Imagine waking up every morning to sharp, clear sight without fumbling for glasses or contacts. LASIK eye surgery (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures for vision correction around the world. It is a highly effective outpatient procedure, often referred to as refractive surgery or laser vision correction, offering a solution for many people struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). Tansform your vision and make this a reality!
LASIK eye surgery is used to treat the following conditions:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
The Science Behind the Freedom
LASIK eye surgery, a revolutionary outpatient procedure, reshapes the cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye, to improve your focus. During the procedure, a thin flap is created in the cornea using a specialized laser. Another laser then precisely removes a tiny amount of corneal tissue, correcting your specific vision imperfection. Finally, the corneal flap is gently put back into place and heals naturally, without stitches.
Are You a Candidate?
LASIK is a highly effective procedure, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. A comprehensive eye exam by a LASIK specialist is crucial to determine your candidacy. Factors considered include your corneal thickness, overall eye health, and existing medical conditions.
Benefits Beyond Convenience
LASIK eye surgery offers numerous advantages that go beyond the freedom from glasses and contacts, including:
| Benefit | Description |
| Freedom from glasses and contacts | Enjoy the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of corrective lenses.. |
| Improved Quality of Life | Participate in activities you might have avoided due to blurry vision, like swimming or playing sports. |
| Sharper Vision | Experience the world in stunning detail, from reading fine print to appreciating the beauty of nature. |
| Reduced Risk of Infections | Eliminate the potential for eye infections associated with contact lens wear. |
| Long-lasting Results | LASIK results are typically long-term, offering years of clear vision |
Beyond LASIK: Exploring Your Vision Correction Options
LASIK eye surgery offers excellent vision correction for many people and while it’s highly effective, it’s not the only solution for achieving spectacle independence. Before your treatment plan is determined, you will not only be evaluated as a potential candidate for laser vision correction, but you will also receive a comprehensive eye examination and screening to detect any conditions that might affect your results. The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Results cannot be guaranteed. Though additional information about these procedures will be provided to help you make an informed decision, make sure to have all questions and concerns addressed before proceeding.
Particularly for individuals with high myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) who may not qualify for LASIK due to insufficient corneal thickness and other limitations and one’s specific needs, your doctor might recommend one of the following forms of alternative vision correction procedures:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) – Similar to LASIK, a laser reshapes the cornea to improve vision. However, instead of creating a flap that is replaced, PRK removes the epithelium (outer corneal layer) before laser treatment of the underlying corneal tissue. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye after surgery and the epithelium regenerates naturally over time resulting in a longer healing time and potential for increased discomfort during recovery compared to LASIK.
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
- Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant: A more complex surgery compared to LASIK where a foldable artificial lens is implanted in front of or behind the iris but anterior to the natural lens, correcting vision without corneal reshaping and preserving the natural lens. Due to the proximity of the artificial lens to the natural lens, ongoing postoperative monitoring by an ophthalmologist is required.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): A surgical procedure similar to cataract surgery where the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) customized to your specific vision needs. This option also addresses cataracts and presbyopia simultaneously.
Here’s a breakdown of alternative procedures to consider, presented in a table for easy understanding:
| Feature | LASIK | PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) | Phakic IOL Implantation | Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) |
| Procedure Type | Laser corneal reshaping | Laser corneal reshaping | Implantation of artificial lens | Removal & replacement of natural lens |
| Suitable for | Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism | Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism | Moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness) | High myopia, hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia |
| Cornea Involvement | Flap created & lifted, reshaped, replaced | Epithelial layer removed, reshaped | Untouched | Removed & discarded |
| Recovery Time | Faster (typically days) | Slower (typically 1-2 weeks) | Moderate (few days) | Faster (typically days) |
| Discomfort Level | Low | High | Moderate | Low |
| Advantages | Faster recovery, minimal discomfort | No corneal flap creation | Ideal for high myopia | Excellent for presbyopia correction |
| Disadvantages | Requires sufficient corneal thickness | Slower recovery, more discomfort | Not suitable for all vision issues | Irreversible, requires careful IOL selection |
| Considerations for Professionals | Epithelial nerve plexus may be disrupted | Requires precise ablation & monitoring | IOL power calculation crucial | Requires meticulous surgical technique |
Key Takeaway:
- This table presents a simplified overview. Each procedure has specific variations and considerations.
