Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are many different types of laser surgery besides Lasik that people might want to consider. Here are a few of the more common types of corrective laser procedures performed today.
PRK [Photo Refractive Keratectomy]
PRK is a precursor to Lasik. As far as I know, it's the first laser based corrective procedure to receive approval from the FDA and is still reasonably popular today. During this surgical procedure the outer layer of the cornea is scraped away with a surgical blade while an excimer laser helps reshape the patient's cornea.
The PRK surgical procedure is an option worth considering for people who have thin corneas where the cutting of a corneal flap, as occurs during a typical Lasik procedure would be seen as undesirable. The chances of the problematic Ectasia condition where inner eye pressure leads to decreased vision are lessened with PRK.
There are drawbacks such as the fact that healing time is usually more protracted and more uncomfortable on the recovering patient.
LASIK [Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis]
Lasik is probably the most popular laser eye surgery occurring today. It's been done millions of times since it's approval by the FDA.
During the procedure a surgical blade cuts the corneal flap, then the doctor uses a medical laser to reshape the cornea and the flap is put back into position. Patients are given a few drops to numb their eyes and it's normally a very painless procedure that takes minutes to accomplish. Patient experience some blurriness during the first day or so while their eye heals but premium results in the patient's vision are usually evident in the next few weeks.
The laser vision correction effects are usually pretty dramatic but having this treatment does not mean automatic 20/20 vision as many people expect. Circumstances can vary and some people experience vision correction problems.
Wavefront Lasik
Wavefront Lasik (sometimes referred to as custom Lasik or Wavefront Assisted) fundamentally follows the same corrective process as regular Lasik where the surgical laser reshapes the eye for better eyesight. But the excimer laser is guided by a complex 3d map generated by the Wavefront software.
This form of custom Lasik surgery is usually reserved for people whose eyes exhibit certain aberrations that make the use of an advanced 3d mapping technology for the surgical laser a wise choice. It is also a more expensive option than regular Lasik.
There are also some variations of the types of laser surgeries listed above that I haven't detailed but the three methods above are basically the main methods used for achieving better eyesight through corrective laser technology.
There are also other technologies like implantable lenses that may be an option for you depending on your visual circumstances. Or if your vision has already been corrected with glasses or contacts, you may want to avoid the risks that come with corrective laser eye surgery. Any type of surgery is a risk.
As always, take your time and consult with a qualified physician before making any decision about possible corrective surgery.
