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Common Refractive Surgery Procedures Old & New
Radial Keratotomy (RK):
RK was a popular procedure in the 1980's & 1990's. Radial incisions were placed in the peripheral cornea. The wounds would gape causing the cornea to spread out laterally and thus flattening in the center, which would reduce the level of near-sightedness.
Laser Vision Correction:
Excimer lasers have been used to re-shape the cornea in the US since 1995. They are very precise as they remove one quarter micron per pulse and they can correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.
New lasers are coming out almost every year and they are very effective for re-shaping the cornea to correct vision.
There are two procedures that can be done with the excimer laser
PRK & LASIK
 PRK (PhotoRefractive Keratectomy)
uses the excimer laser to re-shaper the front of the cornea without cutting a flap on the cornea.
PRK is considered safer than LASIK, but generally has a slower recovery time.
 LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomileusis)
uses the excimer laser to re-shape the cornea, but first a "flap" is cut on the cornea. The area under the flap is treated and the flap is repositioned.
There is less pain with LASIK, but potentially more risk than PRK.
Non-Laser surgical vision correction (INTACS & ICL's)
 INTACS are micro thin intra-corneal rings which are inserted into the cornea to correct near-sightedness and are also used to stabilize the cornea for conditions such as keratoconus.
INTACS can be removed, making it a reversible procedure.
 ICL's (Intra-ocular lenses) are generally used for higher prescriptions that are beyond what lasers can safely treat.
The lens is placed inside the eye. Imagine a contact lens inside your eye.
If you are interested in any of these procedures, please schedule a consultation with us and we will be happy to discuss your options and recommend the best surgeon based on the procedure you are interested in.
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