LASIK is capable of treating a wide range of refractive errors, providing patients with outstanding vision and a reduced dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, it may not be right for everyone. If your corneas are too thin to safely create a LASIK flap, our eye doctors may recommend an alternative procedure instead, such as:
- PRK – Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) works in essentially the same way as LASIK, using an Excimer laser to re-shape your cornea. However, instead of creating a flap in the cornea and then replacing it for fast healing, PRK involves removing the entire outer layer of the cornea, which will grow back after surgery. This is why the recovery time for PRK is slightly longer than LASIK, and it may involve more discomfort as well. However, the quality of the final outcome is the same.
- LASEK – Instead of fully removing the cornea’s outer layer (as in PRK), the LASEK procedure involves loosening a small “cap” on the surface of the cornea and removing it to make way for the Excimer laser treatment. This cap will then be restored to its original position on your eye in order to help it heal.
One of our experienced Kingston eye surgeons will perform a comprehensive screening to determine which laser vision correction procedure will provide you with the best and safest results. Although LASIK is the preferred option because of its fast recovery time, patients who have dry eyes, thin corneas, or other factors that disqualify them from LASIK can experience the same excellent results through PRK or LASEK.
If you have further questions about LASIK alternatives, please contact Eye Care Specialists today or call (877) 489-7405 to schedule a screening. We serve patients throughout Kingston, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA).
