LASIK Eye Surgery (cont.)
What is wavefront-optimized LASIK?
Wavefront-optimized LASIK is the type of
laser treatment available on the Wavelight laser. This treatment is also based
on the patient's glasses prescription, but also takes into account corneal
curvature and thickness, and applies laser energy in a unique fashion in the
periphery of the cornea. This laser has been found to reduce the aforementioned
complications such as glare, halos, and other nighttime visual aberrations that
can occasionally occur with conventional treatments.
What is wavefront-guided LASIK?
Wavefront-guided LASIK, also referred to as
custom LASIK or wavefront LASIK, is similar to conventional LASIK, except that
in addition to treating a patient's basic refractive error, specific alterations
in a patient's eye (high order aberrations) can also be treated. In
wavefront-guided LASIK, special mapping is performed prior to surgery to
identify any small irregularities in the patient's optical system. When these
irregularities are severe, they can affect vision quality, contrast sensitivity,
and night vision. When significant irregularities in a patient's wavefront
mapping are found, wavefront-guided LASIK can be used, and the treatment will be
based on the wavefront-map generated.
What other types of refractive surgery are available?
Other types of
refractive surgery are available and may be more appropriate than LASIK for
certain individuals.
Advanced surface ablation: There are a variety of other
techniques that utilize the excimer laser to reshape the cornea in much the same
way as LASIK, but without the creation of a corneal flap. These are generically
termed advanced surface ablation (ASA) and include photorefractive keratectomy
(PRK), laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and epipolis laser in situ
keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK). All of these techniques involve first removing the
most superficial corneal layer (epithelium) and then performing excimer laser
ablation.
Phakic intraocular lenses: For patients with extreme myopia, LASIK and
advanced surface ablation are not reasonable options. In these cases, a phakic
intraocular lens may be used. This lens is implanted inside the eye and can
effectively treat nearsightedness up to -20 diopters.
Conductive keratoplasty:
Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is a technique that can be used for the temporary
correction of hyperopia or presbyopia. CK involves using radiofrequency waves in
the peripheral cornea to cause peripheral corneal shrinkage and central
steepening. This procedure is very safe, but its effect is often not
long-lasting, and regression is common after a few years.
Intracorneal ring
segments: Intacs (Addition Technology, Inc.) are approved for the correction of
low myopia and for patients with keratoconus in the U.S. Intacs are micro-thin
plastic segments that are implanted into the peripheral cornea in order to
flatten the cornea centrally. Once implanted, the rings generally cannot be felt
by the patient. These rings can be removed, and their effect is usually
completely reversible. They are only able to correct up to -3 diopters of
myopia, and visual recovery is generally slower and less predictable than LASIK.
Next: Am I a good candidate for LASIK? »
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
- Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK) - Learn about Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK) for nearsighted and farsighted vision problems.
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