Types of LASIK Eye Surgery
There are several different types of LASIK procedures and variations, each designed to address specific vision issues or to offer personalized treatment. Here are some common types of LASIK eye surgery:
Modern LASIK (Wavefront + Bladeless)
This is the LASIK.com recommended LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure that is a requirement for our partners to offer. This type of LASIK involves Custom LASIK which utilizes wavefront technology to create a personalized map of the eye’s unique imperfections and Bladeless LASIK which uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a microkeratome blade. This may reduce the risk of flap complications and offer greater precision.
Traditional LASIK (Standard LASIK)
This is the most common type of LASIK surgery. It involves the creation of a corneal flap using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue based on the patient’s prescription.
Custom LASIK (Wavefront LASIK)
Custom LASIK utilizes wavefront technology to create a personalized map of the eye’s unique imperfections. This map is used to guide the excimer laser in reshaping the cornea, potentially providing better vision correction and reducing higher-order aberrations.
Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser LASIK)
Bladeless LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a microkeratome blade. This may reduce the risk of flap complications and offer greater precision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
This is also a LASIK.com recommendations for those who might not qualify for Modern LASIK. PRK is a surface ablation technique where the corneal epithelium is removed entirely, and then the excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. PRK is used when a corneal flap is not advisable due to thin corneas or other factors.
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
LASEK combines elements of LASIK and PRK. The epithelial layer is preserved but treated with alcohol to make it easier to lift and reposition after laser treatment. It is suitable for patients with thinner corneas or other contraindications for LASIK.
Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK but uses an epikeratome, a special instrument, to separate the epithelial layer. It is an alternative to LASIK for patients with certain corneal characteristics.
Monovision LASIK
Monovision LASIK is designed for patients who want to correct one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses or bifocals.
PresbyLASIK
PresbyLASIK is a type of LASIK specifically for correcting presbyopia, an age-related vision condition that affects near vision. It often involves creating a multifocal cornea.
Topography-Guided LASIK
This procedure uses corneal topography to guide the laser treatment. It is particularly beneficial for patients with irregular astigmatism or corneal irregularities.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a minimally invasive refractive surgery that uses femtosecond laser technology to create a lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. It’s primarily used for nearsightedness.