LASIK Surgery Types
In order to choose the best LASIK surgery procedure you should understand the different types of laser eye surgery and decide which types of surgery is best for you.
LASIK Surgery Types
Types of laser eye surgery:
- LASIK Background
LASIK is one of the most popular forms of laser eye surgery. The surgery involves a procedure to reshape the cornea and elicit vision correction for a long time. A microkeratome blade is used to create a flap in the thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is replaced. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and the recovery time is fairly fast. The majority of patients can return to normal activities the next day.

- PRK as an Alternative to LASIK Surgery
PRK take away the epithelium with a metal surgical tool. As a rule PRK involves a longer recovery time, in such a way allowing for the epithelium to grow back. It can lead to more discomfort than LASIK. Traditionally, results often take longer for PRK.

Although PRK involves a longer recovery period, it has been the preferred method for patients with thin corneas and large pupils. Nevertheless, there are a number of newer variations to the original procedure. Many of these different types of surgery minimize the risk of original LASIK, and can be performed on patients with thin corneas and other eye conditions.

- Lasek Surgery
It is a refractive procedure which uses alcohol for separating the outer layer if the cornea, rather than a surgical blade. A laser reshapes the cornea and the epithelium is removed. By eliminating the risk of a microkeratome blade, this procedure is an alternative for people with thin corneas.

Through its quick recovery period, Lasek may be a better alternative to PRK. Nevertheless, Lasek has the possibility of potential complications. For example, the use of alcohol can lead to eye inflammation and irritation.

- Epi-Lasik
Epi-Lasik is similar to Lasik and Lasek, but involves a fine surgical blade, lowering the risk of a wide corneal flap. Instead of alcohol, a plastic cutting tool separates the epithelium from the eye. Epi-Lasik thereby eliminates possible irritation to the eye.

 - IntraLasik
IntraLasik, All-Laser, or Blade-Free Lasik very simply conducts the procedure through lasers, without the use of a microkeratome. This is praised for precision through eliminating mistakes that can occur with a surgical blade.

- Wavefront LASIK
Wavefront Lasik is the most precise form of laser eye surgery. Lasers replace blades during this operation. But where it employs a freehand excimer laser, wavefront technology guides the excimer laser in this procedure. The procedure also decreases the risk of night glare, a common complication associated with other vision correction surgery. This operation is also the most costly among the other options.