Eye Surgery Procedures Explained

Lasik eye surgery has undoubtedly become popular in recent years and it's the procedure most people think of when thinking eye surgery. But did you know there are other eye surgery procedures to consider in correcting vision and it may be worthwhile to consider them.

Improved computer technology and improvements in both laser and non laser procedures have been a big plus for eye surgery patients. We will take a look at some of the procedures available.

Explaining Laser Eye Surgery Procedures

For these procedures, the surgeon uses a laser beam for reshaping the cornea and improving the eye's ability to focus. There are many different types of laser eye surgery, such as PRK, LASIK, Intralense or LASEK.

What Is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis? (LASIK)

This laser eye surgery procedure is used for treating astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. It involves cutting a flap from the outer and middle layers of the cornea and then the use of an excimer laser to reshape tissue under this flap. This procedure usually takes about one minute per eye.

What IsLaser Epithelial Keratomileusis? (LASEK)

In LASEK eye surgery, the process is pretty much the same, except that the flap is cut only through the outer corneal layer (epithelium). It is used mostly for patients with thin corneas, for whom a LASIK procedure will be more risky. This type of eye surgery can have some side effects, such as a slightly longer healing period with more discomfort.

What Is The IntraLense Procedure?

In this type of eye surgery, the surgeon cuts the flap using another laser instead of a microkeratome.

Using Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This type of laser eye surgery is used to treat mild to moderate farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. The outer layer of the cornea is reshaped in order to correct vision. No flat needs to be cut in the cornea. The surgery generally lasts less than a minute.

Explaining Non-laser Eye Surgery

These types of eye surgery involve correcting vision reshaping the cornea by cutting into the outer layers of the eye or using low heat radio waves.

What Are Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions?

This procedure is used for correcting mild astigmatism. Bulgy areas of the cornea are corrected with the use of a blade. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other eye surgery procedures. However, it is now used less frequently than laser eye surgery.

The Use Of Implantable Contact Lenses

These implantation lenses are used to treat serious farsightedness and nearsightedness. The lens is inserted behind the iris, in front of the eye's natural lens. Unlike normal contact lenses, you cannot feel them and they don't need maintenance. This type of eye surgery usually takes 6 to 20 minutes.

The Use Of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

This procedure has been used for many decades now and the lenses are usually implanted in the eye during a cataract surgery for replacing the natural lens. Years ago, intraocular lenses could only distance vision and glasses were still required for close vision. However, the procedure has been improved and now corrects close and intermediate vision as well.

Current technology will almost dictate that patients choose laser eye procedures. This is normally the recommendation from surgeons however, in some cases with certain eye conditions, other procedures will be presented as a strong option. Side effects are a part of any surgery so it is always a good idea to run through with your physician what these are.