Different Types Of Laser Vision Correction

Different Types of Laser Vision Correction
by Aric Resnicke

Whenever laser eye surgery or laser vision correction is mentioned, 'LASIK' is often the next thought. Today, laser vision correction procedures are so technologically advanced that there are many options besides the conventional LASIK surgery.

Understand Your Options
For the individual looking to reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts, surgical procedures which improve the focusing power of the eye, are a tremendously effective option. The procedure commonly referred to as LASIK is the most technologically advanced way to correct vision, and has helped millions of people worldwide reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

With LASIK, an excimer (cool beam) laser reshapes the cornea, or surface of the eye, to alter the manner in which light rays enter the eye. This is the same principle used by contact lenses or glasses to achieve better vision. LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, and now can correct astigmatism as well.

LASIK is the most common term used to refer to laser vision correction procedures. All forms of LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but there are variations to the procedure which provide different advantages. A series of vision tests called Advanced Diagnostic Testing allows your doctor to determine which approach is best for you.

LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) gently reshapes the cornea with the use of an excimer laser. In traditional LASIK, an extraordinarily thin flap is created in the top layer of the cornea and then gently folded back. The underlying layer is then re-shaped with the laser in a matter of seconds, correcting the refractive errors that cause the vision impairment. The flap is then repositioned across the cornea, which naturally adheres and begins to heal within minutes. Of all the laser vision correction procedures, LASIK provides the most comfortable and rapid healing process.

Advanced Surface Ablation
ASA refers to the laser vision correction procedures that treat the surface of the cornea without the creation of a flap. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Epi-LASIK are the two most common forms of ASA and refer to the methods of preparing the corneal surface just prior to using the laser. ASA is the safest form of laser vision correction. It allows a wider range of patients to be treated who may not be able to undergo a traditional LASIK procedure due to thin corneas, job restrictions, or other visual issues. ASA is also considered by many to provide the chance for the sharpest and clearest vision, since there are no induced refractive errors associated with a corneal flap. ASA does have a disadvantage because it usually involves a few days of discomfort (treated with Ibuprofen), and a slower visual recovery time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Generally, only the most experienced surgeons practice the Advanced Surface Ablation techniques.

Blended Vision
Blended Vision is a LASIK technique you might want to consider if you wear reading glasses or are nearing the age when reading glasses may become necessary. As we get older, we frequently have trouble reading, particularly small or very fine print. This is a natural part of the aging process associated with the lens inside the eye. When this happens, most people need reading glasses. If you use glasses to read prior to LASIK surgery or you remove your glasses to read, you may need to use glasses for reading after LASIK, because LASIK does not treat the lens inside the eye. However, a Blended Vision procedure may provide you with suitable near and distance vision. Blended Vision, also called monovision, is a technique in which one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for clear distance vision, and the other for comfortable near vision. Blended Vision allows a person to see both close and distant objects clearly, though perhaps not quite as crisply as when both eyes are corrected for just one distance or the other. Many people who wear contacts use blended vision today and are very satisfied. Your doctor will demonstrate how this method works prior to your procedure, and thereby help determine if Blended Vision will work well for you.

CustomCornea ®
Wavefront technology is now being incorporated to identify subtle visual distortions, which up to now have been unable to be measured, let alone be treated. Wavefront treatments such as CustomCornea® provide the best opportunity for superior vision compared to that previously available through older, conventional methods of LASIK.

When it comes to LASIK, there are many options to consider. LASIK candidates are all different in their needs and desires for choosing surgery over glasses or contacts. A successful outcome for refractive surgery is dependent upon choosing the best procedure for their needs and a surgeon who specializes in LASIK.

Aric Resnicke is President of the Pacific Laser Eye Center Group. Their 13 experienced LASIK surgeons are in 5 convenient Northern California locations of Sacramento, UCBerkeley, Danville, Santa Rosa, and Stockton. Only appropriate candidates should consider a medical procedure. For more information see the main website at http://www.paclaser.com' target=_blank>LASIK Sacramento or call toll-free at 1-888-722-2020. Local office information such as http://www.paclaser.com/danville/danville.htm' target=_blank>East Bay LASIK, can be found on the office pages.

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