Patients who are candidates for laser eye surgery should be informed about alternative options so they can choose the best treatment for themselves. Certain factors, such as the thinness of the patient’s corneas, can also have an impact on candidacy for procedures. Understanding what each procedure entails can give us a better understanding of how they work.
LASEK
LASEK is one of the best alternatives to LASIK for patients who have excessively thin or flat corneas. Instead of involving a laser or blade, an alcohol solution is applied to the outer layer of the cornea to soften it, making it easier to be removed. Lasers are only employed to reshape the corneas. While LASEK involves a longer recovery period than LASIK, it is a less invasive procedure that comes with a lower risk of infection.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants are a good option for patients with lenses that cannot focus. This procedure doesn’t require the cornea to be peeled back or cut. Instead, this approach involves implanting a plastic or silicone artificial lens into the eye between the cornea and iris to improve the eye’s ability to focus. While the lens is meant to be permanent, it can be removed at any time. While recovery time is different for everyone, many patients show improvement within 24 hours following the treatment.
Epi-LASIK
Similar to LASEK, Epi-LASIK is also an alternative to LASIK that is less invasive. The process begins by employing a plastic blade to lift the epithelium, separating it from the inner layer of the cornea. The practitioner will then employ a laser to modify the shape of the inner cornea and insert a protective contact lens to aid in the eye’s recovery. What’s more, it comes with a quicker recovery time than LASIK.
Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery is another great option for patients who are not candidates for traditional corrective surgery. To put it simply, this procedure involves using a laser to remove the patient’s natural lens, which is then replaced with an artificial IntraOcular lens. This drastically improves the eye’s ability to focus. This procedure can address farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Furthermore, it produces longer-lasting results than other treatments, as the artificial lens stays clear and is unaffected by the aging process.
What is the takeaway?
While LASIK is the go-to treatment for addressing eye issues, it isn’t the best fit for everyone. Having a good understanding of the options available will enable patients to make better-educated decisions about their eye care. As with any medical procedure, patients should refer to a credentialed practitioner before going forward with any treatments.