Alternatives to LASIK
LASIK eye surgery is the most popular type of vision correction because it can effectively treat a wide range of refractive disorders. However, it is not the right treatment for every patient. Approximately 25% of people who want LASIK are not good candidates for the procedure. For some, their corneas are too flat or too thin. For others, their vision problems are too extreme to be corrected by LASIK. Fortunately, there are other laser-eye surgery options for those who do not qualify for LASIK and still wish to ditch their glasses or contacts.
Alternatives to LASIK include:
Photorefractive
keratectomy – PRK is similar to LASIK in that a laser is used to reshape
the cornea and change its focus. Instead of being performed under a flap like
LASIK, it’s done on the surface of the cornea.
Clear Lens Extraction
– CLE involves removing the natural lens from the eye and implanting a lens
that permanently corrects any optical errors, offering a full range of near and
far vision without the need for glasses.
LASEK – For
people with very flat and/or thin corneas, LASEK is a suitable alternative to LASIK.
Rather than using a blade or a laser, this procedure uses an alcohol solution
to soften the outer layer, allowing it to be peeled back and exposing the
tissue underneath. As with LASIK, a laser is then used to reshape the inner
corneal tissue.
EpiLasik – Like
LASEK, Epi-LASIK is a less invasive alternative to LASIK. A special
microkeratome, the Epi-keratome, is used to precisely separate a very thin
sheet of epithelial tissue from the cornea. This thin sheet is lifted to the
side and the cornea is treated as with PRK. Then the thin sheet is moved back
into place to re-adhere to the cornea. A “bandage” soft contact lens
is applied and used for about four days to help the epithelial layer heal.
To learn more about LASIK or alternative vision correction options in Pembroke Pines, contact Correct Vision Laser Institute at 954-442-1133 or correctvision.com to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.