Eye-Opening Advances in Lasik Surgery

Patients hoping to rid themselves of their glasses have been able to undergo laser vision correction for nearly 30 years. The first of these laser eye surgeries to become popular was photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. PRK was invented in the 1980s, and acquired FDA approval in the 1990s. During this procedure, a laser is used to reshape the eye’s cornea, changing the way that the eye processes and refracts light. This laser eye surgery is able to correct a number of refractive vision errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For some patients, PRK is still a great option for vision correction. However, there have been several advancements in the ophthalmic community that are often better suited for patients.

Lasik surgery, or laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, was also approved by the FDA in the 1990s. Like its predecessor PRK, Lasik is a permanent laser vision correction procedure that can reduce or eliminate refractive errors. In Lasik, a flap is created in the protective film over the cornea before the cornea is reshaped, allow patients a shorter heal time. The Lasik procedure has proven both safe and effective. Very few patients experience any complications, and most are able to return to their daily routines after only one day of convalescence. Since Lasik was approved in the United States, it has become the most commonly performed laser eye surgery in the nation and more than 30 million procedures have been performed worldwide!

Advances in laser eye technology did not stop with Lasik. Further advances in ophthalmic technology have made Lasik surgery accessible to more patients and more precise than ever before! In Bladeless Lasik, a second laser is used during the surgery to create the flap above the eye’s cornea. This laser eliminates the microkeratome that is used in traditional Lasik. The use of the laser allows patients with thinner corneas to under the surgery, and is even able to reduce the risk of infection during surgery to almost 0%! Custom Wavefront Lasik allows the procedure to be more personalized and tailors to individual visual imperfections. Prior to the surgery, Wavefront technology is used to create a 3D map of the patient’s eye, noting imperfections that cause refractive errors. This 3D map is used to guide the laser during the surgery. Because Custom Lasik is able to be so precise, many of the complications associated with traditional Lasik are eliminated and many patients achieve results that are better than 20/20!

Now is a great time for ophthalmic patients to consider Lasik surgery. With all of the advances in laser vision correction, patients can achieve 20/20 vision or better and truly begin to enjoy the world around them! Candidates for Lasik or laser eye surgery are over the age of 18 and have had a steady eye prescription for at least two years. If you are considering Lasik, contact a trustworthy ophthalmologist and lasik surgeon for an exam. Many offer free exams during which patients can discuss their prescription, their options, and can set up an appointment for their laser vision correction procedure.