Advances in correcting vision problems have led to the development of laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). LASIK is so effective and safe that is not one of the most common procedures done today to correct vision problems. However, there are people who are not good candidates for LASIK. The good news is that there are many alternatives to LASIK surgery that are less known, but equally as safe and effective. Here are the best alternatives for LASIK surgery for correcting vision problems.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) – PRK is a good alternative to LASIK and the one that many eye specialists recommend because it is highly effective. PRK is similar to LASIK surgery except that instead of creating corneal flaps in the eye, it is performed at the surface of the cornea where the reshaping and flattening is done. Healing therefore takes longer with PRK compared to LASIK. Improvement in vision also takes longer, usually from three to six months. What makes it similar to LASIK is the use of laser light. Laser light is used in the reshaping of the cornea; the same with LASIK. The latest technology in PRK is the use of software that makes the surgery more accurate, leading to better results.
Laser-assisted epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) – LASEK is almost the same as LASIK and PRK. In fact, it is a combination of the two. The procedure involves cutting on the surface of the cornea, the same in PRK, but creating a flap, the same with LASIK, to reshape the cornea. So, instead of reshaping the surface of the cornea, as is done in PRK, the surface, (called corneal epithelium) is not totally removed and instead a flap is created. This is the best option for people who are not good candidates for LASIK due to the fact that they have a thin cornea. The good thing about LASEK is that it offers some of the benefits of LASIK such as less discomfort and faster healing. LASEK, however, is not an advisable procedure for people who have active lifestyles or have jobs that put them at a higher risk of eye injury because the flap is thing and can easily be torn.
Phakic intraocular lenses – Phakic intraocular lenses are FDA approved implantable lenses for correcting severe nearsightedness. The procedure involves inserting the lens in front of the lens of the eye. This is different with the intraocular lens in cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and then replaced with an intraocular lens. Phakic lens, on the other hand, is placed without removed the natural lens of the eye. Phakic intraocular lenses are only for treating nearsightedness.
These alternatives to LASIK surgery are very safe and effective. It is best to find an eye specialist who is an expert in all types of vision correction treatments and does not favor only one type of treatment. If you want to know the best treatment for your vision problems, you can call or visit Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, one of the leading laser eye surgery centers in Houston.
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751?pg=2
http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/implantsandprosthetics/phakicintraocularlenses/ucm059237.htm
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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