The styles of laser vision correction are increasing in number. Innovation has led to more procedures and different options to help correct a wider range of patient needs. Not everyone is a LASIK candidate, but fortunately there are alternatives available now!
LASIK
(Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) Is the vision correction procedure that most people are familiar with. The term means a surgical operation that reshapes the cornea for vision correction. The surgeon creates a thin flap of cells with the top 100 cells of tissue, then lifts the flap, and reshapes the next layer of tissue.
PRK
(photorefractive keratectomy) produces similar visual results as LASIK, but takes a slightly different approach. It can be an option deemed more suitable for people who participate in high impact sports such as MMA fighting. PRK can also be a better fit for a patient with a high prescription or a thinner cornea (or both). The recovery time for PRK is longer than LASIK.
SMILE
(Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is one of the newest vision correction procedures to become available in the United States. SMILE has a lot in common with LASIK, but with SMILE there is no corneal flap. Thus, patients who have SMILE have less restrictions after surgery. And, SMILE can be a better fit for patients prone to dryness.
ICL
(Implantable Contact Lenses) by Visian offer patients whose prescription may be too severe for laser vision correction a way to gain independence from glasses and contacts. The implanted lens can be extracted, so this procedure offers a quality of being reversible unlike laser vision correction.
RLE
(Refractive Lens Exchange) is the process of replacing the patient’s existing natural lens with a manmade lens. The process is typically reserved for patients over 40 with specific visual conditions that may not make them ideal candidates for other vision correction procedures. RLE makes patients immune to developing cataracts. And, some of the lenses available can give a patient both distance and reading vision.
Learn More About RLE
At ClearChoice LASIK Eye, we offer LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ICLs, and Refractive Exchange. It is beneficial for patients to seek care at a center where there are multiple solutions available. Additionally, the ClearChoice surgeons have multiple lasers available to maximize the results of each of its vision correction procedures.
Not 100% sure which procedure is right for you? That’s ok! Our highly-trained consultants are happy to help match you to the right procedure to make sure you get the best results for your vision. We offer free consultations to help you learn more.
