In recent years there are number of surgical techniques have been used to correct eyesight and diminish the need of glasses. Most often the surgery involves reshaping the cornea (transparent surface at the front of the eye) using a type of laser known as an excimer laser. We use different techniques to correct short sight (myopia), long sight (hypermetropia) and astigmatism.
Some of them are PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), Wavefront-guided LASIK . PRK has been used since the late 1980s but since the development of LASIK and LASEK is now mainly used for correcting low prescriptions.
LASIK has been used since the mid 1990s and it is commonest method presently accessible in the UK, but it may not be offering high prescriptions. LASEK is alike to PRK but the outside layer (epithelium) of the cornea is retained as a flap. Retaining the epithelium is thought to prevent complications and speed up curing.
Wavefront-guided LASIK is a technique used to diminish the natural irregularities of the eye. Mostly it is suitable for treatment, it is very useful for age 21 years or over, Healthy eyes, Good general health etc. but unsuitable for treatment under 21 years of age, Pregnancy / breast feeding, Patients on certain prescription drugs, such as oral steroids.
Reference:
Laser Refractive Surgery, http://www.college-optometrists. org/index. aspx/pcms/site. Public_Related_Links. Laser_Eye_Surgery. Laser_Eye_Surgery_home/, 07 Dec 2008 A Patients’ Guide to Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery, The royal college ophthalmologist, 2006, www. rcophth. ac. uk/docs/publications/patient-info-booklets/ExcimerLaserPatientGuideMarch2006. pdf , 07 Dec 2008 Laser refractive surgery, January 8, 2005, The Times, http://www. timesonline. co. uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article409536. ece 07 Dec 2008