|
Written by Webmaster
|
By Brecken Davies
 While many people have heard about LASIK as a refractive surgery, there are many various types of eye surgery to correct vision. Computer technology is being used on a large scale in medical science. Laser eye surgery has increased in popularity, and non-laser procedures have also been improved.
For laser eye surgery procedures, the surgeon uses a laser beam for reshaping the cornea and improving the eye's ability to focus.
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
LASIK eye surgery is used for treating astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. It involves cutting a flap from the outer and middle layers of the cornea. An excimer laser is then used to reshape tissue under this flap. This procedure usually takes about one minute per eye.
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
In LASEK eye surgery, the process is the same, except that the flap is cut only through the outer corneal layer (epithelium). Patients with thin corneas, for whom a LASIK procedure will be more risky, are the best candidates for LASEK. This type of eye surgery involves a slightly longer healing period with
more discomfort.
IntraLense
In this type of eye surgery, the surgeon cuts the flap using another laser instead of a microkeratome. It is the same procedure performed with different equipment.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
This type of laser eye surgery is used to treat mild to moderate farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. The outer layer of the cornea is merely reshaped to correct vision. A corneal flap does not need to be cut, and the surgery generally lasts less than a minute.
Non-laser Eye Surgery
These types of eye surgery involve reshaping the cornea by cutting into the outer layers of the eye or using low heat radio waves. Vision is corrected without the use of a laser.
Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions
This procedure is used for correcting mild astigmatism. Bulgy areas of the cornea are corrected with the use of a blade. Often performed in conjunction with other eye surgery procedures, it is now used less frequently than laser eye surgery.
Implantable Contact Lenses
Used to treat serious farsightedness and nearsightedness, the lens is inserted behind the iris, in front of the eye's natural lens. Unlike normal contact lenses, you cannot feel them and they don't need maintenance. This type of eye surgery usually takes 6 to 20 minutes.
Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Lenses are usually implanted in the eye during a cataract surgery replacing the natural lens. When first introduced, intraocular lenses corrected only distance vision and glasses were still required for close vision. However, the procedure has been improved and now close and intermediate vision can be corrected, as well.
While some eye surgeons still advise a few patients with specific eye conditions to have a non-laser surgery, many surgeons choose laser procedures and the most advanced technologies. All eye surgeries have possible side effects and involve certain risks. Consult a physician to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Dennis Tavies interviews patients after eye surgery and publishes his findings through a series of articles. Read more at Info 4 Eye Surgery. |
