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Understanding Corrective Eye Surgery

Several types of correct eye surgery exist today and these different types of corrective eye surgery fall under two main categories: Excimer Laser procedures and Non-Excimer laser procedures. As is the case with other conditions that affect the body, major technological advances have been made in recent years in the field of corrective eye surgery. The following is a brief introduction to the two categories.

Excimer Laser Procedures

An Excimer laser is a tool that was approved for the treatment of nearsightedness ranging in severity from mild to moderate. Use of the Excimer laser is complicated and it's important to work with ophthalmologists who are both trained in the surgical procedure and who have demonstrated the ability to properly operate and calibrate this precision instrument.

The Excimer Laser was originally approved for PKR, or Photorefractive Keratectomy and its usage was later expanded for LASIK procedures, or Laser in situ Keratomileusis. With PKR, the cornea is reshaped by eliminating excess tissue from the cornea's outer surface. With each computer calculated lightening-fast laser pulse, a microscopic ultraviolet light beam removes the excess tissue. After only a few minutes and the application of local anesthesia, the procedure is over. In just a day or so, patients can resume normal activity.

In a LASIK procedure, the eye doctor rather than the laser's built-in computer determines where incisions will be made and how much tissue will be removed. This is a more complex and invasive procedure and it is one that is recommended for more severe refractive conditions. Using a microkeratome (a knife), the eye surgeon slices and then pulls back a flap of the tissue covering the cornea. With the tissue out of the way, the laser is then used to remove tissue and reshape the cornea. The flap is put back into place and the patient typically can see well enough to drive home after the procedure. LASEK and epi-LASIK are variations of the LASIK procedure.

Non Excimer Laser Procedures

These are procedures that rely on artificial implants, surgery and reshaping to correct eye problems. Lens implants are effective for individuals who have cataracts, nearsightedness and farsightedness. Intraocular lenses or IOLs are used as replacements for the damaged cloudy lenses caused by cataracts. New and improved artificial lenses now incorporate the use of hinges that allow the eye to move and act like a real lens.

Other types of implantable contact lens can correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. They act much like removable contact lenses but require no maintenance and wearers cannot feel these lenses and implants.

Thermokeratoplasty involves the use of heat to manipulate the collagen within the cornea. In doing so, refractive errors can be corrected in a matter of minutes. There are two types of Thermokeratoplasty procedures. Laser thermal keratoplasty or LTK involves the use of holmium YAG laser and CK or conductive keratoplasty involves use of radiofrequency waves.

Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) involves cutting the cornea in order to reshape it. However, its use has diminished since laser treatments involve less risk and are far more effective at reshaping the cornea.

Understanding LASEK Laser Eye Surgery

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) laser eye surgery takes the most beneficial elements of two other types of laser eye surgery and combines them into one very effective surgical procedure. These other two laser eye surgeries are LASIK and PRK.

Unlike the LASIK procedure which involves using a sharp blade to slice off the top of the cornea, LASEK uses a solution consisting of diluted alcohol to loosen a thin layer from the epithelium so that it can be moved off to the side.

Benefits of LASEK laser eye surgery

One benefit of LASEK laser eye surgery is that it eliminates the risks associated with the corneal flap. With LASIK surgery, a very sharp blade called a microkeratome is used to cut the corneal flap. There have been cases in which the flap was cut too deeply or cut off completely instead of leaving it attached with a hinge, both of which are capable of causing any number of serious vision problems.

Healing is faster with LASEK because there is no cutting and because the epithelial flap can be used somewhat as a natural bandage after the procedure is finished. And unlike PRK, the chances of developing a glare after the operation are greatly diminished when using LASEK.

Risks/disadvantages

Risks associated with LASEK laser eye surgery are greatly diminished mainly due to the fact that no sharp device is being used to cut the cornea. There is some pain but it is minimal and is most often treated with over the counter medicines. Also, it is not possible to guarantee any type of vision results and glare, halos and dry eyes are potential side effects.

The LASEK procedure

Prior to the LASEK procedure, a patient must provide the eye surgeon with a complete medical history. Eye tests and other diagnostic procedures are undertaken to ensure the patient is a good candidate for LASEK laser eye surgery. On the day of the procedure, the eye is cleaned and prepped and an eye drop to numb the eye is administered. A special tool will hold the eyelids in place, preventing them from blinking.

The diluted alcohol solution is applied, the epithelium loosens, and it is gently pushed out of the way. The pre-calculated beams of ultra violet light are then pulsed onto the cornea and in just a minute or so, the procedure is complete.

Most patients will have blurred vision at first and won't be able to drive home from the procedure. Most need a day or two to rest. Vision will vary over the ensuing months.

For best results, always use an eye surgeon who has experience with the LASEK laser eye surgery procedure. Never be afraid to ask a surgeon you're considering for the names and contact information of previous patients. If you get a list of contacts, be sure to call and ask about their experiences.