Types of laser corneal surgery
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
The technique combines the use of a surgical blade and the Excimer Laser to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea to correct a refractive problem. Removal of tissue is precise and does not weaken the cornea.
Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
Lasik combines the older method of splitting the cornea with a blade called a microkeratome to form a flap. The inside of the cornea is then treated with the Excimer Laser. This type of surgery is promoted for rapid healing and vision recovery but is more difficult to perform and carries increased risk due to its invasive nature. Our Intralase SBK procedure is very similar, while less invasive.
'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction
This technique evolved from PRK. It also treats the surface of the cornea but unlike other techniques, requires no assistance from manual surgical instruments. It is the only technique to use exclusively the Excimer Laser from start to finish. More about 'No Touch' »
Intralase SBK Procedure
IntraLase SBK (Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis employs an infrared beam to make an ultra-thin tailor-made flap superior in structure to a conventional Lasik flap. The computer controlled laser creates and replaces the thinner flap with greater accuracy and precision. More about Intralase SBK »
Laser Epithelial Keratomileuesis (LASEK)
Yet another form of surface treatment, the outer tissue cells are folded back, a traditional PRK is performed after which the outer flap is repositioned over the treatment bed.
Laser Alternatives
Laser vision correction may not be the best option for some people. Surgically implanted lenses, also called phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses), are a new option for people seeking more permanent correction of common vision errors such as myopia (nearsightedness). Refractive lens exchange (RLE) eye surgery, your eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial one to achieve sharper focus.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a non-laser refractive eye surgery designed to correct mild hyperopia and help people who are middle-aged and older reduce their need for reading glasses after they become presbyopic.
