Glasses and contacts are the most common way for those with refractive errors to be able to have clear vision, but they aren’t always convenient. If you want clear vision that lasts a lifetime and to experience visual freedom, refractive surgery may be your answer.
There are many refractive procedure methods, each with their own advantages. Keep reading to learn more about your vision correction options!
Why Is LASIK The Most Popular Option?
LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures. For this reason, many assume that it is the only option for surgical vision correction.
While this is not true, it does show that LASIK is trusted and effective. LASIK works by physically changing the shape of your cornea.
The cornea is the clear tissue cupping the front of your eye and focuses most of the light that passes through it. Refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, are typically caused by an irregular eye or cornea shape.
A cornea that is too flat will cause light to focus too deep into the eye. A cornea that is too steep will cause light to focus too shallowly.
The cornea is also made up of several layers.
What Happens During the LASIK Procedure?
Before the procedure, your eye doctor will numb the surface of your eyes. During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon creates a flap in the thin top layer with a laser.
Next, the cornea’s thicker middle layer is reshaped with a second laser and computer-guided software. Once the reshaping is completed, the top layer is repositioned correctly.
After the procedure, the corneal flap will reattach and heal on its own. Many people notice improved vision right after the procedure, but it may take some time for it to reach its full potential.
As you recover, your vision will continue to sharpen. LASIK is popular because it has an incredible success rate, recovery is very simple, and the results last a lifetime.
However, LASIK will not be the best option for permanent vision correction for everyone.
Is PRK A Good Choice?
Both PRK and LASIK are excellent choices for permanent vision correction and can produce similar results. However, there is one significant difference between the two.
During PRK, the top layer of the cornea is completely removed in order to treat the middle layers and correct your refractive error. That means that there is no flap creation needed for PRK. This typically makes recovery take longer.
While the flap in the cornea is necessary during LASIK, it can also cause complications. People with thin corneas will not qualify as candidates for LASIK, so PRK is often an excellent alternative.
It is still just as effective as LASIK, just not quite as easy to recover from.
What is RLE?
RLE works very differently than LASIK and PRK. Instead of reshaping the cornea, your eye surgeon will remove the lens from inside your eye and replace it with an artificial one.
This surgery is a bit more in-depth but can be incredibly beneficial. Not only is RLE a good alternative for people that don’t qualify for LASIK, it also prevents cataracts.
Cataracts only form in natural lenses. By removing the natural lens early on, you don’t have to worry about developing cataracts later on.
Before you can schedule any type of refractive procedure, you must first visit your eye doctor at Stahl Eyecare Experts for a consultation. Your eye doctor will help you determine which option is best for you to help accomplish all of your vision goals.
Do you want to learn which method of permanent vision correction may be best for you? Schedule a consultation at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY, today!
