Do you ask what it is? Vision correction surgery prices In Saudi Arabia?
Conditions for laser eye surgery
Before learning about the price of LASIK vision correction surgery, we must first understand what LASIK operations are, their types, and the reasons for performing them.
LASIK vision correction surgeries have come as an effective and quick solution in treating refractive vision errors, which affects the price of vision correction surgery. These errors include:
- Myopia is a problem that causes people to not see objects far away from them clearly.
- Farsightedness is a visual defect that causes blurred vision of near objects.
- Astigmatism, a visual defect that includes blurring of both near and far objects, is caused by distortions in the surface of the cornea.
If a person suffers from one of the vision defects mentioned above, he may think that there is no problem with him undergoing laser vision correction operations and bearing the cost of the vision correction operation. This is a false belief, because LASIK operations, like any medical intervention, require the presence of certain conditions and comprehensive examinations to ensure that there are no risks arising from performing the operation.
Criteria for performing vision correction surgery
Conditions or criteria that affect an eye surgeon's decision whether or not to perform LASIK on a patient include:
Corneal thickness
Some people have a thin cornea, which may prevent them from undergoing some types of LASIK operations that require lifting part of the corneal flap (flap), which affects the price of the vision correction procedure.
Therefore, the doctor conducts a comprehensive examination of the patient’s cornea by photographing it with a specialized device that depicts the corneal topography (corneal topography device), which is a device that shows an integrated map of the shape of the surface of the cornea to determine the suitability of the case to undergo all types of laser vision correction surgery, after which the price of the vision correction process is determined.
Degree of visual defect
There are many types of laser techniques used in vision correction operations that affect The price of vision correction (LASIK)The doctor's decision to choose the appropriate type depends on the degree of myopia, for example.
Eye diseases
At the stage of diagnosing the patient with refractive vision defects, the doctor will check for any other health problems in the eye, such as:
- Glaucoma (blue water).
- Cataract (white water).
- Severe dry eyes.
- Keratoconus.
There is no need to worry. Once the above-mentioned eye diseases are treated, laser vision correction operations will be able to be performed without any problems.
تعرف ايضًا علي : Types of vision correction operations
Patient's age
The patient's age should not be less than 18 years, because before that age the vision level is unstable and is subject to many changes, so doctors wait until the vision condition stabilizes.
الحمل
Pregnant women do not undergo LASIK vision correction operations because their vision is not stable during that period due to the effect of pregnancy hormones, so doctors always advise them to postpone the procedure until at least six months have passed after giving birth.
الحالة الصحية
There are some medical conditions that prevent vision correction operations, such as patients infected with the herpes virus.
Do LASIK procedures include the use of one type of laser?
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Types of vision correction operations
Specialists have classified vision correction surgeries according to the type of laser used, which affects the price of vision correction and the method of surgery. Here are the most popular types of vision correction surgeries in the field of ophthalmology:
- prk (surface laser) process
The surface laser process, known as the “PRK process,” is the first type of vision correction surgery adopted globally. It is a process that includes removing the surface layer of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium, which are epithelial cells found on the surface of the cornea), then directing laser flashes to correct the shape of the corneal surface, which makes the price of the vision correction process different.
Notes:
- The outer layer of the cornea grows spontaneously after the operation.
- The PRK process takes a long time for the patient to fully recover.
LASIK procedure
During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon lifts a small portion of the surface of the cornea. This portion resembles a thin crust, and the surgeon lifts it using a surgical scalpel designated for eye surgeries called a “microkeratome.”
After removing a crust from the outer surface of the cornea, the doctor directs excimer laser flashes to reshape the surface of the cornea according to what the case needs. Then the doctor returns the crust to its place again so that it fuses with the rest of the corneal impurity again, and thus the price of the vision correction process varies.
The difference between surface laser and LASIK
The difference between the process of correcting visual distortions with a superficial laser and the LASIK process is the price of the vision correction process and the steps for performing the process:
- Surface laser surgery (PRK) involves removing the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium).
- The LASIK procedure involves lifting a small flap or fold (fold) from the surface of the cornea, then returning it to its position again.
- LASIK has fewer side effects compared to PRK.
- LASIK is suitable for patients with a thin cornea, because it does not involve lifting a fold of the cornea.
In addition to the above, the price of superficial laser vision correction surgery differs from the price of LASIK vision correction surgery.
- Femto-LASIK procedure
In this type of vision correction surgery, the eye surgeon uses a specialized type of laser (the femtosecond laser) to separate a fold from the surface of the cornea (Flap) instead of using a surgical scalpel known as a microkeratome, which is one of the factors affecting the price of the vision correction surgery, and then directs an excimer laser to correct defects in the surface of the cornea.
