Evolution of Refractive Surgeries Focus on Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis
Abstract
Refractive surgeries have been available for many years, but the newer techniques
are now gaining even greater popularity in the United States. Refractive surgeries
include; radial keratotomy (RK), laser thermokeratoplasty, clear lens implant, laser
assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). Also the
non-surgical procedures like orthokeratology with clear lens. Knowledge of the
importance of the visual system is necessary in order to understand the changes that are
made during refractive surgery. LASIK surgery has reinvented itself more than once in
the past decade. The Intralase (laser technique used instead of blade) was created so a
blade is not used during surgery resulting in the general opinion by ophthalmologists and
optometrists that LASIK is safer. Wavefront applications have allowed custom LASIK
to be possible thus giving patients improved optical results. LASIK and PRK are the two
surgeries most in demand in the United States, because the technologies discovered for
these procedures allow for improved patient care. Examining LASIK and PRK head-to-head
allows for a comparison that can help patients to choose the surgery that best suits
their needs.
Convenience is the leading reason that refractive surgery is in the forefront of
cosmetic surgery. The excimer laser ablates either epithelium or anterior stroma, but all
enhancements to the optical system are made through the reshaping of the cornea. The
newer techniques are trying to reshape the cornea without using a laser; these procedures
are currently in development. Overall, refractive surgeries are changing the way people
see today which is contributing to the continuing rise in elective refractive surgeries.