If you are considering LASIK, it may surprise you to learn that there is more than one way to perform the laser eye surgery. Bay Area LASIK and corneal specialist Mark Mandel, MD, has performed over 70,000 LASIK and laser vision procedures. Here, he discusses LASIK and explains how all-laser LASIK may reduce laser eye surgery complications.
LASIK
The cornea is the clear, front lens of the eye that focuses light into the eye. During LASIK, the cornea is reshaped to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused, resulting in improved vision.
During LASIK, a small flap is created on the outermost layer of the cornea. This corneal flap allows the eye surgeon to access the underlying layers of corneal tissue, which are reshaped as needed to improve vision. Once the procedure is complete, the corneal flap is put back in position and heals naturally on its own.
Traditional LASIK
During traditional LASIK, the eye surgeon creates the corneal flap using a hand-held microkeratome blade. Traditional LASIK is a safe and effective method of vision correction. However, this method carries the risk of human error and may not be as tailored to the patient’s unique corneal anatomy as all-laser LASIK.
Laser Surgery Complications
As mentioned above, LASIK is a safe and effective surgical procedure. However, LASIK surgery complications are still possible. These complications may include the following:
- Dry eyes
- Vision changes
- Vision loss
- Regression
- Flap issues
- Glare
- Halos
- Double vision
- Under-correction
- Overcorrection
- Astigmatism
All-Laser LASIK
All-laser LASIK is a blade-free approach to LASIK that uses advanced technology to create the corneal flap. All-laser LASIK utilizes computer-controlled, all-laser technology. The procedure is customized to the patient’s unique corneal anatomy.
While it is possible for complications to occur with all-laser LASIK, the risk of complications may be lower than with traditional LASIK. This is because the technology combined with the laser ensures a more precise procedure that can be executed according to a predefined plan without the risk of human error or blade-related issues.
Improve Your Vision With All-Laser LASIK
If you are considering LASIK to improve your vision, then all-laser LASIK may be an option for you. Contact Bay Area all-laser LASIK surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, by sending an email or calling 877-210-2020 ext. 3 today.