Which Laser Technology Is Right For Me?
If you are looking to have laser vision correction surgery, it might surprise you to learn that there are a few different options. Although most people have heard of LASIK surgery, you can actually choose among three different technologies – SMILE, LASIK, and PRK. These are all great ways to correct your vision and lessen your dependence on contact lenses and glasses, but it can seem overwhelming to determine which one is right for you. Although your ophthalmologist can help you determine your options, here’s what to know about them and which one is right for you.
LASIK Surgery
When you hear about laser eye surgery, the most common one you will hear about is LASIK. During LASIK surgery, the laser will make a flap in the corneal tissue. This flap is then pulled back, and the laser will then reshape your cornea according to your needs. This takes only a few seconds per eye. LASIK can treat astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. It offers a very quick healing time, with most people able to drive and return to work the same day. Throughout the next six months after the procedure, you will see continued improvement in your vision.
PRK
PRK surgery is a laser eye surgery where the laser ablates the tissue on the top layer of your cornea. The outer layer of the cornea is removed so the cornea can be reshaped. This is done using a cool excimer laser. The difference between PRK and LASIK is that there is no flap created with the PRK procedure. PRK can treat astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. This surgery only takes about five minutes per eye and is painless. If you have thin corneas and a high prescription, this surgery is ideal for you. If you play a contact sport or have a profession where you risk eye injury, you can have this surgery to enhance your distance vision if you have previously had LASIK. It can take about three weeks for your vision to adjust afterward, and it’s best to only have one eye done at a time.
SMILE Surgery
SMILE Surgery is the most recent laser surgery approved by the FDA. The main difference in this option is that an excimer laser is not used – instead, a femtosecond laser is used. This laser will cut a small incision through the cornea where the lenticule is located, and then remove it through the incision. This procedure will reshape the cornea and improve vision. This procedure takes about nine minutes per eye, and is completely painless. This procedure has a quicker healing time than the PRK. Most people are able to see great within a week. This procedure can correct both astigmatism and nearsightedness.
Schedule an Appointment
To figure out what procedure will work best for you, our team can meet with you during a free LASIK consultation. If you are in the Boston, MA area, you can contact our many locations by calling or filling out our online form.
