Laser Eye Correction Guide

Laser Eye Correction procedures are most often used to treat vision impairments including nearsightedness, otherwise known as myopia, and farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, as well as astigmatism.

Lasik, Lasek and PRK are three of the most popular laser vision correction treatments currently available. Though you may hear them referred to as branded names such as IntraLase and Wavefront. Each of the procedures differs in the techniques applied and the amount of recovery time they require.

PRK

The first corrective vision procedure to use a special laser called an excimer laser was PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). During PRK an ophthalmic surgeon completely removes a section from the outer layer of cells that cover the cornea. PRK requires a protective soft lens to be placed over the eye after treatment and it also has the longest recovery time of the three procedures.

Lasek

An advancement on PRK is Lasek (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis), because a flap is cut from the outer layer of the eye rather than a whole section being removed. Lasek still has a longer recovery time compared to Lasik, but compared to PRK it is a vast improvement.

Lasik

The most popular method of laser vision correction is Lasik (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). A flap is cut through the outer layer of the eye to the cornea before it is reshaped by an opthalmic surgeon using an excimer laser. In comparison to both Lasek and PRK, Lasik has the shortest recovery time.

It is important to be aware that corrective laser eye surgery is not suitable for everyone. This is why you will be required to undertake a series of examinations and tests at your laser eye centre, prior to corrective eye surgery taking place.

Thank you for visiting the Laser Eye Correction Guide. It is our aim to be a complete information guide to the different types of corrective laser eye surgery techniques that are currently available. There are many aspects involved when choosing which laser eye correction procedure is the right one for you. We plan to provide you with the information to help you decide for yourself which is the best eye correction centre. If you are looking for a laser eye clinic, or just laser eye treatment information in general, we have the details you are looking for.