Some people want great vision but cannot stand the feeling of contact lenses in their eyes and are also opposed to wearing eye glasses. With today’s technology, these people have a third option to correct their vision. That option is eye surgery and there are different types that include LASIK, PRK, ALK, and others.
LASIK eye surgery stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. The focus of this surgery is to help fix the corneal tissue and help the light reach the retina. People who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism are the ones who can benefit most from this type of corrective eye surgery. This type of procedure is unique because it reaches the under layer of the cornea which many other procedures do not do.
Another type of procedure is called PRK or photorefractive keratectomy. This is a procedure that is used to change the shape of cornea. To do this a laser is used. The difference from LASIK is that this only effects the surface of the cornea rather than the under layer. It will help people with the same problems as LASIK will.
A third procedure is called ALK. ALK stands for automated lamellar keratoplasty. This is great for people with strong nearsightedness and some who are farsighted. ALK though has been mostly overtaken by LASIK. This procedure reaches the under layer of the cornea just like LASIK but does not use a laser to complete the procedure.
One procedure that is used to help with cataracts is called RLE or refractive lens exchange. Since cataracts is a problem with the lens of the eye, this procedure is used to replace that natural lens. After an incision is made and the natural lens is removed, an artificial lens made of silicone is put in.
There are some people whose nearsightedness is so strong that PRK and LASIK are not enough to correct their vision. These patients will get phakic intraocular lens implants. Once again there is a small incision but this one is at the cornea where the iris is attached and that is where the lens is implanted. Unlike in RLE, the natural lens is not taken out.
Surgeries are getting better and better with all of the new technology. You must still consult a doctor before considering any type of surgery.