In the past, you had no choice but to wear glasses or contact lenses if you suffered from less than perfect vision. Laser vision correction has advanced significantly over time with a variety of safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions. The three most popular types of laser vision correction procedures are LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Depending on the type of refractive error and the condition of the eyes, your laser vision correction specialist can make a recommendation that is ideal for you.
LASIK is the most popular and widely known laser vision correction procedure. LASIK is effective at correcting mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves two lasers, one used to create a small flap in the cornea and the second is used to reshape the cornea.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
A LASIK specialist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK after a consultation. LASIK is only recommended for patients with adequate corneal thickness as this is crucial in order to create the corneal access flap.
PRK is an older but well-trusted laser vision correction procedure for refractive errors. PRK is effective at correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The PRK procedure is when the outer layer of the cornea—also known as the epithelium—is removed gently. A cool excimer laser is used by the surgeon to reshape your cornea and correct the refractive error
Are You a Good Candidate For PRK?
PRK is often ideal for those patients that aren’t good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or larger than normal pupils. Since PRK does not require creating a flap to access the cornea, it is recommended for people with thinner corneas. Patients that play high contact sports or have a job that poses a risk for eyeinjury are also better suited for PRK than other procedures.
ReLEx SMILE is the latest and most advanced laser vision correction procedure.Since 2012, this procedure has been in practice worldwide and was approved in 2016 by the FDA for widespread use in the United States. The only difference between SMILE and other procedures is that it is a one-laser procedure. This means that there is no use of an excimer laser involved, unlike PRK and LASIK. There is no potential for flap-related complications and recovery time is very speedy.
Are You a Good Candidate for ReLEx SMILE?
It is important to note that ReLEx SMILE does not correct farsightedness or astigmatism. Patients that have astigmatism or deal with farsightedness are better suited for LASIK or PRK.
Fort Lauderdale Laser Vision Correction Specialist
In the past, you had no choice but to wear glasses or contact lenses if you suffered from less than perfect vision. Laser vision correction has advanced significantly over time with a variety of safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions. The three most popular types of laser vision correction procedures are LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Depending on the type of refractive error and the condition of the eyes, your laser vision correction specialist can make a recommendation that is ideal for you.
