Individuals with eye problems tend to suffer from certain issues. Among the most common are:
1. Astigmatism
2. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
3. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
While many wear prescription glasses/contact lenses to correct their vision, technology has created another means. Moreover, while glasses and contacts are temporary measures, the latest therapies offer permanent ones. Laser eye surgery is helping visually impaired individuals to see clearly again.
Laser – Providing Visual Correction Options
Lasers offer people the chance to leave behind the glasses and take out their contact lenses. These surgical procedures are similar in nature, and all have the same goal. Today surgeons offer the choice between two popular types of refractive laser eye surgery: PRK and LASIK.
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK is an earlier form of laser treatment of the eyes. It predates LASIK. Yet, this does nothing to diminish its popularity. In fact, PRK is more suitable for addressing certain visual issues. These include chronically dry eyes and thin corneas.
The process is a cornea surface procedure. It involves removing the outer layer of the cornea, exposing the area the surgeon will reshape. As a result, recovery will take longer than it does for some eye surgeries. A prescription for antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops will help ease any discomfort and improve the rate of healing. Complete recovery time may take as long as six months.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)
The surgeon creates a circular, hinged “flap” on the surface of the eye. S/he then folds it back to allow easy access by the excimer laser to the stroma for the reshaping of the cornea. Following the procedure, the flap falls back into place. Here, it acts as a natural bandage. This promotes the healing process, reducing it to mere hours and not days.
Laser Eye Surgery
Lasers have made eye surgery easier. Today PRK and LASIK are two popular choices. Contact a professional to learn more.
