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Common Vision Correction Surgery Techniques

Brief Descriptions of Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, P-IOL, RLE, monovision, and wavefront..


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It is not just Lasik anymore. There is a large number of  different eye surgery technique choices.  
   

Lasik

A “flap” of the front of the cornea is created, moved aside, a laser removes tissue to reshape the cornea, then the flap is repositioned over the treatment area.

Bladeless Lasik

Identical to Lasik except the “flap” is created with a laser rather than a metal blade.

PRK

The outermost layer of cells on the cornea is removed, and then a laser reshapes the cornea. The cells quickly reproduce and cover the treatment area.

LASEK

Same as PRK, except the outermost layer of cells are saved and repositioned over the treatment area after laser sculpting.

Epi-Lasik

Same as PRK, except outermost layer of cells are separated from the underlying cornea with a special mechanical device and repositioned over the treatment area after laser sculpting.

CK

A probe emits radio waves at spots along the edge of the cornea, causing tissue shrinkage that reshapes the cornea.

P-IOL

An artificial helper lens is added within the eye, either just in front or just behind the iris (colored portion of eye).

RLE

The natural lens within the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens that corrects vision.

Monovision

Correcting one eye for near vision and one eye for distance vision to reduce the need of reading glasses or bifocals.

Wavefront

A technique to create a unique “fingerprint” of a person’s vision for a custom map to guide the laser. May be used for Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, or Epi-Lasik.

Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.

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If this article did not fully answer your questions, use our free Ask Lasik Expert patient forum.


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