What if I am not a candidate for LASIK?
Some people may not be a candidate for LASIK due to high myopia and/or thin corneas. In this case, implantable collamer lenses (ICL) or clear lens extraction may be options. Your doctor can discuss these options more with you at your visit.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK ?
Refractive surgery includes any surgical procedure that improves vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Both LASIK and PRK are forms of refractive surgery. In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea before the laser is used to reshape the cornea; In PRK, there is no flap.
The choice of a no-flap (PRK) or flap (LASIK) procedure generally depends on the amount of correction needed, corneal thickness, previous eye surgical history, and other factors. No-flap procedures have a longer recovery and more discomfort than flap procedures. Flap procedures have faster recoveries and minimal discomfort, but flaps can sometimes slip or wrinkle, sometimes requiring further surgery. The visual results of all of the excimer procedures are excellent for good candidates. Complications and risks include undercorrection or overcorrection, dryness of the eyes (usually temporary, but can last 3 months or longer), night vision disturbances (glare, halos), infection, inflammation, and loss of best-corrected visual acuity.