This process is superior to the types of laser operations mentioned above in that it relies entirely on two types of lasers:
- Femtosecond laser to separate the corneal cortex.
- Excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea.
This is what makes it a safe process with accurate results;
The price of the Femto-LASIK vision correction procedure differs from the prices of vision correction with other operations.
- Femtosmile procedure
In the Femto Smile procedure, the eye surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to separate the inner layers of the cornea and extract them without the need to raise a fold of the cornea, which we mentioned affects the price of the vision correction procedure, making it a suitable operation for those with a thin cornea as well as for patients with severe myopia.
What is the best type of vision correction surgery?
We can prefer one laser vision correction operation over another, as each operation is suitable for a specific category of patients and not just the price of the vision correction operation. The best operation is the operation that is appropriate to the patient’s condition and provides him with the best possible success rates.
How long does laser eye surgery take?
The laser eye operation takes approximately 30 minutes, and the duration may vary according to the patient’s condition and the type of technology used in the operation.
Is laser eye surgery painful?
The process of laser vision correction - of all kinds - does not include feeling any pain during the procedure steps, because the doctor gives the patient anesthetic eye drops (local anesthetic), which prevents feeling pain.
However, it is worth noting that the patient will feel some pain after the operation is over and the anesthetic effect wears off, and this pain can be reduced by using painkillers.
When does vision improve after laser surgery?
The level of vision gradually improves within a few days to two weeks after the operation. The vision stabilizes completely after a few months, and the recovery period after LASIK operations varies depending on the type of operation itself.
How much does laser vision correction surgery cost?
There is no direct answer that determines the price of vision correction surgery, because vision correction prices depend on a group of factors such as: the efficiency of the eye center responsible for the patient’s condition, the experience of the treating ophthalmologist, and the quality and sophistication of surgical tools.
Is laser eye surgery dangerous?
There is no risk associated with performing laser eye surgery. If the patient undergoes all examinations before surgery, such as: fundus examination, measuring intraocular pressure, and imaging the corneal topography, the success rate of the operation will exceed 98%, God willing.
It is worth noting that laser operations lead to some temporary side effects, such as:
- الشعور بالألم.
- Increased eye sensitivity to light.
- Dry eyes.
- Blurred vision during the first 24 hours after the operation.
These symptoms can be reduced by using lubricating eye drops and anti-inflammatory drops, in addition to following some instructions, such as avoiding rubbing the eye, not straining it, and preventing soap or face wash from entering the eye.
How much does vision correction surgery cost in Saudi Arabia?
The price of vision correction surgery in Saudi Arabia starts from 4000 Saudi riyals, and this price varies of course from one case to another depending on many factors, the most important of which are:
- Doctor's experienceThe price of vision correction surgery increases as the doctor’s experience and competence increase.
- Operation type: The details and steps of laser operations differ from each other, so the price varies.
- Hospital or centerThe readiness of the hospital or center determines the price of the final vision correction operation.
- متابعة ما بعد العمليةThe patient may need some follow-up after the operation, which is included in the final cost.
Dear reader, if you want to know the price of the LASIK operation in detail, you can contact the medical team at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital and ask about the price and steps of the operation, and you will certainly find ease in communication and procedures for booking the operation.
Is there an alternative to laser vision correction operations?
As we previously mentioned, laser vision correction operations are not suitable for all patients with visual distortions, in which case other alternatives can be resorted to, such as: corrective ICL lens implantation operations.
The Eye Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is one of the largest and leading eye centers in performing eye surgeries using advanced medical technologies and modern devices for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
To make the picture clearer for you, dear reader, learn about the most frequently asked questions about the vision correction process and their answers:
What is the success rate of vision correction surgery?
Never worry about undergoing vision correction surgery if you are a good candidate for it. The success rate of vision correction surgery has exceeded 90%. It is completely effective and safe and has been able to treat hundreds of thousands of cases of poor vision.
Is it prohibited to use a mobile phone after LASIK surgery?
Yes, it is forbidden to use a mobile phone after LASIK except to a limited extent. The eye needs some rest after the operation in order to recover quickly, in addition to the damage caused to the cornea due to sitting for a long time in front of a mobile phone and screens after the operation.
Does crying affect the LASIK procedure?
No, crying does not affect the LASIK process, and the tears that flow from the eye do not cause any harm or damage. Rather, they are a natural thing that helps moisturize the eye and prevent dry eyes.
Sources and references
