If you’ve read any articles about Lasik eye surgery, you’ve almost certainly heard that it’s not for the faint of heart. Lasik is major surgery that permanently changes the shape of your cornea, or the transparent layer that serves as the first line of defense against disease and infection in your eyes. But what exactly does that mean for you? There are plenty of alternatives to Lasik that don’t put you through the same kind of discomfort (and potential complications).

FemtoLASIK

FemtoLASIK is a laser eye surgery procedure that is used to treat some forms of corneal irregularities. It’s often used as a less invasive alternative to traditional Lasik that has a smaller risk of complications and side effects.Unlike traditional Lasik, which reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser, FemtoLASIK is performed with a mechanical microkeratome. A microkeratome is a device that uses a blade to create a small flap in the cornea. Then, a laser is used to create a second smaller flap near the first one. The two flaps are then peeled off the cornea to reshape the surface of the eye.In some cases, it can be a less invasive alternative to traditional Lasik. It may also be less expensive if you meet the qualifications for a shorter and less extensive procedure.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

This is also a laser eye surgery procedure that is used to treat irregularities in the cornea. It works by reshaping the cornea using a laser to create a new, flatter surface. Unlike Lasik, PRK does not involve cutting the cornea with a blade nor does it change how light enters the eye. Instead, it uses a laser to vaporize a portion of the cornea. This reshaping alters the cornea’s surface and corrects irregularities in vision.In many cases, PRK is less invasive than Lasik. It may also be less expensive, depending on the doctor, location, and whether insurance will cover the procedure.

Lasek

Lasek stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis, but it’s also commonly referred to as laser eye surgery. A laser is used to create a flap in the cornea, just like with Lasik. However, a different process is used to reshape the cornea.The laser is used to create a flap in the corneal epithelium, or thin outer layer of the cornea. The flap is then lifted, reshaped, and replaced. The flap serves as a bandage to protect the cornea from the reshaping process and shield it from outside influences. The reshaping process is then reversed, and the flap is replaced, sealing the cornea and completing the Lasek procedure.Lasek is often used as a less invasive alternative to Lasik for patients with irregular corneas or corneal scars. It may also be less expensive if you meet the qualifications for a shorter and less extensive procedure.

Thermal Keratoplasty

Thermal keratoplasty is a procedure that uses a chemical to reshape the cornea. Unlike Lasik and other types of eye surgery that use laser technology, thermal keratoplasty does not change the shape of the cornea. Instead, it uses a chemical to cause the cornea to swell, resulting in a reshaping.The chemical is applied to the surface of the cornea, which results in the cornea swelling, reshaping, and altering the way light travels through it. This reshaping can help improve vision in patients with irregular corneas or corneal scars.Thermal keratoplasty is often used as a less invasive alternative to Lasik for patients with irregular corneas or corneal scars. It may also be less expensive, depending on the doctor, location, and whether insurance will cover the procedure.

Summing up

Lasik eye surgery is a permanent procedure that permanently changes the shape of your cornea. There are many alternatives to Lasik that don’t put you through the same kind of discomfort. Some of these alternatives have less risk of complications, or are less invasive.If you’re interested in undergoing eye surgery, it’s important to do your research and speak with a trusted eye surgeon. There are many factors to consider, including cost, severity of the condition, and potential side effects.