There are a number of people considering the LASIK procedure as a way of correcting their defective eyesight may it be nearsightedness or farsightedness. However, patients suffering from those two conditions might encounter a number of probable problems linked to LASIK. Those patients who fall under this category might be wondering if there are any other available options that might be more suitable for the condition they are experiencing. Although there is an estimate of greater than 95 percent of the LASIK patients who have undergone the procedure and reaped a very successful outcome without any major adverse reactions or side effects, there are still available alternatives for those patients who looking forward to have their defective eyesight corrected and to improve their vision. A discussion of the two options might prove to be helpful.
Two Types of LASIK
The traditional LASIK surgery makes use of a scalpel in creating a small flap in the eye’s cornea after which a laser then reshapes the eye in order for the defective eye to be able to focus more accurately. There are two various existing forms of LASIK. The first one is the type that entirely uses a laser and eradicates the use of the scalpel. It is totally bladeless. The second variation makes use of a three dimensional waveform especially for those people having eye shapes that are not common. Inquire about this from your physician since both of these procedures are worth the discussion especially if it is personally given by your ophthalmologist.
Implantable Contact Lens Surgery
Those people having very thin corneas or who possess any other issues that might not make them good candidates for LASIK may take into consideration the implantable contact lens operation. This is known in abbreviation as ICL in the lingo of eye surgeons. This is also a good alternative to LASIK as a means of permanently correcting the patient’s vision.
These implanted lenses will function in the exact same way that a removable lens would do. The difference between the two lenses lies on the placement since the implanted type will be permanently in place inside the eye while the other is removable and is placed on the superficial portion of the eye. Just like LASIK, the physician will still reshape the eye in order to allow better accommodation and for it to accurately focus. The patient will not be able to feel the lens after the operation is conducted.
Similarities of LASIK and ICL
LASIK and ICL bear resemblance in a number of ways. LASIK can improve the defective vision affected by nearsightedness and astigmatism. On the other hand, ICL can also improve the same deficiencies in vision. Both the LASIK and the ICL also have accompanying risks. Some of them are in fact common to both procedures. One of the risks involved is that the correction might not be as accurate as expected following the first operation is performed.
LASIK is mostly conducted as a refractive operation that will correct the problems in eyesight. According to the FDA, less than three percent of the patients will require or be subjected to an additional surgery for further correction of vision after the first LASIK surgery is performed on the patient.
Like any other operation, there is a probability of contracting infection in either the LASIK or ICL procedures. The way to avoid these complications is to have good post operative eye care. This will lessen the risk especially when regular post operative check up accompanies it. These examinations will be conducted at the LASIK eye center in order to eradicate further problems that might arise.
In very few cases, either LASIK or ICL may not attain perfect vision and the continued wearing of corrective eyewear may still be required. However, the prescribed eyewear will not possess the same strength as the one being used prior to surgery.
ICL Over LASIK
One particular advantage of ICL over LASIK is that it is reversible wherein the implanted lens may be taken away if it the necessity would come up later on. LASIK engages the reshaping of the eye’s cornea in order to bring objects into focus. This procedure is permanent. In cases of a typically healthy patient for either LASIK or ICL, the desired improvement will most likely be attained. LASIK is a relatively less invasive procedure however it is more costly than ICL.