LASIK Surgery
Why Do Some Patients Need PRK Instead Of LASIK?
Much like LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), also known as advanced surface ablation, corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in patients.
However, PRK is an alternative to LASIK for patients with:
- Thinner corneas
- Corneal scarring from contacts
- Previous eye surgery
- High-impact occupations (e.g., athletes or military personnel)
What Are the Differences Between LASIK and PRK?
Although the goals of these surgeries are similar, the road to vision correction is different.
The PRK procedure: During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed to correct your vision. For those who get SBK Advanced LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea to reshape it.
Recovery time from PRK: Recovery time is longer after PRK, as the outer layer of the cornea needs to heal and grow back. The results of SBK Advanced LASIK are often noticeable a day or two after their procedure, but PRK patients can experience optimal results up to a month after surgery.
LASIK Versus EVO ICL™
LASIK and an EVO Implantable Collamer® lens (EVO ICL™) are both meant to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without glasses or contact lenses. However, EVO ICL™ is particularly effective for extreme nearsightedness. These options also require different procedures.
The EVO ICL™ procedure: LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea. During EVO ICL™, we implant an artificial lens inside the eye between your natural lens and your iris.
Procedure length: LASIK tends to be a 10-to-15-minute procedure, while EVO ICL™ is a 20-to-30-minute procedure.
Recovery: It may take a day or two to notice the full results of LASIK. The results of EVO ICL™ are often noticeable for patients right away.
LASIK Versus SMILE
LASIK and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are similar vision correction options, yet SMILE is recommended for mild or moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism.
You can be eligible for either SMILE or LASIK at age 18, and these options require similar recovery timelines. However, the procedures are different.
The SMILE procedure: Although LASIK requires creating a flap in the surface of the cornea, SMILE uses a laser to remove an extremely small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, to reshape and correct your vision.
Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery Versus LASIK
LASIK, refractive lens exchange (RLE), and refractive cataract surgery all have different goals, and one is not a substitute for the others.
Refractive cataract procedure: Patients over 60 may begin to notice the symptoms of cataracts, which is the clouding of your natural lenses. Our refractive surgeon replaces the clouded lenses with an artificial lens that can also correct other vision problems, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The RLE procedure: RLE is an artificial lens replacement procedure recommended for patients 45 and older. This procedure corrects common vision problems associated with aging, along with common vision errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. RLE also prevents cataracts from forming.
Find Your Vision Solution At Durrie Vision
Whether you’re seeking LASIK, cataract surgery, or any of our procedures, a free consultation from our experts can help you determine the most appropriate choice for your vision goals.
Don’t just take our word for it!
Schedule a Free Consultation
During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.
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