Laser vision correction

Refractive laser vision correction is a widely used option for correcting corneal refractive abnormalities. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are the two laser surgery techniques used to improve vision. PRK has been around longer, but both techniques are still widely used today.

PRK and LASIK use different methods to help correct your vision by reshaping the corneal tissue.
With PRK, the eye surgeon removes the top layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium. He then uses a laser to reshape the other layers of the cornea and correct any irregular curvature in the eye.

With LASIK, the eye surgeon uses a laser or tiny blade to create a small flap in the cornea. This flap is lifted up and then a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. The flap comes back down after the surgery is complete and the cornea recovers over the next few months.
Any of the techniques can be used to solve eye-related problems:

• myopia: inability to see distant objects clearly
• hyperopia (farsightedness): inability to see near objects clearly
• astigmatism: the presence of two focal points instead of one

Laser correction - what are the advantages?

Possible risks of these procedures include:

• Dry eyes.
• Visual changes or interference, including glare from bright lights or reflections from objects, halos around lights, or double vision.
• Incorrect correction.
• Visual distortion.
• Astigmatism- the curvature of the eye can change if the corneal tissue is not removed evenly.
• Valvular complications.
• Permanent loss of vision

Not every patient is eligible for both surgeries.
The type of surgery is determined after consultation with the ophthalmologist.