What Laser Eye Surgery Procedures Are Used To Treat Corneal Damage?
The cornea is the eye’s clear, dome-shaped outer part that allows light to focus on the retina. When the cornea becomes damaged due to injury, infection, or disease, light cannot properly focus on the retina, causing blurry or distorted vision.
Laser eye surgery procedures can help treat corneal damage to restore vision and improve overall eye health. Here are some laser eye surgeries for correcting corneal damage:
LASIK
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is the most common laser eye surgery for correcting corneal damage. It helps with various refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. During LASIK, the surgeon first cleans and numbs the eye.
They then create a thin flap on the cornea using either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. Creating the flap exposes the underlying corneal tissue, which the surgeon reshapes with an excimer laser.
Reshaping the cornea improves how light enters the eye, resulting in better vision. After reshaping the cornea, the surgeon repositions the flap, which allows it to heal naturally.
LASIK is a quick and painless procedure that takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. It has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing improved vision within several hours after the surgery.
Recovery time is relatively short, with many individuals resuming normal activities within a day or two. Your laser eye surgeon can prescribe medication to address discomfort that may arise after the surgery. LASIK is a safe and effective option for treating corneal damage.
Photorefractive Keratectomy
Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is another laser eye surgery for treating corneal damage. It involves using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Instead of creating a flap on the cornea, PRK surgeons remove the epithelium, which is the cornea’s outermost layer.
The surgeon removes the thin layer using an alcohol solution or a scraping tool. They then apply the excimer laser directly to the exposed tissue, reshaping it and correcting any refractive errors. After the procedure, the specialist places a soft contact lens on the area to act as a bandage while the epithelium regrows.
The PRK procedure lasts only several minutes per eye, making it a quick and efficient option for repairing corneal damage. You can resume your regular activities the next day, although your vision may take a few days to stabilize.
You may experience mild discomfort and sensitivity to light during the first few days of recovery. That’s because removing the epithelium exposes the underlying, sensitive corneal tissue. Once the epithelium grows back, this discomfort should subside, and your vision will stabilize.
Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Right for You?
LASIK and PRK are both effective laser eye surgeries for treating damage to the cornea. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for both procedures. LASIK is more suitable for individuals with thicker corneas because it requires creating a flap and reshaping the underlying tissue.
The thicker cornea provides enough tissue for flap creation while maintaining corneal integrity. PRK may be better for those with thinner or irregularly shaped corneas. Thin corneas may not have enough tissue for flap creation, while irregularly shaped ones may require a more precise reshaping approach. PRK is a viable option in these cases since it involves reshaping the cornea without creating a flap.
Other factors an eye surgeon may evaluate when determining the right laser surgery include your age, previous surgeries, lifestyle, and overall eye health. Consulting an experienced laser eye surgeon will help you understand which procedure best suits your needs and goals.
During a consultation appointment, the surgeon will perform a thorough eye exam and discuss potential treatment options to help you make an informed decision.
Are Laser Eye Surgeries Safe?
LASIK and PRK are safe when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. Like any surgery, potential risks are involved, but they are rare and often minor. Some common risks include dry eyes, temporary vision fluctuations, and light sensitivity.
These side effects usually subside within days or weeks after the procedure. Most patients experience no long-term issues after undergoing these eye surgeries. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to minimize potential risks and promote a smoother recovery.
Visit an Experienced Eye Surgeon
Laser eye surgeries are safe and effective for treating corneal damage and improving vision. LASIK and PRK are two commonly used procedures, each with unique benefits for various health and vision concerns. Consult a skilled and experienced eye surgeon to determine the most suitable treatment option for your eyes. Visit a reputable eye clinic today to learn more about laser eye surgeries for corneal damage.
