Today, there are many different options available to you when considering having laser vision correction. Over the past 20-25 years, options and technologies available to LASIK surgeons have changed and improved drastically, allowing surgeons and patients many more options for treatment than the traditional PRK.
LASIK
During LASIK, the surgeon uses a surgical cutting tool called a microkeratome to create a thin , corneal flap. This hinged flap is then gently pulled back, and using a cool beam of laser light, the corneal surface of the eye is reshaped. The flap is then put back in place and the healing process can begin.
LASEK (also known as Epi-LASEK)
That’s right, LASIK with an E, and not to be confused with LASIK with an I. The main difference in the two procedures is that while both procedures have a thin corneal flap, during LASIK, the flap is created with a surgical cutting tool called a microkeratome. During the LASEK procedure, a medical solution is used to loosen the tissue and then carefully move it to the side to begin the reshaping process. Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is put back into place and a soft contact lens is temporarily inserted to help the flap heal correctly.
LASEK maybe be an excellent alternative to LASIK for someone who may have previously been turned down for the procedure because they have corneas that are too thin to safely complete the LASIK procedure.
Bladeless LASIK
During the Bladeless LASIK procedure, a different type of laser is used to create the corneal flap, as opposed to the tradition surgical cutting tool or medical lifting solution used in LASEK.
Wavefront guided LASIK (also known as Custom LASIK)
Wavefront technology is a new and modern way of mapping the eye. This procedure measures precisely the way that light travels through your eye. This technology can easily adjust for visual imperfections. This data is then transferred to the laser, which generates a “treatment table”. Treating a patient using wavefront technology can produce greater clarity of vision and less complaints of glare or night halos.
Are there any other options?
These procedures are just a handful of vision correction procedures available. To determine which correction procedure is best for you, it is important to have your free consultation at a TLC Laser Eye Center nearest you. Once you have completed your consultation, you and your surgeon can discuss the best correction procedure for your visual imperfections, and you particular lifestyle.
