Are There Different Kinds of LASIK Surgery?

Thinking about ditching your glasses or contacts? You've likely heard the term "LASIK" used as a catch-all term for laser vision correction. However, there isn't just one way to sharpen your sight. 

At Eye Surgeons Associates, with offices in Canton, Livonia, and Monroe, Michigan, our team of ophthalmologists knows that every eye is unique, which is why we offer a range of technologies tailored to your eye anatomy and lifestyle. LASIK surgery is just one of them.

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front window of your eye. When the cornea isn't shaped perfectly, light doesn't focus correctly, leading to blurry vision. By using advanced lasers to adjust this shape, our team can help you achieve high-definition vision without the need for corrective lenses.

What are the main types of laser vision correction?

The two most common laser vision correction procedures are traditional LASIK and PRK. While they both aim to improve your focus, the surgical approaches for each are different.

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)

This is the most popular method. We create a thin flap in the cornea, use a laser to reshape the tissue underneath, and then gently reposition the flap. It offers a very quick recovery time.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)

Instead of creating a flap, we remove the very top layer of the cornea. This is an excellent choice for patients with thinner corneas or those who have very active lifestyles where a flap might be a concern.

Which procedure is right for you?

Choosing the right procedure isn't about picking the best one; it's about finding the one that aligns with your eye health. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology sets strict safety rules, such as requiring at least 250 micrometers of corneal tissue to remain after surgery to maintain the eye's structural integrity. If your corneas are borderline or too thin for a traditional LASIK flap, our team might recommend PRK. 

We also closely examine factors such as dry eye symptoms, as certain procedures are better suited for patients with sensitive eyes.

How should you prepare for your consultation?

If you're ready to explore LASIK surgery, the most important step is to stop wearing your contact lenses before your exam. Contacts can physically warp your cornea, making it impossible to obtain the accurate measurements we need to program the laser.

Most patients need to avoid soft lenses for at least one to two weeks before their consultation. If you wear hard or toric lenses, you'll likely need to go without them for three to four weeks. This ensures that your cornea returns to its natural shape, enabling us to provide the most precise results possible.

We can answer your laser eye surgery questions

You don't have to navigate these choices alone. Our team at Eye Surgeons Associates can help you understand your options and choose the path that's safest for your eyes. Contact the office near you — in Canton, Monroe, or Livonia, Michigan — to schedule your personal vision assessment today.