Refractive Eye Surgery Procedures
CK | Crystalens | PRK | EpiLASIK | LASEK | ALK
LASIK is a wonderful solution for refractive error, but may not be right for everyone. For patients who are not good candidates for LASIK there are several alternative vision correction procedures.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
Patients who have difficulty seeing up close due to hyperopia or presbyopia often choose CK. This is a non-surgical laser vision correction procedure which uses low energy radio frequency light to increase the curvature of the cornea. CK is a very safe and effective treatment, but the results are not always permanent and the treatment may have to be repeated in three to five years.
Crystalens
Vision correction using crystalens is another alternative for patients with hyperopia or presbyopia. The natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a plastic lens. Unlike older lens replacement options, crystalens is designed to work with the eye muscles and change focus naturally, improving near, intermediate, and distance vision. Replacing the natural lens of the eye also eliminates the chance of developing cataracts.
LASIK vs. Clear Lens Exchange Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart of Advanced IntraOcular Lenses
Click to View the Interactive Cataracts Vision Test
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
PRK laser vision correction is appropriate for patients who are nearsighted (myopic), farsighted (hyperopic) or have astigmatism. A laser removes parts of the outside of the cornea, reshaping the eye to correct refractive errors. It does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, making it a good alternative for patients whose occupations or activities create elevated risk for LASIK. PRK takes longer to heal, longer to see final results, and has a greater potential for scaring (which can cause hazy vision) than LASIK.
Comparison Chart of PRK vs. LASIK
LASEK
LASEK vision correction is much like LASIK, but no flap is cut. Instead, alcohol is used to float the epithelium, giving the doctor access to the cornea for corrections. LASEK is a good alternative for patients who should not have a corneal flap, due to lifestyle, large pupils, or dry eye.
Comparison Chart Of LASIK vs. LASEK
EpiLASIK
EpiLASIK is very similar to LASIK and LASEK, but does not involve cutting the cornea, and does not use alcohol to separate the epithelium. A mechanical device makes the separation, avoiding the cell damage caused by alcohol and speeding the healing process. This laser vision correction procedure is appropriate for patients with thin corneas.
Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)
Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty is a procedure very similar to LASIK, except that it involves a slight alteration to the cornea of the eye. It can be used to treat myopia or hyperopia.
Refractive errors can be corrected. If you have vision problems and are ready to be free from corrective lenses, contact an experienced ophthalmologist to find out which refractive eye surgery procedure is right for you.
