Types of Lasik Surgery

LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular kind of eye surgery. It employs a laser for treating vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurred vision). During a basic LASIK procedure, the surgeon uses a microkeratome blade to slice the top of the cornea in such a way that a flap is created, which is folded back. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to makes structural changes to the cornea. After the laser treatment, the flap is folded back to its original position. The flap heals by itself and doesn't require sutures. LASIK is a painless outpatient procedure that takes only five minutes. A person can resume normal activities within a day or two of the surgery

Wavefront LASIK

• Wavefront LASIK, also called custom LASIK and wavefront-guided LASIK, is a procedure that is modified according to the eye structure of each individual. Using a wavefront analyzer, doctors are able to create a three-dimensional picture of the patient's eye before they perform the surgery. The wavefront technology helps to reduce complications and provide more precise vision correction.

IntraLase LASIK

• IntraLase LASIK, also called bladeless LASIK or simply IntraLASIK, makes use of a laser -- instead of a blade -- to create the corneal flap. IntraLASIK is a safer alternative to traditional LASIK, because it reduces the chances of complications (such as corneal surface abnormalities and irregular astigmatism) associated with the use of a blade.

PRK

• The precursor to LASIK was the PRK (photo refractive keratectomy), which was approved by the FDA in 1995. The procedure involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea by removing unwanted tissue. PRK is preferred for patients who suffer from eye complications, such as steep or flat corneas and irregular-shaped eyeballs.

LASEK

• People who have thin or flat corneas are at a risk of developing complications from LASIK surgery. For such people, LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is the preferred method of laser eye surgery. LASEK involves use of a tool called trephine in place of a microkeratome blade. Recovery times for LASEK range from four days to a week.

Epi-LASIK

• Epi-LASIK is a combination of the procedures applied in LASIK and LASEK. In Epi-LASIK, an oscillating plastic blade is used to create the flap in the cornea. Epi-LASIK is the preferred laser eye surgery for people with low myopia.

CK LASIK

• People suffering from hyperopia and presbyopia have the option of undergoing conductive keratoplasty (CK), which makes use of radio waves and heat to reshape the cornea.