Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a new invention in medical science, which promises to give effective results with minimal complications and quick recovery time. Contrary to traditional eye surgery, laser technique involves applying safe laser beams for correcting eye problems, especially the ones caused by refractive errors. With recent advances in this field, several types of laser eye surgery have been purported, each of which is suited for different eye conditions.

Laser Eye Surgery

According to eye surgeons, laser eye surgery is the ultimate therapeutic solution for people who are tired of wearing eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. A minimally invasive procedure, all laser eye surgery types share one thing in common, i.e., reshaping the cornea for vision correction. To get a brief idea on what are the different types of laser eye surgery, refer to the information presented below:

LASIK Eye Surgery
Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery. In this procedure, a flap is created in the cornea with the help of a microkeratome blade, after which the flap is folded back neatly. The surgeon then corrects the shape of the medial cornea layer (called stroma) with an excimer laser, for correct eye focusing. The flap is replaced back in its position, which heals with time.

PRK Eye Surgery
Often considered as the original laser eye surgery, PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy. This procedure is appropriate for people who have very thin cornea. In PRK eye surgery, the outer layer of the eye (or epithelium) is manually removed and the corneal shape is corrected by using an excimer laser. In the recuperation period, the epithelium grows back. PRK recovery period is longer than that of LASIK surgery.

LASEK Eye Surgery
LASEK is the abbreviated form for Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis. This is an advanced type of PRK, wherein a mild acoholic preparation is first applied to the eye for softening the epithelium. The outer layer is scraped gently and cornea is reshaped by using an excimer laser. Following this, the epithelium is repositioned back, thus ensuring a shorter recovery time than PRK.

Epi-LASEK Eye Surgery
A slight modification of LASEK surgery is the Epi-LASEK type. This laser eye surgery procedure involves usage of a separator in between the epithelium and the sub layers. First the outer layer is softened and removed, and a rubber separator is placed to preserve the epithelium. After reshaping the stroma with laser, the epithelium is placed in its original position. The healing process is short with Epi-LASEK surgery.

ALK Eye Surgery
Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty, or ALK eye surgery is more or less similar to LASIK operation. Both types of laser eye surgery involve cutting a flap in the cornea before correcting it. In ALK, another flap is made in the underneath layer to ensure clear vision. Following this, the first corneal flap is replaced, which heals during the recovery period. This laser eye surgery is less popular than other types.

LTK Eye Surgery
Another innovative approach to the typical laser eye treatment is Laser Thermokeratoplasty or LTK. Contrary to the above procedures, the heat from a laser beam is used to adjust the thickness of cornea and reshape it. Since it involves no cutting and removal of outer layer, the recovery period is much faster.

Truly speaking, all types of laser eye surgery are associated with certain plus points and minus points. Say for example, LASIK type is excellent for people who have a normal cornea; while it is not applicable for patients with thin cornea. As per the existing eye condition of the person, the concerned ophthalmologist will suggest the best laser eye surgery type suited for the candidate.