- All procedures require a thorough pre-operative evaluation to determine candidacy and suitability.
- Long-term studies support the safety and efficacy of these procedures.
- LASIK can temporarily disrupt the corneal nerves (epithelial nerve plexus disruption), leading to dry eye symptoms. PRK avoids this but may have a slower healing process.
- PRK offers an alternative for those with thin corneas and requires precise and careful monitoring of the ablation depth to ensure optimal results but may induce transient haze during healing (mitotic inhibition with Mitomycin C can be used to minimize this risk).
- Phakic IOL implantation provides excellent vision correction for high refractive errors but requires careful patient selection and its success hinges on accurate power calculation of the implant lens to achieve the desired vision correction. This procedure also carries risks of complications like IOL decentration or uveitis.
- RLE is a well-established procedure for high refractive errors and presbyopia, but careful patient screening, IOL selection, and consideration of pre-existing conditions are crucial. RLE involves meticulous surgical techniques to remove the natural lens and implanting an IOL, requiring a high level of surgical expertise.
Both PRK and LASIK eye surgery involve reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser (an ultraviolet light beam) to correct vision. At Columbia, we use the latest VISX excimer laser, which provides CustomVue treatments. CustomVue technology uses a person’s unique profile to measure and correct imperfections of the eye 25 times more precisely than standard methods.
In near-sighted eyes, the laser flattens a cornea that is too steep, while in far-sighted eyes, the laser steepens a cornea that is too flat. Problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can be treated with either PRK or LASIK, and both procedures achieve similar vision correction results. However, each procedure is performed differently, and has its own benefits and drawbacks.
In PRK, the physician removes the epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) and uses the laser to reshape the stromal portion of the cornea. After the procedure, the epithelium usually heals within a week’s time.
In LASIK eye surgery, the physician creates a flap in the cornea using a microkeratome (a small blade) or a special kind of laser (called a “femtosecond” laser, such as Intralase). At Columbia, we primarily use the Intralase laser to create the LASIK flaps, since it is more precise and allows the flap to adhere better. The physician lifts the flap and reshapes stromal portion of the cornea with the excimer laser. Because the flap cannot be used to change the cornea’s properties, patients with thin corneas might not qualify for LASIK. These patients might be better candidates for PRK.
Recently, other surgical alternatives have become available. Among these is a technique called phakic IOL implantation which involves implanting a lens behind the cornea, but in front of the iris. With this new option, many of those who were too highly nearsighted for LASIK are now candidates for refractive surgery.
Important Considerations
While LASIK boasts a high success rate, it’s important to understand that refractive surgery results cannot be guaranteed. Our team will provide you with detailed information about the procedure and potential risks to empower you to make an informed decision.
Taking the First Step
Schedule a consultation with a LASIK specialist today! During this consultation, we’ll perform a thorough eye exam, discuss your individual needs, and answer any questions you may have. Together, we can determine if LASIK is the best choice for you to achieve the freedom of clear vision.
Choosing the right vision correction procedure depends on your individual needs and corneal anatomy. A consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist can help determine the best option for you to achieve a lifetime of clear vision. We have been involved with refractive surgery for over 30 years and have managed thousands of refractive surgery patients. Dr. Rudick is a corneal specialist who has performed thousands of LASIK procedures with excellent results.
If LASIK isn’t the best fit for you, don’t despair! Discuss these alternative procedures with your ophthalmologist to find the optimal solution for achieving clear, comfortable vision.
Your Partner in Clear Vision
Refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly and that is why we recommend you use our surgeon who is a highly skilled, experienced and ethical corneal surgeon. Detailed testing is necessary to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery. For more information please call our office at 212-233-2344.
At Associate Ophthalmologists, we have over 30 years of experience in refractive surgery. Our team, led by highly skilled and experienced corneal surgeons, has helped thousands of patients achieve clear vision freedom. We are committed to providing detailed testing and personalized consultations to ensure you choose the best vision correction option for your needs.
Ready to See the Difference? Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Contact Associate Ophthalmologists today to schedule a consultation. We offer comprehensive consultations and advanced technology to ensure optimal outcomes. Take the first step towards a world of vibrant, clear vision – contact us today!