Refractive Surgery: Techniques
| PRK | LASIK | IntraLase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) PRK has been performed worldwide for over 18 years. PRK was approved by the FDA in November of 1995 after six years of rigorous clinical trials. | LASIK is actually the combination of two techniques that have been used for several years. ALK (Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty) and PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy). | Intralase eliminates using a blade during LASIK. Access to the stroma (inner layer of the cornea) is gained by creating microscopic bubbles. |
| 1 | During the first step in PRK,the epithelium, the front surface of the cornea, is removed. This ensures an even treatment by the laser. |  During the first step in LASIK, an automated microkeratome gently glides across the surface of the cornea creating a flap.
(click on the picture above for a larger view) |
To create the corneal flap with IntraLase, microbursts* of infrared energy are deposited which vaporizes the cell into a microscopic bubble** of gas and water. Within 20 minutes the natural pumping mechanism of the cornea clears the gas and water from the cornea leaving an even something plane. |
| 2 | The excimer laser uses a computer controlled high energy ultraviolet light laser beam to remove between 12 and 144 microns* of tissue from the center of the cornea. This creates a flattening of the front surface of the cornea, improving the eyes ability to focus light rays on the retina. |  The second step involves the excimer laser (PRK). Dr. Boling uses the precision of the laser to remove between 12 and 144 microns* of tissue from the center of your cornea. This alteration of the shape of your cornea allows light rays to focus properly on the retina.
(click on the picture above for a larger view) |
The second step involves the excimer laser (PRK). Dr. Boling uses the precision of the laser to remove between 12 and 144 microns* of tissue from the center of your cornea. This alteration of the shape of your cornea allows light rays to focus properly on the retina. |
| 3 | In the final step a bandage contact lens is placed on the cornea to provide comfort while the epithelium heals. (usually 3 to 5 days) |  The creation of the corneal flap is responsible for the quick visual recovery time and the significant decrease in discomfort.
(click on the picture above for a larger view) |
The creation of the corneal flap is responsible for the quick visual recovery time and the significant decrease in discomfort. |
| 4 | In the final step, the corneal flap is put back into place. Natural pressure exerted by your eye holds the flap in place as it heals, so no stitches are needed. | *The microbursts of energy are one micron. A sheet of typing paper is 60 microns think |
* A sheet of typing paper is 60 microns thick
** The laser is accurate within 1/1,000,000 of an inch