Vision correction surgery began making headlines in the 1980s and 1990s. It generated excitement as people learned they may have a path to see clearly without needing corrective lenses, including prescription glasses or contacts.
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) quickly became one of the most popular options available. It offered less discomfort and faster recovery times, as well as the possibility to achieve 20/20 vision within one day.
However, there are several types of vision correction surgery on the market and each works best in different situations. Here’s an overview of the options, including LASIK, PRK, bladeless femtosecond LASIK, and more.
PRK
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser eye surgery that predates LASIK. While it’s not as widely used as LASIK, it remains relevant since it’s a bladeless procedure. As a result, it’s an option for people with thin corneas. However, it’s generally limited to individuals with myopia and astigmatism, and it’s appropriate for significant hyperopia.
With PRK, vision correction is achieved by working through the outer layer and reshaping the cornea to address refractive errors. Most patients see vision improvements within one month, though some may take closer to three months to achieve proper results, depending on how quickly the outer layer repairs.
LASIK
LASIK is a procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea, allowing it to treat myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A microkeratome (a type of blade) creates a flap to make the cornea accessible. Then, a laser removes specific tissue to correct refractive errors. Once the tissues are removed, the flap is put back into place to heal.
While LASIK is effective, there’s a higher chance of dry eye as a side effect, which may make it a less-than-ideal choice for patients who already experience dry eyes. However, the bladed approach can more easily navigate certain cornea or pupil abnormalities when compared to a laser-based alternative.
ASA
ASA (advanced surface ablation) is similar to PRK, but it relies on a different type of laser. The laser loosens the outer layer of the cornea to allow the laser to penetrate more deeply to correct refractive issues, and it’s a bladeless procedure. Generally, ASA complication rates are lower than PRK, and outcomes are typically better due to the high degree of precision.
LASEK
LASEK (laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) is also similar to PRK, but it creates an ultra-thin flap using the laser that remains attached. That layer is moved to the side to allow the laser to reshape the cornea and is then repositioned. The results are usually akin to what’s seen with PRK, and it’s a potential option for patients with thin corneas that make them ineligible for traditional LASIK. Additionally, it may work for patients who already struggle with dry eyes, a condition that can be exacerbated by LASIK.
Bladeless Femtosecond LASIK
Bladeless femtosecond LASIK, also known as femtoLASIK, uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the flap. Since it relies on all-laser technology, it may offer a greater degree of precision when creating the flap and may reduce the risk of complications. Once that’s done, lasers reshape the cornea to address the refractive errors before the flap is put back into place.
With Bladeless femtosecond LASIK, it’s possible to correct the same refractive errors as you would with traditional LASIK. It may also work particularly well for patients who already experience dry eye, as that side effect is typically less pronounced and may not last as long.
Connect With Top LASIK Doctors in Buffalo
At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re considering laser vision correction surgery or simply haven’t visited your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
