Corrective Eye Surgery

There are as many forms of corrective eye surgery as there are contact lenses, or though it seems. This is because a variety of visual exist, in conjunction with the fact that each pair of eyes makes each condition unique in its own right. Despite the sheer number of procedures, however, all forms of corrective eye surgery fall under one of two categories: Excimer Laser Procedures and Non-Excimer Laser Procedures. The distinction between the two, of course, is that, in former, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea of the eye to manipulate light rays, whereas the latter implements artificial contact lenses, like IOLs, and reshape the eye by means of heat. The basic difference here is the use of a laser. Corrective eye surgery is a very delicate process and requires a very steady hand and a tight focus.

The two main types of corrective laser eye surgery primarily take less than two minutes between both eyes and require creating a flap in the eye to facilitate clear vision. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) features cutting into the stroma to allow access to tissue that is then removed in an attempt to reform the cornea. LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), though, incises the pithelium and applies alcohol to the same end—to enhance the shape of the cornea. This is the basic objective to both procedures. Other Excimer Laser procedures include Epi-LASIK, bladeless or “All Laser” LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Presby LASIK, the last of which corrects Presbyopia, the deterioration of the eyes due to aging. All these are Laser corrective; eye laser surgery can be dangerous, but they are quick and the rate of success usually fairs very well.

All Non-Excimer Laser procedures treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and Astigmatism. Among them are: Astigmatic Keratectomy (AK), Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), Laser Keratoplasty (LTK), Scleral Expansion Bands (SEBs), Cornea Transplants, and Intacs, which involves the insertion of artificial contact lenses to assist in the correcting of all three of the above-mentioned visual aberrations. These procedures are typically safer but can be a bit more uncomfortable than Laser procedures and require longer healing periods.

Many places throughout the United States provide excellent accommodations for corrective eye surgery. Seacoast is known for some of the most impressive and innovative facilities for corrective eye surgery. New Hampshire is, too. New England boasts several of the top facilities in the country for specific and general corrective eye surgery. Portsmouth, especially, serves for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Myopia, and many other common visual problems that require either contact lenses or corrective eye surgery. In NH (New Hampshire) and nearby Boston, corrective eye surgery can be expensive, but the results are very promising, as in Rochester. Corrective eye surgery facilities further west, as in California, offer more expensive but specialized care, such as for many celebrities. This is possible anywhere from Nevada to Washington State to Minnesota to Texas to Colorado. Corrective eye surgery in the United States is recognized and revered by many all over the world.

Whatever the case, corrective eye surgery is yet another very accessible front in the constant development of eye care technology. Although most procedures are simple and quick, anyone considering undergoing surgery on the eye should do it only if absolutely necessary. Corrective eye surgery is a very serious step, and healthy vision is of utmost importance.