Laser vision correction is a common procedure for people with shortsightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism, but different treatment options are available. The best option for you will depend on the outcome of your assessment with the surgeon.
LASIK eye surgery is among the most common elective treatment options for vision correction, but it isn’t the only surgery for vision correction. Several laser vision correction procedures are available that help people with farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism have a better vision by altering the cornea’s shape to reflect light correctly on the retina.
These procedures can reduce dependence on contact lenses or glasses, and in certain cases, the patient won’t need glasses or contacts. Laser vision correction procedures are mostly outpatient procedures, lasting for less than an hour.
Some people who wear contacts or glasses may be unsuitable for laser vision correction, but most people are suitable for at least one of these procedures. Some people who are unsuitable for laser vision correction include people that take isotretinoin (Accutane), conditions leading to severe dry eyes, or those with eye disorder keratoconus.
Below are the pros and cons of the most common laser vision correction procedures.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
This procedure was the first laser vision correction surgery. The procedure involves removing the cornea’s outer layer and using a laser to reshape the cornea into a curvature that fits the patient’s eye prescription.
PRK causes more post-op discomfort than the modern treatment options and requires more recovery periods. However, in some cases, PRK is the best procedure for vision correction. People who are better suited for laser eye surgery havea thin cornea, high prescription, or a cornea with a structurally conservative shape.
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
LASIK made laser eye surgery a popular treatment option since the late 1990s, when it first became available. LASIK gives the same result as PRK. However, the recovery time is shorter and causes less discomfort.
However, LASIK is more invasive compared to other laser vision correction procedures. In LASIK procedure, the ophthalmologist will create a flap on the outer corneal tissue, then open the flap to access and reshape the cornea’s inner layers. After reshaping the cornea, the surgeon will put the flap in place.
Many people who opt for vision correction surgery undergo LASIK, but you have to be a good candidate for the procedure for a successful surgery.
Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)
This is the newest laser eye surgery for correcting nearsightedness. In this procedure, the laser eye surgeon will use a precise laser to create tissue in the cornea. They make incision similar to shape of disc. The surgeon can remove the shaped tissue through the small incision made on the cornea without creating a flap.
The result is similar to LASIK but doesn’t need the flap creation. It means less disturbance to the nerves in the cornea and may be more suitable for people with dry eyes.
The SMILE procedure preserves more of the cornea’s native biomedical strength, but it requires more time to recover. LASIK procedure usually gives sharper vision on the first day after the procedure, then SMILE and PRK.
Cost of laser eye surgery
Most eye clinics usually charge about £4000 for laser eye surgery on both eyes. This cost usually covers the procedure’s cost, the service fee for the surgical team, and maintaining the laser equipment. It also includes pre-and post-op care costs.
Which procedure is best for you?
Your suitability for a laser eye correction procedure and a particular treatment depends on initial consultation. You should talk with laser eye surgeon to know what suits you the best. People who aren’t suitable for any of these procedures may have a lens-based refractive surgery.
You can visit The LASIK Clinic today for an assessment for Laser vision correction in London, or contact us on 020 7183 3622 to schedule an appointment with our surgeon.
