Common Laser Procedures
There are many types of eye laser surgery but the two types most often used in the United States and Canada is PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis). The former first appeared in the early nineties while the latter made its appearance in the mid to late nineties.
When PRK is undertaken a laser beam that is guided by the use of a computer is used to dissolve or vaporize small quantities of tissue that are to be found on the cornea’s surface. This medical procedure seeks to remove a precise amount of tissue to order to alter the shape of the cornea to improve vision. After PRK takes place, the eye begins to heal in a week’s time, and sometimes less.
LASIK surgery is a little more complicated and involved than is PRK. The surgeon must first cut a flap of skin in the cornea of the eye. He then lifts the flap up and with a laser guided by a computer (just as in the PRK procedure), specific quantities of eye tissue that are to be found on the inside areas of the cornea are taken away. Once this is done, the flap of skin is closed up and the eye begins to heal.
If PRK surgery is performed, some individuals experience hazy or blurred vision as their eyes begin to heal but this generally does not last for very long. Mild discomfort or pain is sometimes experienced after PRK. There are incidences where the eye suffers from regression, which means that, for reasons unknown, the eye goes back to the state it was in before the surgery took place. If regression is going to happen it usually does so before six months after surgery is up. Those who suffer from this problem may need to be operated on again or instead can opt to return to wearing glasses or contact lenses on a steady basis. Often this is a judgment call and the doctor and the patient must decide upon the decision together.
When LASIK surgery takes place instead of PRK, the healing time is generally speedier and for the most part, there is less discomfort after the fact. LASIK surgery is riskier to undertake however as it involves the cutting of corneal tissue which can mean there is a much higher risk that serious problems will arise due to the surgery. Regardless of which surgery you opt for it is important to visit your doctor as required and to have your eyes carefully monitored to make sure they are healing at the rate they should be.
Complications after surgery are not common but they do exist. The risks of eye surgery are greatest for some individuals. Find out from your doctor if you are a good candidate for surgery or not and if you are not, consider alternatives to surgery. Anyone with a chronic health condition such as diabetes or lupus is not advised to have eye surgery because these conditions make healing more difficult. As well certain types of medications affect the ability of the body to heal itself naturally. Two examples of these kinds of medication include prescriptions for acne and steroids.
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