Introduction
LASIK is a surgical procedure that helps in resolving vision problems and reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses. This article shall examine the different types of LASIK eye surgery options and help you understand how they might improve your vision. By the time you finish reading this blog, you will have gained important knowledge about the various types of LASIK surgery, whether you are considering the treatment for the first time or just curious about the latest advancements in LASIK eye surgery.
Understanding Different Types of LASIK Eye Surgery
Although thousands of people have benefited from normal LASIK surgery by being able to see better without the need for glasses or contact lenses, not everyone has the same vision problems. Consequently, different types of LASIK eye surgery may be used to assist you by your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. These include-
1. Standard laser eye correction
During this type of LASIK eye surgery procedure, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea after a thin flap is created on it using a microkeratome.
2. Customized laser eye correction
- This type of LASIK surgery greatly increases the likelihood of ideal outcomes.
- During this treatment, the computerized laser is customized by your eye surgeon to fit your eyes, allowing for more precise corneal correction during vision correction.
- If you want to achieve 20/20 vision or better, speak with your ophthalmologist about customized LASIK surgery.
- Furthermore, you have a higher possibility of achieving improved vision acuity with bespoke LASIK surgery than you would with lenses.
3. Topography-guided laser eye correction
- This type of LASIK surgery precisely maps the structure of your cornea. Your eye surgeon can then utilize the mapping information to target the areas where the laser needs to work in order to improve your vision, given that they are aware of your vision problems.
- Even though not every LASIK patient requires this cutting-edge technology, it gives your eye surgeon more individualized attention to better fulfil your specific needs.
- The greatest outcomes are guaranteed with topography-guided LASIK surgery as each case is unique to the patient’s eye.
- The expected level of vision correction using glasses or contact lenses has continuously been reached or surpassed by the results.
4. SBK Advanced laser eye correction
- The most sophisticated type of LASIK eye surgery is SBK Advanced LASIK. Common visual disorders like astigmatism, near-sightedness, and farsightedness are treated by it.
- Your doctor uses a femtosecond laser to first produce a micro-thin circular flap in your cornea, which is the thin outer skin of your eye, in order to perform LASIK. The cornea is then reshaped using a computer-guided excimer laser, which corrects the refractive defect.
5. SMILE
- SMILE is a minimally invasive refractive surgery that creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea that is subsequently removed by a small incision. When considering benefits over regular LASIK, SMILE may include a shorter recovery period and a lower chance of dry eye.
- This kind of LASIK eye surgery, sometimes referred to as bladeless LASIK or all-laser LASIK, uses a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome blade to generate the corneal flap. Femto LASIK is thought to offer better flap creation accuracy and fewer complications than blade LASIK.
What is Cataract Surgery? Its Treatment Option
Some Important Considerations Before Undergoing LASIK Surgery
- To make an informed choice while thinking about LASIK eye surgery, it is advised to analyse the different types of LASIK eye surgery options and understand the qualifications for eligibility.
- The most popular technique, standard LASIK, has a successful track record.
- Compared to regular LASIK, bladeless LASIK delivers a higher degree of precision and a lower risk of problems.
- Topography-guided LASIK is especially useful for people with higher-order abnormalities or uneven corneas.
Advantages & Drawbacks of Different Types of LASIK Eye Surgery
1. Standard LASIK eye surgery
Benefits-
- Most people return to normal activities after a day or two of experiencing improved vision.
- It has been in use for a long period of time and has a history of providing safe treatment.
Drawbacks-
- The process of making a flap in the cornea may result in infections or dislocation of the flap.
- Following surgery, some patients may have dry eyes, which can be painful and necessitate continued care.
- Some patients may experience glare, halos, and starbursts around lights, especially at night.
2 . SBK Advanced LASIK Surgery
Benefits
- Using a femtosecond laser instead of typical microkeratome blades, SBK LASIK produces a thin, accurate corneal flap that may be safer and more accurate.
- Advanced Mapping Technology: Contemporary diagnostic instruments offer comprehensive corneal mapping, which aids in tailoring the treatment to each patient’s unique eye.
Drawbacks-
- Higher Cost SBK Advanced LASIK may be more expensive than standard LASIK since it makes use of cutting-edge tools and procedures.
- Depending on where you live, not all eye care facilities can provide SBK LASIK.
- Not every patient is a good fit for SBK LASIK surgery. Eligibility may be impacted by elements like corneal thickness, eye health, and particular visual problems.
3. SMILE
Benefits-
- Since SMILE doesn’t call for the formation of a corneal flap, there is a lower chance of issues associated with the flap and a more stable cornea after surgery.
- Compared to standard LASIK, patients frequently report fewer problems with dry eyes since the process requires a smaller incision and less disruption of corneal nerves.
Drawbacks-
- Patients still need follow-up consultations to monitor healing and handle any possible complications, even though recovery is usually faster.
- As with any surgical operation, every patient will have a different outcome, and some may still need corrective glasses or improvements for particular tasks.
4. Topography Guided LASIK
Benefits-
- Using precise maps of the cornea, Topography-guided LASIK generates a highly customized treatment plan that corrects even the smallest abnormalities and flaws.
- Better visual outcomes may result from the precise mapping’s correction of some corneal irregularities that traditional LASIK may not be able to address.
- Topography-guided LASIK can lessen higher-order aberrations by correcting minor corneal imperfections, which may improve visual quality and lessen problems like glare and halos.
Drawbacks
- Topography-guided LASIK is usually more expensive than standard LASIK since it necessitates advanced technology and lengthy mapping.
- Topography-guided LASIK is not available at all eye care canters, and its availability may be affected by the need for specific tools and skilled personnel.
5. Customized LASIK Eye Surgery
Benefits-
- Customized LASIK Eye Surgery can address higher-order aberrations (such as distortions and halos) as well as lower-order aberrations (like near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that may not be entirely addressed by regular LASIK.
Drawbacks-
- Customized LASIK may not be an appropriate option for certain patients due to high prescription amounts, specific corneal problems, or other eye health issues.
Why mediEND during LASIK surgery?
Experienced medical specialists
A group of exceptionally talented and knowledgeable LASIK surgeons who have performed numerous successful procedures will provide you with first-rate attention and expertise.
Modern Technology
mediEND uses the most cutting-edge technology for different types of LASIK eye surgery procedures to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Customized Care
Since each patient is unique, mediEND offers customized treatment at every stage of the LASIK operation, from consultation and steps to prepare for LASIK eye surgery and post-operative follow-up, that is designed to cater to your particular needs and concerns.
Simple method of payment
This covers health insurance and free extended maintenance payments (EMIs).
Conclusion
LASIK surgery provides for treating vision problems, each catered to unique requirements and preferences. For different visual and lifestyle requirements, there is a solution available, ranging from the well-known conventional LASIK to the innovative and the flap-free options like PRK and LASEK.
Although there are risks associated with LASIK surgery, it is still a popular option because of its fast recovery and high success rate.
The ideal option for LASIK surgery ultimately depends on personal criteria like your budget, lifestyle, and ocular health. You may make an informed choice and choose the best course of action for attaining crisp, clear vision by speaking with an experienced eye care specialist.
Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each type of LASIK allows you to approach your vision repair journey with clarity and confidence. The aim is always the same, whether you choose the tried-and-true techniques or the newest developments in laser technology: better vision will improve your quality of life.
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