What is Laser Vision Correction?
Patients who are dependent on glasses or contact lenses can make their vision clearer using Laser Vision Correction. Laser Vision Correction is any procedure that uses an Excimer laser to sculpt the Cornea and correct vision. An Excimer laser uses a cool, ultraviolet beam to sculpt the Cornea and treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism.
The Cornea is the clear dome in front of the eye and is made of several layers. With Laser Vision Correction, the Excimer laser sculpts the middle layer of the Cornea. There are different techniques to access this middle layer. The middle layer can be accessed using a Flap (as in LASIK and Intra-LASIK) or by removal of the outer layer of the Cornea mechanically (as in PRK) or using a chemical solution (as in LASEK)
What Are the Types of Laser Vision Correction Available?
Traditional
LASIK: In Traditional LASIK, a blade called a Microkeratome was used to cut a thin flap of corneal tissue expose the middle layer of the cornea. The Microkeratome was a mechanical device and it did not allow much Surgeon control. This was sometimes associated with problems during flap creation. This type of LASIK is still performed by some doctors, but is going out of favor.
Intra-LASIK (iLASIK): This is the most advanced type of LASIK available. At LaserCare Eye Center, we only offer Intra-LASIK and no longer offer traditional LASIK. It is a two step Laser procedure. With Intra-LASIK, an advanced IntraLase laser is aimed at a fixed depth in the Cornea and used to precisely create a thin flap using bubbles. An Excimer laser is then used to sculpt the Cornea. This technique, while more expensive, allows the creation of a customizable and more precise flap with a lot more control by the surgeon.
PRK: PRK was the first type of Laser Vision Correction available in the U.S. With this procedure, the outer layer of the cornea is removed mechanically prior to sculpting the eye with the Excimer laser. No flap is created with PRK. New healthy cells grow over the treatment area over the first few days. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for comfort.
LASEK: This is sometimes referred to as “no cut” LASIK. With this procedure, a special alcohol solution is used to loosen and remove a small cap of the outer layer of the cornea prior to sculpting the eye with the Excimer laser. The cap is replaced on the eye after the procedure. New healthy cells grow under the cap over the first few days. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for comfort.
Which Procedure is the Best for Me?
This decision can only be made after having a comprehensive Eye exam and having a discussion with your doctor. These days, most patients select Intra-LASIK because of the fast results, precision and lack of discomfort. Patients with Dry eyes, Thin Corneas or Anterior Basement Membrane disease may do best with either PRK or LASEK.
