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There are two basic types of LV correction. Laser In Situ Keratomeleusis (LASIK)
and surface treatments such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Epithelial
Laser In Situ Keratomeleusis (EPILASIK). LASIK is a treatment closer to the interior
of the cornea and will need a corneal deep tissue flap which has the advantage of
faster healing and less discomfort but has the disadvantage of tissue and material
that can be trapped in the flap or wrinkles (striae). These conditions may need
further interventions. PRK and EPILASIK are performed closer to the exterior corneal
surface and are sometimes associated with more discomfort. Surface LV may give greater
correction options as the surgeon has more unaltered cornea to correct while the
deeper treatments may have fewer choices as the tissue has already been incised
with the microkeratome.
Laser Vision (LV) Correction
Laser Vision (LV) is a comparatively safe, reliable and painless way to improve
vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LV changes
the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it
focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.
Types of LV Correction
There are two basic types of LV correction. Laser In Situ Keratomeleusis (LASIK)
and surface treatments such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Epithelial
Laser In Situ Keratomeleusis (EPILASIK). LASIK is a treatment closer to the interior
of the cornea and will need a corneal deep tissue flap.
During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface
of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments.
The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature
(steepened for far-sighted patients, flattened for near-sighted patients) to improve
vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.
LASIK has the advantage of faster healing and less discomfort but has the disadvantage
of tissue and material that can be trapped in the flap or wrinkles (striae). These
conditions may need further interventions.
PRK and EPILASIK are performed closer to the exterior corneal surface and are sometimes
associated with more discomfort. Surface LV may give greater correction options
as the surgeon has more unaltered cornea to correct while the deeper treatments
may have fewer choices as the tissue has already been incised with the microkeratome.
The entire procedure usually takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are
often ready to leave within an hour or two. Typically LASIK flaps heal on their
own within a few days with no need for stitches. EPILASIK and PRK require time for
the surface covering layers to reposition and anchor which takes several days.
A common complaint after surgery is sensitivity to light, but this typically subsides
with time. Post operative drops will be prescribed for a few days, along with any
other post-operative instructions. Full recovery takes a few weeks.
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