LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure that can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In general, it is a safe procedure with a low complication rate, but it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision.
How Safe Is LASIK?
The safety of LASIK has been studied extensively. The complication rate for LASIK is estimated to be less than 1%. The most common complications are dry eyes and glare, which usually go away on their own within a few weeks or months. Other, more serious complications, such as infection and corneal ectasia, are rare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. You may not be a good candidate if you have:
Corneal ectasia (a thinning of the cornea that can lead to vision loss)
Should I Get LASIK Eye Surgery?
The decision of whether or not to get LASIK eye surgery is a personal one. You should weigh the risks and benefits carefully and discuss the procedure with your eye doctor.
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, it is important to do your research and choose a qualified LASIK surgeon. You should also ask about the surgeon’s experience with LASIK and their number of procedures performed.
I hope this article has helped you learn more about the safety of LASIK eye surgery. Like any surgery, LASIK has risks and potential complications that are discussed during a surgical consultation prior to the procedure. If you have any further questions, please consult with your eye doctor.
Glasses, contacts, surgery? With so many options for correcting vision these days, how do you determine what is best for your eyes and lifestyle? In this overview, we break down the pros and cons of today’s vision correction methods—from old standbys like eyeglasses to cutting-edge surgical procedures—to help you make a clear-eyed decision.
Non-Surgical Vision Correction:
Eyeglasses
Pros
Non-Invasive: Eyeglasses offer a non-invasive and easily reversible method of vision correction.
Versatility: Suitable for correcting various refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Fashion Accessory: Eyeglasses have evolved into a fashion statement, enabling individuals to express their style through a wide range of frames.
Cons
Peripheral Distortion: Some individuals may experience peripheral distortion or reflections, affecting the clarity of vision. Lenses may also fog when transitioning between different temperatures.
Limited Peripheral Vision: Frames can limit peripheral vision, which may be a concern in certain activities.
Weight and Discomfort: Wearing glasses can become uncomfortable due to their weight and pressure on the bridge of the nose.
Contact Lenses—Convenient But Require Care
Pros
Natural Appearance: Contact lenses provide a more natural appearance without the visible presence of eyeglasses.
Unrestricted Field of View: Unlike glasses, contact lenses don’t obstruct peripheral vision.
Suitable for Active Lifestyles: Ideal for individuals with active lifestyles or those who find glasses inconvenient.
Cons
Maintenance Required: Regular cleaning and proper hygiene practices are necessary to prevent eye infections.
Dry Eye Disease: Some individuals may experience dry eyes as a result of wearing contact lenses.
Risk of Infections: Incorrect use or poor hygiene can lead to serious eye infections.
Environmental Concerns: The disposal of contact lenses and their packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Refractive Surgery:
Modern LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) Custom Bladeless—Most Popular Surgery
Pros
Rapid Results: LASIK often provides rapid visual recovery, with many patients experiencing improved vision within the first several hours to a day.
Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, LASIK carries some risks, including infection, dry eyes, and changes in vision.
Cost: LASIK can be a significant financial investment compared to non-surgical methods.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
Pros
No Flap Creation:PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications.
Suitable for Thin Corneas: PRK may be a better option for individuals with thinner corneas.
Cons
Extended Recovery Time: PRK typically has a longer recovery period compared to LASIK.
Discomfort During Healing: Some discomfort and light sensitivity may be experienced during the initial healing phase.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):
Pros
No Flap Creation: SMILE involves a small incision rather than a corneal flap, potentially reducing complications.
Potential Preservation of Corneal Strength: Early studies indicate that the SMILE procedure preserves more corneal tissue, benefiting the structural integrity of the cornea.
Cons
Limited Availability: SMILE may not be as widely available as LASIK or PRK.
Similar complications to LASIK: In studies, complications can be similar to LASIK, including infection, dry eyes, and changes in vision.
