LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)
LASEK is a suitable alternative to LASIK when the cornea is too thin to create an acceptable flap using the microkeratome. In LASEK, the epithelium, or outermost layer of the cornea, is covered with an alcohol solution. Your surgeon will loosen the edges of the epithelium creating a flap. Using a tiny instrument, the flap is gently folded back out of the way. The excimer laser applies a cool beam of light, which gently reshapes the cornea allowing images to be more sharply focused by the retina to correct the individual refractive error. After the cornea is reshaped, the epithelium is returned back to its original position. A contact lens is placed on the cornea for a minimum of three days to aid in the healing of the cornea.
EVO ICL™
EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) designed to correct nearsightedness with and without astigmatism. The small flexible lens is placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural crystalline lens in order to improve vision. It’s like having your doctor implant a lens similar to a contact lens into your eye so you can live without the daily hassles and maintenance of typical contact lenses.
Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is for patients who might otherwise not be good candidates for LASIK due to a flat, steep or thin cornea or patients whose epithelium has the potential for an epithelial slide. While Epi-LASIK is the best option for patients like these, this procedure may be a suitable option for a wide range of patients.
Rather than using an alcohol solution to loosen the epithelium as in LASEK, our surgeon uses a special blade to separate the epithelial sheet from the eye with its hinge intact and gently lifts and folds it out of the way. With an excimer laser, a cool beam of light is applied to the cornea to reshape its surface to allow images to focus sharply on the retina, correcting the individual’s refractive error. The surgeon will then gently lift the epithelial flap and folded it back over the cornea with a spatula-like instrument and the eye heals within a few days.
There are many LASIK options to improve your vision and get out of glasses for good. Call (727) 581-8706 or click here to schedule a consultation today!
