Many people know that LASIK surgeons in Orange County perform corrective eye surgery, otherwise known as refractive surgery, with precise laser technology. However, few people realize that there are so many versions of refractive surgery that can achieve the same results through slightly different methods.
There are some cases in which alternative modes of corrective eye surgery are more appropriate for a patient’s specific condition. When an individual does not qualify for LASIK, Dr. Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County will offer any viable alternatives to correct their refraction errors. Some of these procedures utilize the same tools with different strategies while others rely on completely different technology. Here are some of the most commonly practiced refractive surgeries at Orange County LASIK clinics.
LASIK
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and it relies on a two-step process to correct refractive errors. First, a LASIK surgeon will utilize a femtosecond laser (bladeless LASIK) or a microkeratome (blade LASIK) to create a thin corneal flap. Then, the surgeon will use an excimer laser to remove excess eye tissue and reshape the cornea, thus correcting the refractive error. Once the corneal flap is replaced, the surgeon will administer eye drops or ointment to begin the healing process. Many patients say that LASIK recovery is fast and painless.
PRK
PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is known for helping astigmatism, low to high myopia, and low to moderate hyperopia. The procedure removes the layer of cells on the cornea, known as the epithelium. Then, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea like LASIK. After PRK surgery, doctors will typically insert a contact lens to protect the eye during the healing process. The epithelium usually takes around three to four days to grow back. PRK is often thought of as the ancestor of LASIK because it has been around longer. While patients may experience a slightly longer recovery with this refractive surgery, it is still a successful alternative to LASIK. PRK is often used for individuals with thinner corneas who cannot have a corneal flap.
LASEK
The lesser-known LASEK procedure stands for Laser-Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis. Like LASIK and PRK, it can help correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The procedure is very similar to PRK; however, surgeons will replace the epithelium after the surgery is complete, instead of simply letting a new one grow. LASEK is another valuable alternative to LASIK because the procedure remains closer to the surface of the eye, rather than penetrating deeper. Patients with more sensitive conditions like thin corneas will benefit from this kind of refractive surgery. LASEK tends to have a faster recovery than PRK since the epithelium is replaced.
Phakic IOL
Until recently, many people with high degrees of hyperopia or myopia did not have access to safe and effective refractive surgery. Fortunately, IOL or intraocular lenses have been used for patients with cataracts for years. Phakic IOL uses a similar approach for patients that do not have cataracts but require refractive error correction for myopia or hyperopia. Surgeons will implant the intraocular lenses in front of the natural lens in order to improve clarity of vision.
Other forms of refractive surgery include LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty), CK (Conductive Keratoplasty), and RK (Radial Keratotomy). Refractive surgery is an investment that helps many people achieve their vision goals and improve their quality of life. Since there are so many available methods, more patients are able to treat a wider range of eye conditions. The next time you visit a LASIK clinic, ask about refractive surgery alternatives to see which one will best suit your vision needs.