Laser Refractive Surgery Options
As you may know laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures to eliminate or minimize nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism have been performed in the United States and throughout the world for many years now. After co-managing with renowned surgeons at the SoCal Eye and seeing wonderful results from their work, I am convinced that many people who are dependent on their eyeglasses and/or contact lenses may be good candidates for one of the laser refractive surgery procedures.
Our affiliated surgeons may recommend photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) if you are not a good candidate for LASIK.
All laser refractive surgery procedures involve using a laser treatment to reshape the front part of the eye called cornea in order to help you see better without eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Differences Between LASIK, PRK, and SMILE
LASIK
After the eye is anesthetized with drops, femtosecond laser pulses are used to create a flap within the front portion of the cornea. The prepared flap is folded back to expose the inner corneal tissue to be treated. An excimer laser is then used to sculpt the corneal tissue within a matter of seconds. LASIK is commonly used for patients with sufficient corneal thickness, who have an average level of nearsightedness or farsightedness and any level of astigmatism. It has the fastest visual recovery time. Patients usually report excellent vision within 24 hours. It can produce light sensitivity, scratchiness, tearing for 4-5 hours following the procedure. The risk for dry eye can be noticeable up to 1 year. The procedure is 95% in producing the accuracy and likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision.
PRK
With the eye being anesthetized, a diluted alcohol solution is applied to loosen the outer layer of the cornea (skin cells). The skin cells are then removed using a manual instrument. Like LASIK, the procedure uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. However, unlike LASIK, no flap is created. The epithelial layer then grows back as the cornea heals after surgery. PRK is recommended for patients whose corneal thickness is not suitable for either LASIK or SMILE. However, patients can expect to have excellent vision, comparable to patients who have LASIK or SMILE. A protective bandage contact lens will be placed during surgery and will need to be removed after 4 days. The procedure has the longest visual recovery time compared to LASIK or SMILE and will take about 1 week to feel comfortable driving, particularly in unfamiliar areas. It can produce intermittent light sensitivity, scratchiness, tearing for 4 days following the procedure. The risk of dry eye can be noticeable up to 1 year. The procedure is 95% in producing the accuracy and likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision.
SMILE
A contact-lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule is created inside the intact cornea using a femtosecond laser on an anesthetized eye. The lenticule is then dissected and removed through the small tunnel incision with minimal disruption of the skin cells. SMILE is recommended for patients with moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness) but without astigmatism. This laser refractive surgery option is great for patients with a high risk of developing dry eye. It takes medium visual recovery time. The procedure is minimally invasive, fast, and least discomfort after surgery. However, it can produce light sensitivity, scratchiness, tearing for 1-2 hours following the procedure. This treatment for refractive errors is 95% in producing the accuracy and likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision.
If you are interested in learning more about these exciting viable options, we would like to offer you a complimentary consultation with Dr. Eap to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK, PRK, or SMILE. Please contact us today for your appointment.
To learn more about our affiliated surgeons, please visit https://socaleye.com