What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea, making it possible for your eye to properly focus light on the retina. Two lasers are used during LASIK, a femtosecond laser is used to create a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to perform the reshaping of the cornea based on your prescription measurements. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron of tissue at a time (a human hair is approximately 50 microns thick). After the treatment laser, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed. The procedure itself takes about 6-8 minutes per eye.
What is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the original laser vision correction option used in the early 1990s before the development of LASIK. For some individuals, particularly those with thin corneas or corneas with irregular epithelium (skin), LASIK may not be the best option. Just one laser is used during PRK. There is no flap created during PRK, instead the thin superficial skin layer of the cornea is removed and the excimer laser is then used to perform the reshaping of the cornea as it is during LASIK. A bandage contact lens will be placed on the eye and the epithelial (skin) layer grows back, usually within a week following the procedure. PRK patients should understand that recovery times after PRK are longer than recovery times after LASIK.
What is the EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye. The lens, which is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens, is implanted in the eye during a 20 to 30 minute procedure. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 2 million EVO ICL lenses have been sold.