LASEK(Laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomiluesis) is a more recent addition to the refractive repertoire. For some patients, the density of their corneal tissue is less than others, and in these cases, a procedure like LASEK or PRK (Photo-refractive keratectomy) would be beneficial, as they produce the same result but do not require as much tissue removal as the LASIK procedure. LASEK is essentially the same procedure as LASIK except that a thinner surface epithelial flap is created rather than a thicker corneal protective flap.A surgeon may choose LASEK as a means of minimizing the amount of tissue utilized in the flap, thereby leaving a denser bed of tissue intact, underneath the flap. There is no need for the microkeratome as the flap is created through the use of chemicals that break down bonds between layers of tissue. The excimer laser ablation portion of the LASEK surgery is the same as the other surgeries such as LASIK or PRK. Upon completion of the LASEK ablation, the thinner flap is repositioned and a protective shield is applied.In most cases, LASEK is only applied to one eye at a time. The recovery time is longer than with LASIK, but much shorter than PRK. This procedure is useful for patients with thinner corneas who may not have been LASIK candidates in the past as well as patients particularly concerned about the formation of a protective corneal flap. PRK,(photo refractive keratectomy) is a predecessor of the popular LASIK procedure.The quick recovery and relative painlessness of LASIK allowed it to become the surgery of choice for refractive surgeons. However, PRK remains a highly effective procedure for many patients with epithelial problems that are not conducive to the creation of a good flap either chemically or mechanically. The epithelial tissue is manually scraped away by the surgeon, or in some cases removed by the laser itself. This procedure, like LASEK, is generally performed on one eye at a time and has the longest recovery time of the refractive procedures.The side-effects and complications to both PRK and LASEK are similar to that with LASIK and need to be addressed with the same level of concern. However there is an extended recovery time with these alternatives and usually require more post operative visits to the clinic and the inconvenience of doing one eye at a time. INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANTS This procedure is essentially the same as that of cataract extraction with placement of a clear intraocular lens implant.Upon surgical removal of the lens, a clear intraocular lens implant is placed to provide clearer vision. With clear lens extraction, the procedure is essentially the same however, the natural lens is clear and not cloudy. This procedure is particularly effective with high levels of refractive error, especially hyperopia (farsightedness). CK(Conductive Keratoplasty) is the application of radiofrequency energy in a circular pattern along the periphery of the cornea. The theory suggests the heat energy shrinks the corneal tissue, thereby steepening the cornea, and temporarily reducing farsightedness. This procedure is utilized by a very limited number of surgeons and the available data on applications and results remain scarce at this time. SPECTACLES or CONTACT LENSES Glasses and contact lenses are certainly alternatives to refractive surgery.
LASEK(Laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomiluesis) is a more recent addition to the refractive repertoire. For some patients, the density of their corneal tissue is less than others, and in these cases, a procedure like LASEK or PRK (Photo-refractive keratectomy) would be beneficial, as they produce the same result but do not require as much tissue removal as the LASIK procedure. LASEK is essentially the same procedure as LASIK except that a thinner surface epithelial flap is created rather than a thicker corneal protective flap.A surgeon may choose LASEK as a means of minimizing the amount of tissue utilized in the flap, thereby leaving a denser bed of tissue intact, underneath the flap. There is no need for the microkeratome as the flap is created through the use of chemicals that break down bonds between layers of tissue. The excimer laser ablation portion of the LASEK surgery is the same as the other surgeries such as LASIK or PRK. Upon completion of the LASEK ablation, the thinner flap is repositioned and a protective shield is applied.In most cases, LASEK is only applied to one eye at a time. The recovery time is longer than with LASIK, but much shorter than PRK. This procedure is useful for patients with thinner corneas who may not have been LASIK candidates in the past as well as patients particularly concerned about the formation of a protective corneal flap. PRK,(photo refractive keratectomy) is a predecessor of the popular LASIK procedure.The quick recovery and relative painlessness of LASIK allowed it to become the surgery of choice for refractive surgeons. However, PRK remains a highly effective procedure for many patients with epithelial problems that are not conducive to the creation of a good flap either chemically or mechanically. The epithelial tissue is manually scraped away by the surgeon, or in some cases removed by the laser itself. This procedure, like LASEK, is generally performed on one eye at a time and has the longest recovery time of the refractive procedures.The side-effects and complications to both PRK and LASEK are similar to that with LASIK and need to be addressed with the same level of concern. However there is an extended recovery time with these alternatives and usually require more post operative visits to the clinic and the inconvenience of doing one eye at a time. INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANTS This procedure is essentially the same as that of cataract extraction with placement of a clear intraocular lens implant.Upon surgical removal of the lens, a clear intraocular lens implant is placed to provide clearer vision. With clear lens extraction, the procedure is essentially the same however, the natural lens is clear and not cloudy. This procedure is particularly effective with high levels of refractive error, especially hyperopia (farsightedness). CK(Conductive Keratoplasty) is the application of radiofrequency energy in a circular pattern along the periphery of the cornea. The theory suggests the heat energy shrinks the corneal tissue, thereby steepening the cornea, and temporarily reducing farsightedness. This procedure is utilized by a very limited number of surgeons and the available data on applications and results remain scarce at this time. SPECTACLES or CONTACT LENSES Glasses and contact lenses are certainly alternatives to refractive surgery.
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/ck_ltk_eye_surgery.htm
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/refractive-lens-exchange.htm
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/implantable-lenses.htm