Types of Vision
Correction Procedure
In
the past, glasses and contact lenses were used to correct
refractive errors. Now, with the modern technology available,
eye surgery is becoming a more popular option
for resolving vision problems. There are various types of
vision correction procedure available today. There is no one
eye surgery which is suitable for all patients. Each
procedure has its own pros and cons and the suitability to
perform the surgery will depend on individual's condition.
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Radial Keratotomy (RK)
is a procedure which involves flattening the eye’s
cornea through tiny incisions to correct
nearsightedness. This type of surgery is not in practice
today because of the many long-term problems it brings
the patient.
-
Photorefractive
Keratectomy (PRK) involves removing the ablate tissue
from the eye’s surface to alter the cornea’s curvature.
Nerve regeneration after the procedure is faster with PRK.
-
Lasik, or Laser-Assisted
In Situ Keratomileusis, is similar to PRK yet differs
since a flap is created during the procedure. The flap
is then lifted and excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. After
the procedure, the flap is repositioned back to serve as a
natural bandage.
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LASEK is a
procedure that involves creating a very thin hinged
flap in the epithelium of the eye. This flap is then
lifted up after the edges of epithelium are loosened
with alcohol.
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Epi-Lasik is
similar to LASEK but uses a special cutting tool in
lifting the flap. This eliminates adverse alcohol reactions
that will kill the epithelial cells.
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Wavefront-optimized Lasik
is a laser eye surgery performed using Wavelight's
Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser instead of conventional
excimer lasers. The procedure is the same as
conventional Lasik but is four times faster.
-
Custom Wavefront Lasik
uses Wavefront measurement technique and Wavefront-guided
ablation to fix higher order aberrations. This procedure
could provide a near-perfect vision and reduce night
vision side effects resulting from Lasik surgery.
-
Conductive Keratoplasty
uses a small probe and low frequency radio waves to
clear the eye’s front surface. This is a non-invasive
method that alters the cornea to provide vision
correction.
-
Implantable Lenses are
similar to contact lenses and are implanted on a
person’s eye to correct vision.
These are just some of the
types of vision correction procedure around today. If you
feel you need to have your vision corrected, please visit
your medical practitioner to get a sound advice on which
vision correction procedure is best for you.
