Types of Corrective Eye Surgeries

Before proceeding to my other consultations experiences, below is a quick explanation of the different kinds of corrective eye surgeries.

LASIK

(Description below taken from Wikipedia.)

LASIK, stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is the most common type of corrective eye surgeries, and also the most well known kind. It is commonly referred to as, laser eye surgery.  It is a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Basically, LASIK is performed by creating a corneal flap using a Wavefront-guided laser (Intralase) and then laser treatment is performed under this flap to reshape the eye's cornea to improve visual acuity.  When the laser treatment is completed, the flap is repositioned. No bandage is needed as the flap will remain in position by natural adhesion until its completely healed.

PRK

(Description below taken from: http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/prk.htm)

PRK, stands for Photorefractive keratectomy, is similar to LASIK but it does not requrire the creation of a corneal flap.  Instead, the cornea's entire epithelial (outer) layer is removed to expose the area and no flap is created.  Like LASIK, it also corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. 

Surprisingly, PRK is the first type of refractive surgery discovered for vision correction and is a predecessor to the more popular LASIK.  The main difference between the two besides the corneal flap is the the longer recovery time needed for PRK.  For some patients, PRK offers more advantages (like me ^^).

PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision.

LASIK vs PRK

The final results of PRK and LASIK outcomes are comprable, but initial PRK recovery is slower because it takes a few days for new epithelial cells to regenerate and cover the surface of the eye.

For PRK,  there is a slight increase in the risk of eye infection and vision haziness in the first few days after the operation.  LASIK patients would have less discomfort and their vision to be stabilized quicker versus PRK, which is more gradual and the final result may take several weeks.

However, there are benefits for PRK for patients with higher prescriptions or those who have undergone LASIK before.  Since no corneal flap is created, the entire thickness of the underlying stroma (epithelial and deeper stromal tissus) is available for treatment.  Furthermore, there are no risk of flap complications and the need to remove too much of the cornea with the laser is reduced.

ICL

(Description below taken from Herzig brochure after consultation.)

ICL, stands for Intraocular Contact Lens, is an intraocular procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for individuals with high prescriptions and not candidates for refractive surgery.  ICL itself is a very thin intraocular lens that are designed to sit in front of the eye's natural lens and just behind the iris.  This lens is inserted through a small 3mm corneal incision.

Patients are recommended this solution if their levels of myopia/hyperopia is too high, their cornea is not suitable for laser treatment and those of 18 years of age or older.

Prior to the ICL procedure, Laser Iridatomy must be performed.  An iridatomy is a small opening made in the iris using a YAG laser and the opening is made in the upper part of the iris where they are concealed by the upper lid.  Typically, two iridatomies are made in each eye (2 holes!!)  and done 1-2 weeks before the ICL surgery.  The purpose of this process is to prevent eye pressure in the eye after ICL is inserted.

There we go! Thats my small research done for the 3 types of corrective vision procedures mentioned to be throughout all my consultations.  If my explanations are not clear, feel free to find more articles online, as there are many many sources!!