The Safety of LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation Techniques

Excimer laser refractive surgery has evolved into a comprehensive technique. Early practitioners used PRK, but LASIK supplanted this technique, but concerns were raised about post-operative keratectasia. Over the past few years, surface ablation has invoked interest with its LASEK and epi-LASIK techniques. In the former technique, the epithelium is lifted using mechanical equipment sans adjunctive agents. 
Comparatively, visual recovery rate may be slower in surface ablation. It is recommended for low to moderate myopic conditions. In recent times, ocular wavefront measurement has been used in delivering customized correction for higher-order aberrations during laser eye surgery, but this has not been clinically proven though it is often physicians recommended. 
Which is the best technique?
The central corneal thickness of the patient is assessed to make a decision on whether to choose alcohol-assisted LASEK or LASAK. An ultrasonic pachymetry becomes used to measure the corneal thickness and LASEK is suggested for those with a measurement less than 500 µm. If the central pachymetry reading is more than 500 µm, the patient can be treated with LASEK or LASAK. The decision is based on the endeavor to restrict the corneal anterior ablation to one-third of the cornea. This decision can be made by an expert eye doctor at a premier eye clinic such as Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston. 
For LASAK treatment, the stromal bed is measured with an ultrasonic pachymetry test before and after flap creation. A superior-hinged flap is made using the microkeratome technique. After repositioning the epithelial flap, excimer laser ablation is conducted. For eyes being treated with LASEK, some alcohol is applied on the eyes to create the epithelial flap. A trephine is used to create an epithelial flap on the corneal epithelium. After this, excimer laser ablation is conducted and the epithelial flap is repositioned. LASEK treatment is completed with the application of contact lenses at the conclusion of the surgery. 
LASEK patients wear a bandage contact lens for about a week to facilitate epithelial healing. Afterwards, artificial tears and eye drops are prescribed. LASAK and LASEK treated patients are asked to visit their eye doctor periodically. 
Conclusion
An eye doctor will analyze the extent of spherical aberration that could be induced due to a LASIK or LASAK procedure, but studies reveal that this aspect is generally similar between these two procedures. Studies have revealed that LASAK is best performed if done with planar flap technologies. 
An eye surgeon would content that LASIK, LASEK and surface ablation are all safe procedures. An eye doctor from Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston would be able to identify which procedure befits a patient best. The onus is to get a post-operative result that is devoid of side effects and patient discomfort. 
 
Reference: 
bmctoday.com
 
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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