Age Factor: While there isn’t a strict age limit for undergoing LASIK eye surgery, it’s generally recommended for adults above 18 years as vision tends to stabilize by then.
3. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the shape of your cornea leading to inaccurate measurements and potentially unsatisfactory results hence it may not be ideal timing for such a procedure.
4. Stable Prescription: Your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription should remain stable at least within a year prior performing LASIK as fluctuations could impact surgical accuracy and effectiveness.
5. Realistic Expectations: Although most patients achieve 20/20 vision after surgery many still require glasses under certain circumstances like driving at night thus knowing what results you can realistically expect helps in managing anticipations better.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it does highlight some significant areas that anyone considering this form of corrective eye treatment ought to consider carefully, ensuring they make well-informed decisions based on their individual circumstances alongside professional advice from qualified healthcare providers specializing in ophthalmic procedures, like LASIK eye surgery, specifically.
Insurance Coverage for LASIK Eye Surgery
The financial aspect of any medical procedure is a pivotal consideration, and LASIK eye surgery is no exception. In many cases, people turn to their insurance companies with hope that the cost will be covered in part or entirely. However, understanding how insurance coverage works for procedures like this can be crucial.
Typically, most health insurance plans consider LASIK as an elective procedure rather than a medically necessary one which means it’s often not covered under standard policies. This perspective stems from the fact that other non-surgical options such as glasses or contact lenses exist to correct vision problems mitigating necessity factor. However, there are exceptions where specific criteria might qualify a patient for partial or even complete coverage.
Insurance terms and conditions vary widely among providers; thus, it’s imperative to consult your insurance company directly about potential coverage options before proceeding with the surgery. Some insurers may offer discounts on vision correction surgeries through their network of preferred providers, while others could cover surgery costs if there exist certain qualifying conditions, such as severe refractive errors or the inability to wear corrective lenses due to medical reasons causing significant impairment in daily life activities. However, these instances tend to remain more exceptions than the norm, hence making personal consultation so important toward fully understanding what you’re entitled to under your specific policy provisions regarding LASIK eye surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does LASIK eye surgery take to perform?
Typically, the procedure doesn't take more than 30 minutes. However, you'll need to plan for pre-surgery preparations and post-surgery recovery time on the day of your operation.
Are there any side effects associated with LASIK eye surgery?
While most people undergo LASIK without any significant problems, some potential side effects include dry eyes, glare or halos around lights, under-corrections or over-corrections requiring additional procedures, and in rare cases loss of vision.
Is the effect of LASIK eye surgery permanent?
In majority cases yes - once your cornea is reshaped it does not usually change back. However age-related conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) may still develop as they would normally irrespective of having undergone LASIK.
