Refractive Laser Eye Surgery - PRK, Lasik and SMILE
Laser refractive surgery or laser eye surgery has become increasingly popular, and is constantly advancing with new technology. If you’re looking to get rid of glasses and contacts, there are three types of laser eye surgeries that are available.
All three of these laser refractive surgeries have one thing in common, and that is that they’re reshaping the front part of the eye called the cornea.
1. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery, and it’s still performed today. During PRK laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the epithelium (the surface of the eye) and applies an excimer laser to resurface, blade or vaporize the tissue on the surface of the cornea.
There’s a much longer recovery time after the PRK procedure as compared to SMILE or LASIK. Patients require a bandaged contact lens, because the epithelium has been removed. It can take six to eight weeks for your vision to fully recover after PRK laser eye surgery.
2. During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon uses a thin blade laser to cut a flap of the cornea instead of removing the epithelium. The ophthalmologist lifts the flap up, applies the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and puts the flap back down.
3. SMILE involves using a femtosecond laser to cut a little wafer of tissue inside the cornea and remove it through a very small incision.
With SMILE and LASIK laser eye procedures, the recovery time is shorter with minimal pain or discomfort. You may experience slight dryness and irritation, but usually these symptoms don’t last long.
If you consult with an ophthalmologist about laser refractive surgery, he or she will ensure that your cornea is thick enough and that you don’t have any abnormal curvatures that could indicate a corneal condition called keratoconus. Otherwise, anyone with a prescription of +3 to about -10 is generally a candidate for laser eye surgery.
All three of these laser refractive surgeries have one thing in common, and that is that they’re reshaping the front part of the eye called the cornea.
1. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery, and it’s still performed today. During PRK laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the epithelium (the surface of the eye) and applies an excimer laser to resurface, blade or vaporize the tissue on the surface of the cornea.
There’s a much longer recovery time after the PRK procedure as compared to SMILE or LASIK. Patients require a bandaged contact lens, because the epithelium has been removed. It can take six to eight weeks for your vision to fully recover after PRK laser eye surgery.
2. During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon uses a thin blade laser to cut a flap of the cornea instead of removing the epithelium. The ophthalmologist lifts the flap up, applies the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and puts the flap back down.
3. SMILE involves using a femtosecond laser to cut a little wafer of tissue inside the cornea and remove it through a very small incision.
With SMILE and LASIK laser eye procedures, the recovery time is shorter with minimal pain or discomfort. You may experience slight dryness and irritation, but usually these symptoms don’t last long.
If you consult with an ophthalmologist about laser refractive surgery, he or she will ensure that your cornea is thick enough and that you don’t have any abnormal curvatures that could indicate a corneal condition called keratoconus. Otherwise, anyone with a prescription of +3 to about -10 is generally a candidate for laser eye surgery.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
-
If you’re interested in laser refractive surgery, ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you’re a good candidate.
-
Schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
-
If you smoke, quit. It can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions.
-
Ensure a friend or family member can drive you home after laser eye surgery and help you with daily tasks while you recover.
-
Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after the LASIK procedure, as it can affect the flap the ophthalmologist created during surgery.
-
If you’ve undergone laser eye surgery, attend all follow-up appointments with your eye health provider.
-
Avoid dusty environments for at least a week following laser eye surgery.
-
Your eyes may be more sensitive to light after laser refractive surgery, so wear your sunglasses.
-
Use prescribed eye drops as directed and follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions for recovery.
-
Avoid wearing makeup or using products around your eyes for at least a week after your laser eye procedure.
Diseases
Conditions
Refractive Laser Eye Surgery - PRK, Lasik and SMILE
Information - Refractive Laser Eye Surgery - PRK, Lasik and SMILE
Laser refractive surgery or laser eye surgery has become increasingly popular, and is constantly advancing with new technology. If you’re looking to get rid of glasses and contacts, there are three types of laser eye surgeries that are available.
All three of these laser refractive surgeries have one thing in common, and that is that they’re reshaping the front part of the eye called the cornea.
1. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery, and it’s still performed today. During PRK laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the epithelium (the surface of the eye) and applies an excimer laser to resurface, blade or vaporize the tissue on the surface of the cornea.
There’s a much longer recovery time after the PRK procedure as compared to SMILE or LASIK. Patients require a bandaged contact lens, because the epithelium has been removed. It can take six to eight weeks for your vision to fully recover after PRK laser eye surgery.
2. During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon uses a thin blade laser to cut a flap of the cornea instead of removing the epithelium. The ophthalmologist lifts the flap up, applies the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and puts the flap back down.
3. SMILE involves using a femtosecond laser to cut a little wafer of tissue inside the cornea and remove it through a very small incision.
With SMILE and LASIK laser eye procedures, the recovery time is shorter with minimal pain or discomfort. You may experience slight dryness and irritation, but usually these symptoms don’t last long.
If you consult with an ophthalmologist about laser refractive surgery, he or she will ensure that your cornea is thick enough and that you don’t have any abnormal curvatures that could indicate a corneal condition called keratoconus. Otherwise, anyone with a prescription of +3 to about -10 is generally a candidate for laser eye surgery.
All three of these laser refractive surgeries have one thing in common, and that is that they’re reshaping the front part of the eye called the cornea.
1. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery, and it’s still performed today. During PRK laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the epithelium (the surface of the eye) and applies an excimer laser to resurface, blade or vaporize the tissue on the surface of the cornea.
There’s a much longer recovery time after the PRK procedure as compared to SMILE or LASIK. Patients require a bandaged contact lens, because the epithelium has been removed. It can take six to eight weeks for your vision to fully recover after PRK laser eye surgery.
2. During the LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon uses a thin blade laser to cut a flap of the cornea instead of removing the epithelium. The ophthalmologist lifts the flap up, applies the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and puts the flap back down.
3. SMILE involves using a femtosecond laser to cut a little wafer of tissue inside the cornea and remove it through a very small incision.
With SMILE and LASIK laser eye procedures, the recovery time is shorter with minimal pain or discomfort. You may experience slight dryness and irritation, but usually these symptoms don’t last long.
If you consult with an ophthalmologist about laser refractive surgery, he or she will ensure that your cornea is thick enough and that you don’t have any abnormal curvatures that could indicate a corneal condition called keratoconus. Otherwise, anyone with a prescription of +3 to about -10 is generally a candidate for laser eye surgery.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
-
If you’re interested in laser refractive surgery, ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you’re a good candidate.
-
Schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
-
If you smoke, quit. It can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions.
-
Ensure a friend or family member can drive you home after laser eye surgery and help you with daily tasks while you recover.
-
Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after the LASIK procedure, as it can affect the flap the ophthalmologist created during surgery.
-
If you’ve undergone laser eye surgery, attend all follow-up appointments with your eye health provider.
-
Avoid dusty environments for at least a week following laser eye surgery.
-
Your eyes may be more sensitive to light after laser refractive surgery, so wear your sunglasses.
-
Use prescribed eye drops as directed and follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions for recovery.
-
Avoid wearing makeup or using products around your eyes for at least a week after your laser eye procedure.
Diabetic Retinopathy Now.com
Do you know a family member, friend or associate at work that would benefit from this informative information sent to you by your eye clinic. Take the time to send them a link to this information.
Diabetic Retinopathy HealthChoicesfirst.com
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk, and because there are often no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, regular eye exams combined with proper diabetes management is essential.
