Types of Refractive Laser Eye Surgery
Refractive laser eye surgery is any type of surgery performed with a laser to correct vision problems. In general a laser is used to reshape the
cornea, flattening a too-steep cone for nearsightedness, creating a steeper cone to correct farsightedness or smoothing out the corneal surface to correct an astigmatism. Laser eye surgery has become more commonplace and effective in the past 20 years and is now used routinely to correct vision problems and replace the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses for many people. There are several types and this article will provide you with information about the different types of laser eye surgery and the vision problems that they are used to correct.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the procedure that comes to mind most often when we think of corrective eye surgery. It is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. LASIK surgery differs from other types of eye surgery in that a flap is made in the cornea to access the underlying tissue. The cornea is reshaped and then the flap is laid back in place.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. No cutting of the
cornea is involved as a cool ultraviolet beam is used on the surface of the cornea, not on an underlying flap.
LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a newer form of refractive laser eye surgery that combines the advantages of both LASIK and PRK. No cutting or scraping is done, instead an epithelial flap is created using an alcohol solution. It is also used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
ALK (automated lamellar keratoplasty) is similar to LASIK in that a flap is made in the cornea but instead of using a laser to reshape the cornea another incision is made to in the sub layer of the cornea to reshape it. It is used to correct vision in people with severe nearsightedness and slight degrees of farsightedness.
RK (radial keratotomy) was once the most commonly used form of corrective eye surgery. Multiple slits were made in the cornea, like darts in a dress, to reshape it. This eye surgery has been replaced in popularity by the more effective LASIK and PRK procedures.
As you can see, there are a variety of options available as well as the use of implantable contact lenses to correct vision problems. Having knowledge of your options will make you a better informed patient when you discuss these choices with your eye surgeon.
