LASIK vs. Other Treatments
LASIK surgery is the most popular permanent vision correction procedure on the market. LASIK treats the refractive errors that lead to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, vision conditions that affect millions of Americans. The majority of those who suffer from these vision problems rely on glasses and contact lenses to see clearly. While these treatments are effective, they do have their drawbacks. Contact lenses feel uncomfortable for some patients, and they can't be used while sleeping, swimming or engaging in contact sports. Eyeglasses can be easily damaged or lost, and many people do not like the way they look or their dependency on them. Both contacts and eye glasses must also be replaced on a regular basis, and the cost over a lifetime of use can add up to thousands of dollars.
Permanent vision correction procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and the placement of implantable contact lenses can provide patients will clear vision that will last until age-related eye conditions begin to affect vision. The majority of prospective vision correction patients are familiar with LASIK surgery. However, there is a range of other safe and effective treatments currently on the market that individuals should consider before deciding on a treatment plan.
LASIK Alternatives – Learn the Facts
Eye Glasses – Proven and effective, eye glasses are worn by millions of people across the country. In fact, many individuals embrace their eye glasses and choose to buy frames that fit in with their personal style. However, eye glasses are not for everyone. They can prove burdensome when worn every day and are easily damaged or lost. If you suffer from vision impairment but are hesitant to wear glasses, or simply want a permanent solution, see for yourself how LASIK compares to eye glasses.
Contact Lenses – For individuals who don’t like the appearance of glasses or don’t want to wear glasses on a daily basis, contact lenses are a popular and effective alternative. However, contacts must be cleaned daily and many people find them difficult to put in. Additionally, they can be damaged or lost. We invite you to compare contact lenses to LASIK surgery and see which is right for you.
ICLs – Also known as implantable contact lenses, ICLs are permanently placed in the eye to supplement the natural ocular lens and correct visual aberrations. Because they work, in effect, no differently than external contact lenses, but are permanently implanted, some patients are hesitant to undergo this treatment. However, in some cases, such as extreme nearsightedness, ICLs can prove a superior option to laser vision correction. To learn more, discover how ICLs compare to LASIK and consult with your physician.
Custom LASIK – Similar to traditional LASIK surgery, custom LASIK permanently changes the shape of the cornea, correcting corneal irregularity and eliminating or drastically reducing vision impairment. The similarities between the two are such that it’s probably best to discuss the pros and cons of each with a refractive surgeon in your area. Nonetheless, our cursory overview of LASIK and Custom LASIK may answer some of your questions.
Epi-LASIK – The Epi-LASIK procedure is ideal for individuals with thin corneal tissue, eye complications, or conditions that otherwise make them ill suited for traditional LASIK treatment. If you have consulted with an eye care physician and been told that you were not a good candidate for LASIK surgery, the Epi-LASIK procedure may be for you. Learn more about the differences between Epi-LASIK and LASIK surgery and see for yourself.
iLASIK – An all-laser, bladeless approach to laser vision correction, iLASIK represents the lastest in refractive surgery. Incorporating the Intralase® laser and CustomeVue™ technology, the iLASIK procedure affords a physician unparalleled precision and control. In most cases, this procedure is more expensive however, due to the fact that it employs the most advanced technology in the industry. To see if the difference in technique is worth the difference in price, we encourage you to learn more about how iLASIK compares to LASIK surgery.
IntraLASIK – Like iLASIK, the IntraLASIK procedure employs a bladeless technique. This approach utilizes an IntraLase® laser, rather than a surgical blade (known as a microkeratome), to create a corneal flap and expose the stroma to the excimer laser.
LASEK – With this laser vision correction procedure, a thin epithelial flap is created with an alcohol solution. Thinner than a traditional corneal flap created with a microkeratome or laser, an epithelial flap results in less flap-related complications, making the procedure ideal for individuals with thinner corneas. There are some differences between LASIK and LASEK that should be noted; not all lasers are FDA-approved for the procedure, for example.
PRK – Photorefractive Keratectomy is a laser vision correction procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea. However, PRK differs from LASIK in several ways and should not be considered the same procedure. Not only is PRK older than LASIK, it also utilizes a different technique. With PRK, the epithelium or thin top layer of the cornea is completely removed, providing access to the stroma. Once the cornea has been ablated and the procedure is complete, special contacts are worn to promote healing.
SBK – Also known as Sub-Bowmans Keratomileusis, SBK surgery combines elements of both LASIK and PRK into one procedure. With a femtosecond laser, a very thin corneal flap is created. This reduces the risk of flap complications and hastens the healing process. Once this flap is in place, the corneal stroma can be exposed, allowing for surface ablation with an excimer laser. To learn more about how SBK compares to LASIK, or whether it is right for you, contact a local refractive surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation with an Eye Surgeon
Potential vision correction patients should contact a qualified physician to discuss the treatment options available to them. During your consultation, a series of eye tests will be performed to measure your corneal thickness and the degree of your refractive errors, and to determine if you suffer from any other eye conditions. Then, the doctor can recommend appropriate treatment options and advise you of the risks and costs associated with each procedure.
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