LASIK is a method by which a surgeon uses a tiny blade or a laser to alter your eyesight for the better. Often the more advanced methods of LASIK are the ones that surgeons prefer, as the tools are more exacting and the results are generally more predictable and more positive for the patient. While there is still a niche of patients who need a more conventional method than today’s most high-tech offerings, the more modern procedures are in place because they generally tend to be more effective at getting your eyesight to the desire level of clarity in a short period of time.
The Blade and the Light
A lot of people do not realize the power of light. Light gets plants to grow, helps human bodies produce vitamin D and makes the earth warm enough to live on. However, light can also be harnessed into a laser. Much of the power of LASIK comes from the fact that it uses a cool laser to reshape the cornea and lens of the eye to make them more effective at sending a clear image to your visual receptors. However, there was a time when the industry standard was to use both a blade and the laser itself.
In the earliest types of vision correction, a surgeon would literally slide a flap of the corneal surface in order to reshape it. Even when the surgeon did a good job of this, the recovery process was a reasonably long one and it was painful when the patient awoke from anesthesia. If the surgeon had even the slightest muscle tremor during such an operation, the results could end poorly.
From there, what today is known as the conventional LASIK method, emerged. With this method, the surgeon uses both a laser and what is known as a microkeratome blade made of steel. This removed the aspect of human error, which makes surgical recovery more pleasant. However, the use of a steel blade still keeps recovery time longer than using only a laser. Further, technology has gotten even more advanced than using only lasers.
Advanced Mapping
Today even the method used to identify what needs to be done in a modern LASIK procedure has improved tremendously. Using a process known as wavefront analysis, a series of beams of light shines into the eyes and are reflected outward. From there, much like the technology that allows the most advanced microscopes and telescopes to deliver clear images, these analyzers map the surface of the eyes with extreme precision. From there, the surgeon can program the laser to do precisely what it needs to in order to correct the vision issue.
Needless to say, it’s important to embrace positive changes. While there may be some people who prefer a blade to a purely laser based treatment, the safety record and increased recovery speed definitely makes this newer process worthwhile. Conventional procedures are now only used for patients who have particular special needs. Most people should throw convention to the wind.
Sources:
https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/benefit_programs/forms/qualsightqa.pdf
http://www.sugarlandeye.com/laser-vision-correction/intra-lasik/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/103194.php
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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