If you have ever thought about how nice it would be to see clearly without being constantly dependent on glasses or contact lenses, you have probably heard of LASIK. But do you know that since this vision correction procedure was first introduced, advances in technology have made it even safer and more effective? And do you know that LASIK is not your only option for achieving your best possible vision? Beyond LASIK, another option, called an implantable contact lens, or ICL, is also available. While LASIK is a treatment applied to the cornea, the clear outer layer covering of the eye, an ICL is implanted inside the eye behind the colored iris. Both procedures are fast and provide great results.
Prior to the LASIK procedure, the eye is measured with an imaging instrument called a wavefront aberrometer. This device detects all of the imperfections in the shape of the eye that are causing vision to be less than optimal. It produces a detailed map of the imperfections, which is as unique to each eye as a fingerprint is to each finger. The first step in the LASIK procedure itself is the creation of a flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted to expose the underlying tissue, which is reshaped according to the map by a computer-controlled excimer laser. The flap is then put back into place.
In the early days of LASIK, the corneal flap was created with a mechanical blade called a microkeratome. In today’s most advanced LASIK procedures, a femtosecond laser is used instead of the blade. Because the laser is so much more precise, it reduces the risk of complications and contributes to more accurate results.The excimer lasers used to reshape the cornea in LASIK have also been continually improved over the years. In addition to correcting each eye’s unique imperfections, the newest models are also capable of preserving the natural overall curvature of the cornea, which is important for preventing unwanted side effects such as glare or poor night vision. The newest excimer lasers also track even the slightest eye movements during the procedure to ensure the exact intended location of the laser treatment is maintained.
If you are not eligible to undergo LASIK for reasons that may include a thin cornea, a history of chronic dry eye or an extremely high level of nearsightedness, an ICL can be an excellent alternative option for achieving your best possible vision. An ICL, which is similar to a contact lens or the artificial lens implanted after cataract surgery, is inserted into the eye through a tiny incision. It sits behind the colored part of the eye, the iris, and in front of the eye’s natural lens. It works with the natural lens inside the eye, much like a contact lens works on the outside of the eye, to provide clear, crisp vision. ICLs are removable and can be replaced if vision changes, even years after they are inserted. After performing a thorough eye examination, your ophthalmologist will be able to recommend which vision correction method is right for you. FBN
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center