Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Laser vision correction procedures are an excellent alternative if you’re tired of wearing glasses and contact lenses! We offer several vision correction procedures at Manhattan LASIK Center and are ready to help you achieve the vision of your dreams.

When most people think of laser vision correction procedures, they think of LASIK but don’t be fooled. LASIK isn’t the only option.

There are a few laser vision correction procedures available, meaning it should be easier to find the perfect procedure for you. Keep reading to learn your options for laser vision correction procedures and which may be best for you!

LASIK

There’s no denying that LASIK is the most popular vision correction procedure. Like other laser vision correction procedures, it reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive errors are caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea, which is the clear part of the eye.

The cornea refracts light that passes through it to focus that light on the retina. When the cornea is misshapen, light cannot refract correctly. Because of this, light won’t focus on the right part of the cornea. This causes blurry vision if you have a refractive error like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to correct refractive errors and provide you with clearer vision. It does this by creating a flap from the top of the cornea.

The flap is lifted, and then small amounts of corneal tissue are removed under the flap. Afterward, your surgeon at Manhattan LASIK Center will replace the flap. The flap aids in the healing process by acting as a natural bandage, ensuring that stitches or sutures are not needed during LASIK.

PRK

PRK is a refractive laser eye procedure that predates LASIK. It was the first laser vision correction procedure ever invented.

Like LASIK, it changes the shape of the cornea to correct refractive errors and improve your vision. However, unlike LASIK, it doesn’t require creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is chemically removed. The cornea directly underneath the removed epithelium is then reshaped using a laser.

Afterward, bandage contact lenses protect the eyes while the epithelium regenerates. This is a process that takes about two weeks.

Outcomes from LASIK and PRK are virtually identical, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better after both procedures. However, LASIK has a significantly shorter recovery period than PRK.

LASIK patients also notice faster visual improvement after the procedure. Nevertheless, PRK is an excellent LASIK alternative for patients who don’t qualify for LASIK due to thinner corneas.

Creating a flap in the cornea on a patient with thinner corneas is unsafe and can lead to serious complications with their vision. Because there is no flap required during PRK, this makes it safer for these patients.

SMILE

SMILE is a newer and revolutionary laser vision correction procedure. It’s a minimally invasive, flapless procedure that corrects nearsightedness and mild astigmatism.

Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap in the cornea, and PRK, which removes the epithelium, SMILE is far less invasive. SMILE only removes a small amount of corneal tissue by creating a disc-like shape under the cornea’s surface.

This shape is called a lenticule. The lenticule is created using a femtosecond laser that breaks apart tissue without penetrating the cornea’s surface. Your surgeon will then make a tiny incision in the cornea before removing the lenticule through the incision.

Results from SMILE are comparable to those of LASIK and PRK. Patients who have SMILE see immediate visual improvement after the vision correction procedure.

Recovery from SMILE also tends to be faster because the procedure disturbs less corneal tissue. Disturbing less corneal tissue also makes SMILE well-suited to patients with existing dry eyes.

SMILE causes fewer instances of dry eye, making it a good choice for patients with dry eyes or those worried about having dry eyes after a vision correction procedure.

EVO ICL

In addition to offering laser vision correction procedures, Manhattan LASIK Center also provides a vision correction procedure called the EVO ICL. The EVO ICL doesn’t use lasers to correct your vision.

Instead, the vision correction procedure implants an ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) into the eye between the natural lens and the iris. The EVO ICL acts like a contact lens, except it’s permanent and doesn’t have to be removed for maintenance.

The EVO ICL corrects your vision like any other lens by changing how light refracts through your eye. However, the lens the EVO ICL is made of is a unique material called collamer.

Collamer is derived from collagen, essential for your bones, skin, and muscles. Collamer is biocompatible and works in natural harmony with your eye, allowing the EVO ICL to integrate comfortably with the rest of your eye.

Like the laser vision correction procedures offered at Manhattan LASIK Center, the EVO ICL can permanently improve your vision. But unlike laser vision correction procedures like LASIK, SMILE, and PRK, EVO ICL can be reversed.

You can have the ICL removed at any time if you choose. However, most patients have the EVO ICL for the rest of their lives, but there’s something to be said for having the peace of mind of a reversible procedure.

Choosing the Best Procedure for You

With all these options, choosing the right procedure for you can be challenging. Remember that SMILE and EVO ICL are minimally invasive and have faster recoveries.

However, these procedures only correct nearsightedness and mild astigmatism. LASIK and PRK are excellent choices and can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams of visual freedom by requesting a consultation at Manhattan LASIK Center in Manhattan, NY, today! Why wait any longer when you could have clearer vision to enjoy?