LASIK is Not Right for Everyone.
Unfortunately, LASIK is not the best option for everyone’s eyes. There are many reasons why this may be true. Age plays a large factor in the candidacy for LASIK. You must be over the age of 18 to receive LASIK, but most people are better candidates for LASIK when they fall between the ages of 18-45. Other reasons why LASIK may not be the right course could have to do with the shape of the eye, previous eye surgeries or other eye conditions. However, even if you are not a candidate for LASIK, you are likely a good candidate for another great vision correction option.
What Is PRK?
PRK is the most flexible vision-correcting procedure available. No corneal flap is required and the same excimer laser used in LASIK is used to correct the vision. PRK requires more healing time, medication, and close follow-up with your surgeon to achieve the same visual results as LASIK, but in some patients may be a better option.
What Is RLE?
RLE eye surgery is both an alternative to LASIK surgery and a close relative to Cataract surgery. Refractive Lens Exchange surgery has many similarities to cataract surgery. Like in cataract surgery, the natural crystalline lens is removed and replaced with an Intraocular lens implant, or IOL. The main difference is that the natural crystalline lens that is removed has not developed or has not fully developed cataracts.
Which Is Better, LASIK, PRK or RLE?
With laser vision correction here at Southwest Eye Institute, you have the choice between LASIK, PRK and RLE. Each procedure has its benefits, and in our hands, we find that typically, several months later, these procedures have the same result. Thus, the question of which procedure is better for your eyes is answered after a thorough discussion with your surgeon, that’s the VIP way!
