What Do You Know About Laser Vision Correction? Article

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What Do You Know About Laser Vision Correction?

Author: Joe Palerma

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Did you realize that there are multiple forms of laser vision corrective surgery? Most people are completely unaware of the many kinds. Though the variations in Lasik and other laser vision correction procedures are minimal, they should still be mentioned and understood.

Photorefractive keratectomy, or in short PRK, was the first type of laser vision correction, dating back more than 25 years to the early 1980s. Though PRK works in a similar fashion to Lasik, the patient may undergo a longer recovery time before noticing improvement. In PRK, deeper layers of the cornea are exposed in the procedure; this may lead to more discomfort.

Although similar, Lasik and PRK differentiate greatly in one aspect. A flap is made at the front of the eye using a microkeratome in Lasik; it is then returned to its proper place once the laser vision correction is complete. However, the outer layer of the cornea is completely removed when PRK is used.

Another laser vision correction surgery carries several names: Custom Lasik, wavefront Lasik, and wavefront-guided Lasik. Custom Lasik makes use of a 3-D map that interprets how well the eye can process images and helps guide the professional in making the necessary corrections. It is believed among many that this kind of laser vision correction yields an outcome of better vision with fewer hazards than traditional Lasik.

Another type of laser vision correction is Epi-Lasik. This form is slightly different from traditional Lasik. The Epi-Lasik surgery makes use of the epithelial separator rather than the traditional microkeratome. Both are used for making a flap at the front of the eye. The epithelial separator is a blunt, plastic tool used as a substitute for the microkeratome, which is a thin blade.

Lasek is one type of laser correction for vision and should not be seen as the same as Lasik. A microkeratome is used to cut the flap in front of the eye in the Lasek surgery. An alcohol solution is applied to loosen the edges of the flap after it is cut.

The final option for laser correction is IntraLace Lasik. Laser vision corrective surgery can be done with IntraLace Lasik, which does not require use of a blade. A microkeratome is used to produce a flap in the cornea and then a cold beam laser is used to reshape the cornea to fix vision in traditional Lasik. Dual lasers are used to finish the procedure in IntraLace Lasik. Rather than using a blade like the other surgeries, a second laser is used to create the flap. The cornea is then reshaped utilizing an identical laser as that used in traditional Lasik.

There are many different types of laser vision corrections that are available to the public. Some of them are still in the experimental stage. Even though different surgeons prefer different methods, the best method for the individual patient should be taken into account. Care must be taken in choosing the best method for a given condition, as each type of laser vision correction has benefits and risks associated with it. The pre-op discussion must include all pertinent issues and topics so that the best possible assessment is made.

About Author

Joe Palerma is research oriented. So when it came time to get eye surgery, he discovered all he could about the different types of procedures. He accomplished this by calling the professionals at Zeiter Eye, who gave him all of the information he needed to make an informed decision about Stockton lasik vision correction surgery. For more visit www.zeitereye.com and http://www.zeitereye.com/html/about.html

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