Laser eye surgery is essentially a term used to describe surgical procedures that use various lasers to improve vision problems. Problems with your vision typically include farsightedness, astigmatism and nearsightedness. There are different types of laser procedures used to correct vision; however, all of them involve the reshaping of the cornea, which is on the surface of the eye. Whether you live in Houston, or any major city, finding a great eye surgeon will be essential to treatment success.
As individuals get older, there are changes that happen with their eyes. Therefore, the kind of laser eye surgery an ophthalmologist or cornea specialist decides to perform, often depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition. For example, a laser procedure that is ideal for a young adult might be unsuitable for older individuals. Below are different laser procedures used to correct vision:
Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
When it comes to vision correction techniques, LASIK is the most widely utilized of them all; and it is certainly popular in busy cities like Houston, TX. LASIK works for patients who are afflicted with nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness. The procedure involves restructuring the underlying corneal tissue to enable light to be correctly focused onto your retina. The outer corneal layer is used to create a flap to access the underlying tissue and correct the problem. Femtosecond laser technology has introduced new levels of predictability, accuracy and safety to LASIK surgery.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Femtosecond laser technology also plays a major role in advancing cataract surgery. Laser cataract surgery involves the Houston cornea specialist, or ophthalmologist, using precision to create a plan for the corneal incision. An optical coherence tomography (OTC), which is a highly developed 3-D image of the eye, is an integral part of the surgical plan. This makes it possible for the surgeon to create an incision in a particular location, with a specific depth and length. This level of precision significantly improves the chances of accuracy, lowers the risk of infection and increases the possibility of the incision being self-sealing.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
This type of laser eye surgery is used to correct mild to moderate cases of astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. During the procedure, the ophthalmologist uses lasers to restructure the cornea. These lasers access the surface of the eye and deliver a pulsing ultraviolet light beam to correct the vision problem. Computer imaging is sometimes used to guide this procedure as well.
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
During a LASEK surgical procedure, the cornea specialist will create an epithelial flap. After which, he or she applies an alcohol solution to loosen up the epithelial cells. The reshaping of the cornea is carried out with a laser. After the vision is corrected, the flap is then replaced by the surgeon and a soft contact lens is used to secure the eye during the process of recovery. LASEK laser surgery is also used as a method of treating farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.
There are several factors that affect the type of laser eye surgery the ophthalmologist or cornea specialist will use to correct your vision. The previously mentioned procedures are among the ones that are most commonly used.
Contact your premier Houston eye surgeon today for an initial consultation.
