Types of Laser Vision Correction
What most people might not realize is that there are several different types of laser vision corrective surgery. While most of the types of Lasik and other laser vision correction surgeries are similar, there are some slight differences that are important to note.
The first type of laser vision correction is PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy. PRK was the first type of laser vision correction, invented in the early 1980s. PRK works much the same way as Lasik, but improvement and recovery may take longer than Lasik. More discomfort may be experienced with PRK as, with this procedure, deeper layers of the cornea are exposed.
There is one major difference between Lasik and PRK. With Lasik, a flap is made at the front of the eye using a microkeratome that is put back in its place after the laser vision correction is finished. With PRK, the laser completely removes this outer layer of the cornea.
One of the other types of laser vision correction goes by a few different names. Custom Lasik, wavefront Lasik, and wavefront-guided Lasik are all the same method of taking Lasik technology a step further. With custom Lasik, a 3-D map is created showing how well an eye processes images and is used to guide the laser to repair any irregularities. This type of laser vision correction is said to produce an outcome of better vision with fewer risks than traditional Lasik.
Epi-Lasik is a type of laser vision correction that is just slightly different that traditional Lasik. Instead of using the thin blade of the microkeratome to create the flap at the front of the eye, a blunt plastic tool called an epithelial separator is used. The epithelial separator is used to displace the flap instead of using alcohol, which is used in some laser vision corrective surgeries and can kill epithelial cells.
Lasek is a type of laser vision correction that should not be confused with Lasik. Lasek differs from Lasik in that, instead of using a microkeratome to cut the flap at the front of the eye, a very fine blade called a trephine is used. After the flap is cut, an alcohol solution is applied to loosen the edges to allow for an easier flap removal.
A fifth type of laser vision correction is IntraLace Lasik. IntraLace Lasik is a blade-free method of laser vision corrective surgery. With traditional Lasik, a microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, and then a cold beam laser is used to reshape the cornea to repair vision. With InraLace Lasik, two lasers are used to complete the procedure. A second laser is used to create the flap, instead of using a blade. The same type of laser used with traditional Lasik is then used to reshape the cornea.
There are several types of laser vision correction available today, with some new techniques that are still considered to be experimental. Different surgeons prefer some methods over others, and the best technique for the individual patient should be considered. Each type of laser vision correction has its own benefits and risks involved so care should be taken to choose the best one for a specific condition. Concerns and questions should be fully addressed during pre-surgical counseling to ensure the best decision is made.
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Laser Eye Treatments Explained
Laser eye surgery can change the lives of those who choose it as a method for vision correction. The treatment can be used on people with varying levels of vision problems, even if they are very slight or very extreme.
However, there are several different types of treatment out there and this can get confusing because we can get overwhelmed with what’s on offer. What’s more, the thought of laser eye surgery is fairly frightening to some, so a blur of information is not very helpful when it comes to feeling better about the procedure.
One of the most common types of laser eye treatment is LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted-In-Situ-Keratomileusis. This procedure is performed many times every year with a high level of success and only takes around ten minutes to carry out, treating both eyes at the same time. During LASIK treatments, the eye is anaesthetised before a protective flap is lifted from the surface, revealing the inner corneal tissue. This tissue is then worked on by the laser, which reshapes the surface until it is corrected. The protective flap is replaced and left to heal.
Most patients report an improvement in vision within hours of this treatment, and many say that the levels of discomfort following the surgery are minimal. The eyes heal quickly and patients usually return to work within a couple of days.
LASEK stands for Laser-Assisted-Epithelial-Keratomileusis and is used to correct long and short-sightedness, as well as astigmatism. LASEK surgery involves the removal of the top layer of the cornea following the anaesthetising of the eyes. This layer is then sculpted by the laser to correct long and short-sightedness or astigmatism before being replaced and left to heal. Following LASEK, surgeons will place a soft contact lens on the eye to protect it and promote comfort.
LASIK is carried out more frequently than LASEK as it tends to have a faster recovery time. However, some patients are better suited to LASEK because they may be involved in contact sports or have thin corneas, for which LASEK is a better treatment.
IntraLase provides an alternative way to create the protective flap before LASIK surgery. It involves a laser being utilised in the creation of the flap and promotes even faster healing time.
If you are thinking about getting laser eye treatment, you will always have to undergo an in-depth consultation first – so you’ll never have to worry about getting the wrong treatment. However, it’s useful to know a little beforehand so you are prepared for the consultation and what will come up.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/laser-eye-treatments-explained-1075318.html