Cost: The SMILE procedure can cost significantly more than LASIK or PRK.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens):
Pros
Reversible Procedure:EVO ICL is an implantable lens that can be removed if necessary, making the procedure reversible.
High Refractive Correction: EVO ICL is suitable for individuals with high degrees of myopia or hyperopia.
Cons
Invasive Procedure: EVO ICL involves a surgical procedure to implant the lens in the eye.
Potential for Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications, including infection or changes in intraocular pressure, endothelial cell loss, and corneal decompensation.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
Pros
Non-Surgical: Ortho-K involves the use of specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight without surgery.
Daytime Freedom: Individuals can enjoy better vision during the day without the need for glasses or lenses.
Cons
Temporary Effects: The effects of Ortho-K are temporary, and consistent lens wear is required for sustained results.
Risk of Infection: Proper hygiene practices are crucial to prevent eye infections associated with contact lens use.
Vision Instability: Vision may change throughout the day depending on the frequency of use.
Comfort: It may be challenging to sleep with a rigid contact lens on the eye.
The vision correction arena offers more excellent options than ever. But determining what works best is a personal decision based on your eyes, budget, and lifestyle. With an understanding of today’s methods, you can zero in on the choice that allows you to see life most clearly. Choosing the most suitable method involves careful consideration of the pros and cons associated with each approach, along with consultation with a qualified eye care professional. Whether opting for the convenience of eyeglasses, the flexibility of contact lenses, or the transformative effects of refractive surgery, individuals can make informed decisions to achieve optimal visual clarity and comfort.
When it comes to addressing your vision issues, making an informed decision that best suits your needs and eye health is crucial. You may have come across a relatively recent eye surgery known as EVO ICL, which serves as an alternative to LASIK. In this article, we will provide a clear definition of both procedures and dissect their distinctions to empower you in making the optimal choice for your vision.
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL surgery represents a form of refractive surgery that can be likened to the introduction of specialized permanent “contact” lenses into your eyes. These lenses, referred to as Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), possess dimensions that are thinner and smaller compared to typical contact lenses. A skilled ophthalmologist implants this lens within the interior of the eye, typically behind your iris and in front of your eye’s natural lens. Within the core of the ICL lens lies a perforation designed to facilitate fluid circulation around the lens and iris. Notably, this ICL lens is permanent and does not necessitate removal or cleaning akin to regular contact lenses.
EVO ICL VS LASIK
In contrast to EVO ICL surgery, which entails an incision in the eye for lens placement, LASIK operates entirely on the cornea, the transparent, front part of the eye. LASIK achieves vision correction by reshaping the cornea, altering its curvature to provide improved vision. Before commencing the LASIK procedure, numbing drops with anesthetic properties are applied to your eyes. Once your eyes are fully anesthetized, a LASIK surgeon employs a laser to create a thin, hinged corneal flap, which is then gently folded back to expose the cornea. Subsequently, a computer-controlled laser emits controlled pulses of light to reshape the cornea, customizing the correction to your individual visual needs. The corneal flap is repositioned over the cornea and healing begins immediately. The flap adheres through natural suction, eliminating the need for sutures. The precise lasers employed during LASIK procedures reshape the cornea to rectify the patient’s vision.
Risks Associated with EVO ICL
STAAR Surgical, a leading manufacturer of ICL implants, reports the following risks associated with EVO ICL lenses:
Additional (Secondary) Surgery: EVO ICL surgery, while generally successful, may necessitate additional surgeries in some cases. These secondary procedures might be required to remove, replace, or adjust the position of the EVO ICL lens. Furthermore, additional surgery may be recommended if you develop complications such as cataracts or increased pressure inside your eye.
Raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma Development: Normal intraocular pressure (IOP), which measures the pressure inside the eye, typically falls within a range of 10-21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). When IOP exceeds this normal range, it is termed ocular hypertension, which, if left untreated, can lead to optic nerve damage, a condition known as glaucoma. Patients with high levels of nearsightedness are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Cataract Formation: Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the natural crystalline lens within the eye, leading to decreased vision. EVO ICL lenses are implanted inside the eye, near the crystalline lens, which poses a risk of cataract development. Factors such as older age and higher levels of nearsightedness prior to surgery can further elevate the likelihood of cataracts. This risk continues to rise with each year that the EVO ICL lens remains in the eye. Cataracts affecting vision may necessitate surgical removal. Consequently, it is essential to maintain regular eye exams to monitor for cataract development. The long-term risk of cataracts beyond seven years post-EVO ICL surgery remains unknown. In cases where cataract surgery is recommended, both the ICL lens and the cataract are removed, followed by the implantation of another intraocular lens, mirroring the routine cataract surgery procedure.
Loss of Best Corrected Vision: Post-surgery, there is a possibility that your vision may deteriorate. This decline can manifest as a loss of two or more lines on an eye chart, emphasizing the importance of cautious consideration and assessment of potential outcomes.
Endothelial Cell Loss: The cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, relies on a thin, single layer of cells called endothelial cells to maintain clarity by regulating water levels. As individuals age, these cells naturally decrease in number. However, additional loss beyond the typical age-related decline can occur following various eye surgeries, including EVO ICL. Excessive endothelial cell loss may result in corneal cloudiness and reduced vision. Before undergoing EVO ICL surgery, a comprehensive eye exam is conducted to evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate. Patients receiving the EVO ICL lens may experience a degree of endothelial cell loss, which, over time, may surpass what is expected with aging. Depending on the extent of this loss, it can lead to fluid accumulation or corneal swelling, a condition known as corneal edema. In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be required.
Glare and Halos: Glare and halos, visual phenomena characterized by the perception of bright, scattered light, may become more pronounced following EVO ICL surgery. These effects are particularly noticeable in low-light conditions when the pupil is dilated. It is worth noting that even individuals who did not experience glare and halos before the surgery may develop them post-surgery. For those currently dealing with glare and halos, there is a possibility that these visual disturbances may intensify after EVO ICL surgery.
Additional Risks: Beyond the aforementioned risks, STAAR Surgical also notes that EVO ICL surgery may be associated with additional potential complications, including:
Movement of the colored portion of the eye (iris) through a surgical wound to a position outside the eye (iris prolapse).
Bleeding in the area of the retina responsible for reading vision (macular hemorrhage).
Bleeding beneath the retina (subretinal hemorrhage).
Increase in focusing error (astigmatism).
Lifting or pulling of the retina from its natural position (retinal detachment).
Inability of fluid to flow from the back chamber of the eye to the front chamber, frequently blocking drainage and raising eye pressure (pupillary block glaucoma).
Unequal pupil size (anisocoria).
Abnormal release of pigment particles from cells in the eye that could block fluid drainage from inside to outside the eye (pigment dispersion).
Scar tissue formation at the outer edges of the front chamber of the eye (peripheral anterior synechiae).
EVO ICL surgery offers significant benefits in terms of vision correction, but it is important to be aware of the associated risks. Patients considering this procedure should engage in thorough discussions with their eye care professionals to make informed decisions about their eye health. Regular post-operative check-ups are vital for monitoring potential complications and addressing them promptly, ensuring the best possible visual outcomes after EVO ICL surgery.
Similarly, LASIK offers significant benefits in terms of vision correction, but like all medical procedures, also presents its own set of associated risks. These may include dry eyes, glare, halos, and the potential need for enhancement surgeries. To determine the most suitable treatment for your specific needs, you can begin with a LASIK consultation conducted by a professional specializing in LASIK.
At TLC Laser Eye Centers, we provide complimentary consultations to assess your candidacy for LASIK. If you are eligible, we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to undergo traditional LASIK, granting you the gift of improved vision. However, if LASIK is not a viable option for you, our medical team can discuss alternative approaches, which may include EVO ICL, tailored to your unique situation.
