LASIK Surgery Procedures
LASIK, or laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, allowing better eyesight without glasses.
If you are thinking about LASIK surgery, below you will find a basic summary showing choices. Reviewing this list before your appointment will aid in your discussion with your surgeon. A complete list of risks and nature of surgery will be shared on the surgical consent and in discussions with your doctor.
Types of LASIK Procedures, Advantages and Costs
Learn more about the procedure options, advantages and costs.
Microkeratome LASIK
Surgery Method
- A thin layer of cornea is raised with a microkeratome, and the cornea is reshaped with the excimer laser under this flap.
Advantages
- Rapid improvement of vision
- Excellent post-op comfort
Disadvantages
- Potential for flap-related problems
- Flap weakens corneal structure
- Potential for more post-op dry eye symptoms
Cost per eye
All-Laser LASIK
Surgery Method
- A thin layer of cornea is raised with a laser, and cornea is reshaped with the excimer laser under this flap
Advantages
- Potentially less complications during creation of flap than Microkeratome
Disadvantages
- Greater cost than Microkeratome LASIK
Cost per eye
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Surgery Method
- A thin layer of corneal skin tissue (epithelium) is removed, the corneal surface reshaped with a laser and the epithelium regenerates.
Advantages
- Safety because of no flap-related problems
- May be used in patients with very thin corneas
Disadvantages
- More post-op discomfort than LASIK
- Delayed recovery of vision compared to LASIK
Cost per eye
Learn more
If you are over age 40 and need reading glasses or bifocals, these methods allow for one eye being near-sighted to enable reading with glasses. This is called “monovision.”
With today’s technology, laser vision correction can decrease dependence on or eliminate glasses altogether.
