Laser vision correction surgeries such as lasik and PRK have transformed the way many people see by reducing or eliminating a person’s dependence on glasses and contacts. These procedures use excimer laser technology to reshape the cornea, the clear layer covering the front of the eye, to improve visual acuity. This post will provide information for those considering LASIK surgery, covering the various procedures available, what to expect during the treatment process, potential risks and side effects, and the expected results.
LASIK Surgery LASIK surgery, formally known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a type of refractive eye surgery used to correct vision in patients with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure involves using an ultraviolet laser to reshape the shape of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. In a typical LASIK procedure, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and numb the cornea. The surgeon then creates a flap in the cornea using a laser. Next, a laser beam reshapes the corneal tissue under the flap to correct the individual’s vision. The corneal flap is then placed back into position. The whole procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The main benefits of LASIK surgery are that it provides patients with a fast, long-term solution for vision correction. Most patients experience improved vision immediately after the procedure and have much better eyesight within a few days.
LASIK surgery Kansas City also tends to have fewer risks and complications compared to other types of vision correction procedures. However, LASIK does have risks like dry eye, glare, and halos around lights at night for some patients. In very rare cases, vision may even worsen after the surgery. LASIK is also not recommended for patients with thin corneas or unrealistic vision expectations. Overall, LASIK surgery has helped many people achieve improved vision and, in turn, a better quality of life. PRK Surgery PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is a laser eye surgery that permanently reshapes the cornea to improve vision. PRK laser eye surgery provides patients with an alternative to LASIK when corneal thickness is a concern. In a PRK procedure, eye drops are first used to numb the eye and widen the pupil.
The outer corneal layer is then gently scraped away using a brush. This exposes the corneal tissue that needs to be reshaped in order to correct vision. A UV laser is then used to vaporize a small amount of corneal tissue based on the prescription needed to correct the patient’s vision. The corneal tissue heals and reshapes over a few days. Postoperative eye drops are given to relieve pain, prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Some benefits of PRK laser eye surgery include that it offers patients with thin corneas an alternative to LASIK. PRK also tends to be less invasive as it does not require flap creation. However, risks include higher levels of post-op pain and longer visual recovery compared to LASIK. The results of PRK may also fade faster over time. Since the outer corneal layers are removed, PRK patients also have a higher risk of corneal haze that can impact vision. PRK is typically only recommended for the correction of myopia and mild to moderate astigmatism. It is not recommended for high amounts of nearsightedness or farsightedness. Patients interested in PRK laser eye surgery can search “PRK laser eye surgery near me” to find local eye surgery centers. RLE Surgery Refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery, also known as clear lens exchange, is a procedure to correct vision by surgically removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. RLE surgery is primarily recommended for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK or other surface ablation procedures.
During RLE, an ophthalmologist will make a tiny incision in the eye’s cornea to access the eye’s natural lens. They will then use an ultrasonic probe to break up and remove the lens. An artificial intraocular lens is then inserted through the incision into the lens capsule to replace the natural lens. The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes for each eye. The main benefit of RLE surgery is a significant improvement in vision. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, double vision, retinal detachment and cataracts forming in the implanted lens. Compared to LASIK and PRK, RLE has a longer recovery time and generally provides a greater degree and duration of vision improvement. However, RLE surgery may be preferable if you have particular conditions like certain eye diseases or irregular eye shape. If you are searching for RLE surgery near me, contact a trusted eye surgeon for information on whether you are a good candidate. Key Considerations for Laser Vision Correction There are several key considerations for those interested in laser vision correction surgery. Once patients weigh the long-term effects, the risks, costs, expectations, and alternatives, they can decide if laser vision correction is right for them. Patients need to make sure their eye sight has stabilized and that they are medically cleared for surgery. Candidacy for laser vision correction involves checking if a patient’s eyes, general health, and medications are appropriate.
Stable vision over at least one year is needed to ensure the eye has fully matured. Patients should also have realistic expectations of the outcomes, as not everyone achieves 20/20 vision following the procedure. Other alternatives like LASIK, surface ablation, and PRK involve different risks, recovery times, and cost, so patients should understand the different options. Once patients have thoroughly evaluated these considerations, they can determine if laser vision correction surgery is right for them. LASIK, PRK and RLE are laser vision correction procedures that can reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK and PRK are the most common techniques, requiring either thinning of the corneal flap or removal of the corneal surface tissue. While results vary, studies show that the majority of patients achieve the intended vision improvement. Overall, laser vision correction surgeries are generally safe and effective when performed by a qualified eye surgeon. Hopefully this information is useful. As with any major medical procedure, discussing the options with an eye care specialist is recommended to determine if laser vision correction is right for you.
