Lasik – Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is laser eye correction where the cornea is reshaped to correct hyperopia – farsightedness, myopia – nearsightedness, and astigmatism or irregular cornea. 

The National Eye Institute breaks down LASIK in plain language, offering a balanced look at the procedure, recovery, and long‑term considerations. See their report here – Surgery for Refractive Errors | National Eye Institute. 

Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to undergo Lasik each year, making it among the most favored vision correction procedure. Of the individuals who get Lasik laser eye surgery, approx. 90 percent achieve 20/20 and 20/40 vision without aids according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Doctors’ skills are more refined, and technology is improving by leaps and bounds since its approval in 1999 by the Food and Drug Administration. With consistent technological updates and tailored presurgical planning, clients can expect greater comfort and less downtime for recovery as they move forward toward perfect vision.

The Emerging Future of Lasik Eye Surgery Technology 

Surgeons performing Lasik eye surgery in NYC are dedicated to client care by striving to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Let’s explore some of the latest trends seen with reputable clinics.

• Femtosecond Lasers

The femtosecond laser was introduced in 2003 a a precise alternative to the surgical blade used in Lasik surgery to create the corneal flap. That allows clients with thinner corneas to qualify for traditional Lasik laser eye surgery.

• PRK – Photo refractive keratectomy

PRK is an excimer laser eye surgery procedure comparable to Lasik, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea. PRK, however, instead of creating a corneal flat, the laser is applied directly to the cornea to remove the top layer. The refractive procedure offers results like Smile and Lasik, but it can take more time to achieve the full correction.

• Smile – Small incision lenticule extraction

Smile is a new vision correction solution available with reputed Lasik vision centers. It’s like Lasik but the key difference is that the incision is smaller. The surgeon will make a small cut and remove a tiny piece of tissue from the cornea instead of creating a corneal flap.

Because of the small incision, Smile patients often experience less dryness and heal faster. The procedure is less invasive, a positive for those not keen on having surgery.

Good candidates for Smile include nearsighted clients and those who may not qualify for traditional Lasik due to dry eyes or thin corneas.

• Wavefront technology

This technology represents a significant Lasik advancement in vision correction diagnostics and treatment. Surgeons can generate a detailed 3D map of the eye with this innovative tool. 

That enables correction of higher order aberrations that impact visual quality, like night vision and contrast sensitivity and lower order aberrations, like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

The laser adapts the treatment according to the map, creating a highly individualized treatment plan for each client. 

Irregularities and abnormalities on the corneal surface cause reduced visual clarity and distorted vision. Lasik surgeons not only perform the favored Lasik procedures but offer several advanced laser eye techniques for complete correction. 

Harvard Health gives a detailed, evidence‑based breakdown of LASIK, explaining the procedure, candidacy requirements, and alternatives –  go here to find the resource.

• Epi-Lasek

Epi-Lasek is ideal for clients unqualified for traditional Lasik, those with thinner corneas. The technique combines PRK benefits with the fast recovery time associated with Lasik.

It involves an epikeratome, a mechanical device that precisely and gently separates the epithelial layer from the underlying corneal stroma sans alcohol. That layer is then carefully repositioned following the laser treatment. 

Epi-Lasek offers greater comfort and can streamline healing by preserving the epithelium, lowering the risk of haze formation possibly.

• RLE – Refractive lens exchange

Individuals struggling with presbyopia or severe refractive errors take advantage of RLE – refractive lens exchange, an advanced surgical procedure tailored for this group. This solution is especially beneficial for those less qualified for traditional Lasik due to thin corneas or extreme prescriptions.

With RLE, an IOL – artificial intraocular lens replaces the eye’s natural lens. The surgery intensifies visual clarity, eliminating the need for aid for distance and near vision.

Multifocal or accommodating IOLs, artificial lenses used in this surgery, offer a range of focal points to enjoy clear vision at varied distances. An added advantage is the ability to address or even prevent cataracts for eye health over the long term. 

Many patients opting for this solution enjoys the freedom of clear vision without aids and the improved quality Intra-corneal implants bring.

Intra-corneal implants are a viable alternative to Lasik for correcting mild to moderate myopia. Small, biocompatible ring segments are inserted into the middle layer of the cornea. These implants reshape the corneal curvature enhancing vision clarity by improving light focus on the retina.

This method requires minimal tissue removal, making it suitable for clients with thin corneas. Local anesthesia is used to perform the surgery followed by a quick recovery period. Clients can expect improved visual clarity shortly after. Future modifications are possible since the implants are adjustable and removable.

• ICL – The Implantable Contact Lens

The procedure is a solution for individuals dealing with moderate to severe nearsightedness. ICLs are surgically placed inside the eye unlike standard contact lenses. These are situated between the iris and natural lens in a process that doesn’t alter the shape of the cornea.

ICL is ideal for clients unqualified for traditional Lasik due to higher prescriptions or thin corneas. The lens material is made from biocompatible Collamer, which is naturally compatible with the eye, diminishing the possibility for adverse reactions. The flexible ICL is inserted through a small incision. 

It’s a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia used for a fast recovery process. The primary advantage with this surgery is the reversibility. The lens can be replaced or removed for optimal flexibility. Clients tend to have an immediate vision improvement following the procedure, reducing their reliance on aids. 

Clients must discuss the benefits and risks as they pertain to their individual situation with a healthcare provider before moving forward with the surgery.

📣 Final Thought

With the latest technology and surgeon’s refined skills and experience, it’s easier now more than ever to see the world more clearly.