Lasik surgery is very popular because many people see it as a safe option for vision correction. A number of patients are good candidates for Lasik, but it is not for everyone. Even some individuals who are good candidates for a Lasik procedure decide not to go through with it for various reasons. As a result, there are other options to consider for reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses. One of these options is Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK).



What is Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)?

Automated Lamellar Kerotoplasty, or ALK for short, is a procedure similar to Lasik. A corneal flap is cut, but instead of using a laser to reshape the eye, the surgeon employs the microkeratome blade, making another incision for vision correction. The ALK procedure corrects serious degrees of nearsightedness, between -5.00 and -30.00. The concern is that precision might not be as strong with ALK as it is with Lasik, but much depends on the patient.

Choosing Which Procedure to Get



Not everyone will have a choice in the method for vision correction. Some individuals are not good candidates for the ALK procedure, and some doctors hold that Lasik is more accurate. However, certain situations warrant the need for ALK.

Patients with unusual sensitivity to the laser may experience better results with ALK. ALK may also be suitable for more severe levels of vision correction. While ALK is usually not as precise, it can still work out well for these patients. Ultimately, only a qualified eye doctor should make the choice for which procedure a person should receive.

Benefits and Drawbacks

For a person who requires a high degree of vision correction, ALK can afford much better results. In addition, the procedure is very accurate for people who need a lot of correction. In addition, the healing time with ALK is very fast. There are usually no complications if after-care instructions are properly followed.

The recovery period for ALK involves little to no pain. Another benefit with the ALK procedure is that the period of time it takes for a person's vision to stabilize is usually very short.