Lasek vs. Lasik

One little letter can make a huge difference, especially when you are discussing surgical procedures to correct vision impairment.  Before agreeing to any operation to improve or eliminate your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, make sure you understand the distinction between Lasek and Lasik surgery.  Knowing exactly what to expect, and having a realistic expectation of the outcome, will help you decide whether laser surgery is right for you.

Lenses vs. Laser

When the eye is shaped perfectly, the light enters the eye and sends a picture of what is visible back to the retina.  It develops the image and sends the message to the brain. Instantaneously, an individual takes in clear picture after picture.  However, if the cornea is too oblong or flat in shape, the message to the retina is distorted.  The result is like a photograph out of focus.
When an optometrist determines the strength of a corrective lens, he/she is essentially prescribing the thickness and angle needed to send the right message to the retina.  As a result, people who can only see objects clearly at a close distance, nearsighted, can now see images farther away.  Conversely, individuals who are farsighted see images farther away better than something right in front of their faces.  In addition, lenses can correct distortions in vision that are referred to as astigmatism.
Laser surgery is essentially meant to achieve the same result as vision aids.  However, instead of changing the angle of the light reaching the retina by using a vision aid, it actually changes the shape of the cornea.  Then, it will eliminate or improve a refractory error.  Patients hope to put their glasses down, reduce the strength of their prescriptions, or maybe only use them for reading.
Naturally, corrective lenses are a lot cheaper than invasive surgery.  Because there are no guarantees, it is important to understand both the pros and cons of lenses vs. laser.  Then make an informed decision about treatment for vision correction.

Laser vs. Laser

Although physicians have been using surgery to correct vision problems for the better part of a century, it wasn’t until recently that the procedures have been refined and more widely used by the general public. Today, many patients who need corrective lenses have opted to undergo the procedure, in the hope of being able to put down their glasses, or at least minimize their use.
But, as with any invasive medical procedure, it is important that the patient understand the potential risks, as well as the benefits.  In addition, having a realistic expectation of the outcome will help prevent disappointment and stress, if their vision is not 20/20, when the surgery is complete.  Also, it is not a lifetime assurance that glasses will not be needed again in the future.
With that said, the most common procedure is probably Lasik.  The procedure uses a laser to peel back the cornea, correct its shape so that the light is refracted correctly, and put back in place.  Many people prefer this procedure because:
•    Recovery time is 2-3 days
•    Patient can usually drive within a day
•    The surgical results are realized more quickly
•    Discomfort is minimal
However, Lasik is not without some risks.  The eye must be healthy for the surgery to work appropriately.  If the cornea is too thin, or the patient suffers from dry eye, the result of Lasik surgery is likely to be less than desirable.  In addition, there is a greater chance of longer lasting negative side effects as a result.
Lasek is also a laser-based surgery for the eye.  It is not as common, but it is usually recommended to patients that don’t qualify for Lasik.  The results are generally more positive for the individuals with a thin cornea or dry eyes.  But, it has some drawbacks that make it a little less desirable:
•    Takes longer to heal
•    Patients will not be able to drive for approximately a week.
•    Recovery is more uncomfortable
•    6-8 Weeks to achieve max benefit from surgery
In short, there are risks with any surgical procedure.  Therefore, it is important to know your doctor and be confident in his/her knowledge and abilities.  To minimize the chances of side effects, it is vital to follow the physician’s advice and become well-informed on both the pros and cons of Lasik and Lasek surgeries. Follow all medical directions before and after the procedure, to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.  Also, have a realistic view of the end result, and know that Laser surgery will not guarantee perfect vision for a lifetime.  For many patients, the outcome will depend on how they take care of their eyes. Lasik and Lasek are only tools to help you see the world more clearly.