Post Title
Which is the Better Solution for Eye Surgery: Laser or LASIK?
If you’ve been thinking about ditching your glasses or contact lenses, you’ve likely come across options, such as laser eye surgery and LASIK. While they seem like the same method, they aren’t quite the same, and knowing the difference can help you make a more informed decision about your vision correction options. Let’s break down their main differences.
What’s the Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and LASIK?
It’s easy to get confused, but here’s the key distinction:
- Laser Eye Surgery is a broad term that refers to any eye surgery using lasers to correct vision. This includes:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- PRESBEYOND Laser Blended Vision
- LASIK, therefore, is one specific type of laser eye surgery.
Understanding LASIK
LASIK is currently the most commonly performed refractive laser eye surgery.
How It Works:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) works by reshaping the cornea–the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina. During the procedure, a surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, lifts it, and then uses an excimer laser to precisely remove microscopic amounts of tissue underneath. The flap is then placed back in position, allowing the eye to heal naturally. This reshaping corrects common vision issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
Pros of LASIK:
- Quick Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
- Painless Procedure: Minimal discomfort during and after surgery, with numbing eye drops used.
- High Success Rate: Over 95% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
- Long-Lasting Results: The correction is typically permanent, with only minor changes over time.
- No Need for Stitches or Bandages: The flap heals naturally without sutures.
Cons of LASIK:
- Not Suitable for Everyone: People with thin corneas, unstable prescriptions, or certain eye conditions may not qualify.
- Risk of Side Effects: Dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights can occur, especially at night.
- Rare Complications: Flap-related issues or infection are uncommon but possible.
- Upfront Cost: It’s a significant out-of-pocket expense, as it’s not covered by Medicare.
- May require a second LASIK procedure: This is more common in individuals who had a higher prescription before surgery, as they may experience a gradual decline in vision clarity over time, a condition known as myopia.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your suitability will be based on:
- Your prescription
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Lifestyle and occupation
- Personal comfort and preferences
Consult a Perth Eye Specialist
To get a personalised assessment, it’s important to book a consultation with a trusted ophthalmologist or laser eye surgeon. With convenient locations in Booragoon and Craigie, our team at Crystal Eye & Laser Centre are here to assist you with your eye care needs in Perth. Our principal ophthalmologist, Doctor Lourens Van Zyl, will do a comprehensive consultation and recommend the most suitable option for you—-whether it’s LASIK or other type of laser eye surgery. Schedule a consultation today.
