Guest Post: What are the different types of laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery has grown in popularity over the past ten years, as the technology has continually improved. Now-a-day Laser eye surgery is the most effective common elective surgery. These days most of the people look to free themselves from their glasses or contact lenses. There is a lot of terminology that you may encounter if you are researching laser eye surgery and this blog post will try and explain things in an easy to understand manner:

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Types of Laser eye surgery: There are two main types of laser eye surgery, one is Lasik another is Lasek which is similar to PRK as know as Photorefractive keratectomy, PRK is the forerunner of LASIK. Lasik accounts for about 80% of all procedures as it has a much quicker and more comfortable recovery period. Most people experience little or no pain following Lasik and most of them can return to their work within 24-48 hours of having the surgery. Lasek however has a more prolonged recovery period with most people requiring about one week off work. Furthermore, people often experience considerable discomfort for at least 48 hours and it is after having Lasek.

Intralase: Intralase is basically a type of Lasik and relates to the way in which the flap is created during the procedure. The flap is the thin layer of cornea that has to be separated from the surface of the eye so the laser can be applied to the inner part of the cornea. During standard Lasik, this flap is created using a microkeratome (surgical blade), whereas with Intralase, the flap is created using a laser. Intralase is therefore said to be a blade free procedure and this appeals to people who are squeamish about having the treatment. Intralase is said to be slightly safer and has slightly better visual results.

Wavefront: Wavefront (also called custom) describes the way in which the laser is applied to the surface of the eye. Wavefront can be used as an additional treatment to both Lasik and Lasek. During Wavefront, a more accurate scan is taken of the prescription of the surface of the eye, meaning all the tiny imperfections are taken into consideration. Wavefront therefore results in a more accurate laser vision correction than standard laser eye surgery. You have a higher chance of achieving 20:20 vision following wavefront and you are also likely to have better night vision.

I hope this has helped explain laser eye surgery and all the terminology that goes with it. Remember, just like cosmetic surgery, laser eye surgery is something that should not be taken lightly and you should make sure you are fully informed before deciding to go ahead and have the procedure.