Laser Eye Surgery: LASIK Isn't the Only Option

Close up shot of eye

Laser Eye Surgery: LASIK Isn't the Only Option

Tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Laser eye surgery could help you improve your vision if you're nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. In addition to performing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures, your ophthalmologist also offers several different types of laser surgery.

Improving Your Vision with Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery sharpens your vision by changing the shape of your cornea. This clear piece of tissue covers your iris and pupil and allows light to enter your eye. The rounded surface of the cornea bends light rays to ensure that they're properly focused on the retina. Light-sensing cells in the retina, a layer of cells at the back of the eye, change light rays into electrical impulses and send them to the brain for processing.

If you're nearsighted or farsighted, light rays aren't focused properly on the retina, which makes a person's near or distance vision blurry. This can happen due to the shape of the cornea or the length of an eyeball. Astigmatism, a vision problem that affects both near and distance vision, is caused by abnormally shaped corneas. During laser eye surgery, your eye doctor uses a laser to reshape your cornea and enhance your vision.

Laser Surgical Options

During LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist uses a blade or laser to make a small flap in the outer layers of the cornea. After folding back the flap, he or she reshapes the cornea with a laser. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is returned to its normal position.

LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but it isn't the right choice for everyone. Dry eyes, thin corneas, or other issues may indicate that you're not a good candidate for LASIK.

If LASIK isn't recommended for you or you prefer another type of surgery, your eye doctor may recommend one of these choices.

  • PRK. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) reshapes the cornea without making a flap. Instead, your ophthalmologist uses a brush, instrument, or solution to completely remove the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) before reshaping the deeper tissues with a laser. It only takes a few days for the outer layer of the cornea to regrow after the procedure. Since only a thin layer of the cornea is removed during PRK, it may be a good choice if your cornea is too thin or irregular for LASIK.
  • LASEK. Another flapless procedure, laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) loosens the epithelium with a special instrument called a trephine. Once the layer is loosened, it's moved to the side to allow room for laser resurfacing of the cornea. The epithelium is put back in place at the conclusion of the surgery. A bandage contact lens worn over the cornea keeps the epithelium in place while it heals. LASEK might be recommended if you have thin corneas or dry eye.
  • EPI-LASIK. Like LASEK, the EPI-LASIK procedure also loosens the thin epithelial layer of the cornea. During the procedure, your eye surgeon uses a tool called an epithelial separator to isolate the epithelium from the rest of the cornea. After laser reshaping, the epithelium is held in place with a contact lens while it heals.
  • SMILE. Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) offers yet another laser eye surgery option. SMILE involves using a later to remove a tiny disc-shaped portion of the cornea called a lenticule. Removing the lenticule reshapes your cornea and improves your vision. The SMILE procedure corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism and may be a better option than LASIK if you have dry eye.

Are you interested in finding out which laser eye surgery choice is best for you? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Alternative Refractive Surgery Procedures, 9/27/17

American Academy of Ophthalmology: LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery, 10/21/20

All About Vision: Smile Laser Eye Surgery, 3/15/22

Sign up now

New Patients receive complementary consultation!

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

San Diego Office

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Los Angeles Office

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "We use Anderson Ophthalmology for all of our family's vision needs. Recently we had to have our youngest fitted for new glasses and he made the experience fun for her and informative for us. We know Dr. Anderson will always take good care of our family's eye care and that's why we wouldn't go to anywhere else."
    The Harrison Family
  • "Dr. Anderson and his staff are so patient and friendly. Dr. Anderson prescribed me glasses and I had the toughest time picking out frames. They didn't rush but instead made helpful suggestions and now I have an awesome pair of frames not to mention the fact that I can see ten times better than before. You guys are the best!"
    Shelly
  • "I've been going to Dr. Anderson for over five years now and even though I only see him once a year for my annual exam he and his staff always make me feel very welcome and take care of all my eye care needs. Anderson Ophthalmology is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    Anthony

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • December Newsletter: Does Dehydration Affect Your Eye Health?

    Could your eye symptoms be related to dehydration. ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: The Link Between Dry Eyes and Lupus

    Wondering if your dry eye symptoms could be related to Lupus? ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: The Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery

    Considering your refractive surgery options? PRK might be the perfect option for you. ...

    Read More
  • Stress and Vision

    Did you know that your eyes are an extension of your brain? There are six muscles connected to each eye, and they receive signals from the brain. These signals direct the eyes movements and, thus, control their ability to focus. When you are stressed, your brain goes through a number of changes and signals ...

    Read More
  • Pain Management

    We take a lot of aspects of our vision for granted. We expect to see nearby and faraway objects clearly, even if we require our eye care provider to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to do so. A huge degree of the information we take in about our world and our surroundings takes place visually, ...

    Read More
  • Nutrition for Eye Health

    Eating right is essential for keeping your body healthy. This is as true for your eyes as it is for your heart. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in saturated fat, can reduce your risk of heart disease. This will also keep your arteries healthy, so they can ...

    Read More
  • Lifestyle Practices for Eye Health

    Protecting your eyesight is an important part of staying healthy overall. Maintaining sound eye health will also help you preserve your quality of life as you age. To keep your eyes as healthy as possible, follow these simple lifestyle practices. Get regular eye exams. Some eye problems — including ...

    Read More
  • Glare and Halos

    Glare and halos are both eye symptoms that some people experience around bright lights. Halos show up as bright circles around a light source. Glare is light that interferes with your vision, making it difficult to see or sometimes making your eyes water. These symptoms can show up at any time of the ...

    Read More
  • UV Radiation and Your Eyes

    Optometry warnings about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation on our eyes have not yet reached the degree of public awareness of that of skin damage. Yet, the sun can be just as damaging upon our eyes with unprotected exposure. Short-term exposure to very bright sunlight can result in a type ...

    Read More
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology

    Ophthalmology addresses the physiology, anatomy and diseases of the eyes. Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the eyes of children. Pediatric ophthalmologists examine children’s eyes to see if they need corrective lenses or other treatments to improve their vision. Training for Pediatric Ophthalmologists Pediatric ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles