Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Information

Computer technology has been used on a large scale in medical science during latest years. Laser eye surgery has increased in popularity, while non-laser procedures have also been improved. Many people have only heard about LASIK as a refractive surgery. However, there are many various types of eye surgery to correct vision.

Laser Eye Surgery

For these procedures, the surgeon uses a laser beam for reshaping the cornea and improving the eye's ability to focus. There are many different types of laser eye surgery, such as PRK, LASIK, Intralense or LASEK.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

This laser eye surgery procedure is used for treating astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. It involves cutting a flap from the outer and middle layers of the cornea and then the use of an excimer laser to reshape tissue under this flap. This procedure usually takes about one minute per eye.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

In LASEK eye surgery, the process is pretty much the same, except that the flap is cut only through the outer corneal layer (epithelium). It is used mostly for patients with thin corneas, for whom a LASIK procedure will be more risky. This type of eye surgery can have some side effects, such as a slightly longer healing period with more discomfort.

IntraLense

In this type of eye surgery, the surgeon cuts the flap using another laser instead of a microkeratome.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This type of laser eye surgery is used to treat mild to moderate farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. The outer layer of the cornea is reshaped in order to correct vision. No flat needs to be cut in the cornea. The surgery generally lasts less than a minute.

Non-laser Eye Surgery

These types of eye surgery involve correcting vision reshaping the cornea by cutting into the outer layers of the eye or using low heat radio waves.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions

This procedure is used for correcting mild astigmatism. Bulgy areas of the cornea are corrected with the use of a blade. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other eye surgery procedures. However, it is now used less frequently than laser eye surgery.

Implantable Contact Lenses

These implantation lenses are used to treat serious farsightedness and nearsightedness. The lens is inserted behind the iris, in front of the eye's natural lens. Unlike normal contact lenses, you cannot feel them and they don't need maintenance. This type of eye surgery usually takes 6 to 20 minutes.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

This procedure has been used for many decades now and the lenses are usually implanted in the eye during a cataract surgery for replacing the natural lens. Years ago, intraocular lenses could only distance vision and glasses were still required for close vision. However, the procedure has been improved and now corrects close and intermediate vision as well.

While many surgeons would always choose laser procedures and the most advanced technologies, some still advise a few patients with specific eye conditions to have a non-laser surgery instead. All eye surgeries have possible side effects and involve certain risks, so you should consult a physician to explain you the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.