The Four Common Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is used as an umbrella term to envelop several types of surgeries performed to correct refractive errors. Four of the most common are LASIK, PRK, LASEK and EpiLASIK.
All four procedures use a special “excimer” laser to reshape the cornea, ultimately correcting the patient’s vision. However, each type of surgery has different requirements and details surrounding each procedure.
Discovering which procedure is right for you may be difficult to determine on your own. At CorrectVision Laser Institute’s eye health professionals will conduct an extensive eye exam to determine which procedure will offer you the best possible outcome. For your review, we’v briefly outlined what each procedure entails:
LASIK
LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common laser eye surgery currently practiced. This procedure involves creating a thin flap in the cornea with the use of the surgeon’s blade or laser. Then an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the refractive error. For this procedure, most surgeons, prefer to use the laser because it’s more precise and the visual complications are fewer.
PRK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the second most common type of laser eye surgery. This procedure starts with the removal of a portion of the corneal or epithelial tissue surface. Once the epithelium is removed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. Patients who are ideal candidates for this procedure have thin corneas.
LASEK
The procedure for LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is similar to that of LASIK and PRK, except that it begins with the application of alcohol to the corneal epithelium. The alcohol loosens the outermost corneal cells, which then permits the surgeon to move them out of the way to reshape the stroma with an excimer laser. After this is complete, the surgeon will replace the sheet of epithelial cells with a contact lens to let it heal.
Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK, or Epithelial Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, begins the same as LASIK. After the flap has been established, it is moved to the side so the surgeon can reshape the stroma with an excimer laser. Once this is completed, the surgeon will replace and conceal the epithelium with a contact-lens bandage to let it heal.
CorrectVision Laser Institute is one of Florida’s most advanced vision correction practices and has extensive experience in laser eye surgery. Our goal is to open your eyes to the world of great vision by offering unparalleled expertise and the most advanced technology available. Contact us today for a consultation!