Lasik is the most commonly used refractive surgery to improve eyesight. Basically it consists of surgically creating a flap in the cornea and pulling it back. Then a laser correction is applied. The flap is then returned to self adhere to the eye. The benefits of Lasik surgery are that there is little discomfort and recovery is very quick.
However, there are a wide variety of individuals who cannot use Lasik. One of the most common reasons is the thinness of the cornea. In this case, alternatives to cutting the flap have been designed. Other nonsurgical options also exist.
Photorefractive Keratectomy
Photorefractive Keratectomy or PKR is the predecessor to Lasik and is currently the second most popular laser correction surgery for eyesight. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the epithelial tissue of the cornea is scraped away, either with surgical instruments or with a laser. Then, the laser correction is applied. The benefit of this procedure is there are no flap complications. It is a good alternative for individuals with thin corneas. However, the pain involved may be greater and recovery time may be longer.
Lasek
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis better known as Lasek is similar to Lasik in that a flap is created through chemical means. The chemicals will loosen the bonds and the flap is created. The laser is applied and then the flap is repositioned and a bandage is applied. This is also a good alternative when the cornea is thin. Normally with Lasek, only one eye is done at a time. The discomfort is more than with Lasik but the recovery time is significantly less than with PRK.
Epi-Lasik
Epithelial Lasik or Epi-Lasik is very similar to Lasik. Like PRK and Lasek, this is also a good alternative for individuals with thin corneas. With this procedure a corneal flap is created, but it slices a much thinner layer than occurs in Lasik. It uses a device called a microkeratomy. After the procedure, a bandage is applied.
CK or RK
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) or Radio Keratoplasty (RK) are non-surgical procedures that work well for individuals over the age of 40 or for individuals who have difficulty on focusing on objects up close. Radio or heat energy is applied to the cornea. This causes the eye to reshape. Very few physicians are currently using this technique and there are questions as to whether the results are permanent. However, at least in the short term, immediate results occur with a minimum of discomfort. This can be performed on eyes that have previously had Lasik surgery.
Intraocular Lens Implant
In an intraocular lens implant or a refractive lens exchange, the surgeon removes the lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. This is very similar to cataract surgery. It works well when a high level of correction is needed. This is a more expensive surgery than Lasik. Since this procedure involves actually entering the eye, the risk of complications is higher than with refractive surgery.
Other
Another refractory surgery procedure is Radial Keratoplasty. This is an older procedure that Lasik has basically replaced.
Other options include implantable contact lenses such as Visian, Verisyse and ICL by Staar Surgical. Orthokerotology reshapes the cornea with contact lenses.
Silicone hydrogel offers contact lenses that can be worn for 30 days without removal. There are other extended wear contact lenses that can be obtained. Obviously traditional glasses and contacts remain a viable option.
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