Types Of Lasik Eye Surgery - Lasik

What Are The Various Types Of Lasik Eye Surgery?

When a person hears the words Lasik eye surgery they often assume it means one procedure for all eye problems. The fact is that there are several different types of Lasik eye surgery. Each does something slightly different and it's up to the patient and their surgeon to determine which one will accommodate their own personal needs.

Although PRK laser eye surgery is often thought of as Lasik eye surgery it's really not. There have been so many advances made in the field of vision correction since photorefractive keratectomy was introduced that it is now often bypassed for a newer procedure. PRK is still used though by many doctors and is seen as a good choice for a patient who has a thin cornea. One of the major drawbacks of this type of Lasik eye surgery is that it doesn't always show results immediately and the patient may only experience improved vision gradually in the weeks or months following the procedure.

Another form of surgery that is often reserved for those patients who have thin corneas is Lasek surgery. This is obviously related to Lasik eye surgery but it does differ somewhat. The type of blade used during Lasek is different than that used in other types of laser eye surgery. The patient will have less risk of complications resulting from the thin layer of membrane that is removed from the cornea during other corrective procedures for the eyes.

Custom Lasik surgery is often viewed as the premier type of corrective eye surgery. The reason is that it is customized for each individual patient. The patient's eye is studied in a three-dimensional way and then the laser is able to guide itself to exactly shape the cornea to have maximum benefits. Many people feel that this is the only one of all the types of laser eye surgery where the patient has a chance of achieving perfect vision.

Epi-Lasik is yet another procedure that surgeons often utilize when they are attempting to improve vision. This particular eye surgery falls between Lasik and Lasek. The patient's cornea will be remolded but the difference with Epi-Lasik is that there is no alcohol involved. Some patients have experienced adverse reactions to the alcohol that is used in both traditional Lasik and Lasek surgeries. If the surgeon feels this may be a concern they are likely to decide on Epi-Lasik as a safe alternative.

It can be very helpful for a patient considering refractive eye surgery to research the various options before visiting with their surgeons. This will enable them to have a clear understanding of what is involved with each different surgery. Although it's important for the patient to discuss all of the various types of Lasik eye surgery with their doctor, the doctor's advice is crucial to the final decision.

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