Just about everyone has heard of the LASIK eye procedure to get rid of the glasses. However, if you are not a good candidate for LASIK, fear not, there are many other refractive surgery options out there, according to ophthalmic professionals like Eye specialist in Islamabad.

Read on to know the types of surgeries to get rid of glasses this season:

LASIK—laser assisted in situ keratomileusis

LASIK works be reshaping the corneal tissue under the surface of the cornea. The procedure involves creating a flap on the cornea through a microkeratome, lifting this flap and using laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap formation is what differentiates LASIK from other corrective surgeries. The down-time with LASIK is less compared to other procedures.

PRK—photorefractive keratectomy

PRK is one of the first procedures to be approved by the FDA for refractive error correction. In people with thick corneas or in whom the corneal shape doesn’t permit the performance of LASIK, PRK is a good and safe option. In fact, because there is no formation of corneal flap, it is a slightly easier procedure to perform.

In this procedure, laser pulses are used to reshape the corneal epithelium, rather than corneal tissue, to help it focus the light rays more effectively on the retina. PRK helps to effectively treat myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia.

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implant (IOLs)

In people with very high degrees of refractive errors, which cannot be corrected with corneal surgeries, IOLs are a good option. Phakic IOLs refer to the implantable contact lenses, put surgically in front of the natural lens to focus light rays on the retina. Because there is no removal of the natural lens, patient retains their pre-existing focusing ability.

LRI—Limbal relaxing incision

LRI is also known as astigmatic keratotomy as this surgical procedure is ideal for the correction of astigmatism. In people with astigmatism, the eye is shaped more oval like a football, instead of being round. In limbal relaxing incision, the surgeon makes a cut or two at the steep part of the cornea to loosen it and make it more rounded. LRI may be performed alone or in combination with other procedures including LASIK, PRK or RK.

Conductive Keratoplasty

This type of corrective surgery is for individuals with hyperopia or far sightedness. Most candidates of CK are over the age of 40. Instead of laser, low frequency radio waves are used to reshape the cornea. A small probe applies energy to the outer cornea in a circular pattern to shrink certain areas. This shrinkage is in a band-like pattern, increasing the curvature and resultant power of the cornea, thus correcting the near vision.

LASEK—laser assisted subepithelial keratectomy

LASEK treats astigmatism and myopia. The procedure involves detaching the superficial corneal epithelium through a trephine, moistening it with diluted alcohol and folding it back. Thereafter, high-energy laser pulses and UV rays are used to reshape the corneal tissue underneath, and once this is done, the flap is put back. LASEK involves less postoperative pain in comparison to procedures like PRK. LASEK is a safe alternate for people in whom LASIK cannot be performed due to unsuitable corneal thickness.

Intacs

Another procedure for the correction of mild myopia is: intacs. This procedure doesn’t use laser and is performed with two crescent shaped plastic rings—intacs—placed on the outer edge of cornea while the center of the cornea is spared. These rings flatten the cornea to focus the light rays on the retina.

Apart from LASIK, there are many other corrective surgeries. To find which option is superior for your eyes, book a professional evaluation at oladoc.com.