Patients seeking permanent correction of common vision problems such as nearsightedness now have a choice between surgically implanted lenses, called phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses), or the traditional LASIK surgery. Both procedures work by changing the way light rays enter the eye and both procedures can help sharpen vision and greatly diminish dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The type of laser eye surgery or lens implant recommended will be based on the age of the patient, corneal thickness and the health and lifestyle of the individual.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK uses energy to reshape the cornea and is effective in treating nearsightedness (myopia), but is not recommended for patients with severe vision impairment. The reshaping of the cornea in LASIK is permanent as it involves removal of tissue from the cornea of the eye, thus changing its shape. The eye surgeon uses a computer to calculate the exact amount of cornea that needs to be removed from each patient's eye, and then he creates a thin cellophane flap on the surface of the cornea. The surgeon then lifts the flap, positions the laser and delivers a pre-determined number of ultraviolet light pulses onto the newly exposed part of the cornea. Every pulse of the laser removes a microscopic layer of cornea.

When the LASIK surgery is complete the flap is put back in place without stitches so that it can adhere naturally to the treated cornea. This procedure flattens the center of the cornea, enabling light rays to be more focused and precise on the retina, thus making images more sharp and clear. Several different forms of LASIK are used today, each depending on how the flap on the cornea is created.

Lens Implants

Patients that do not qualify for LASIK because of very high myopia or very thin corneas are potential candidates for surgically implanted lenses, also called phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses). This new option offers a more permanent correction of common vision errors such as myopia (nearsightedness). These implants, which bear a similarity to contact lenses, are placed between the cornea and the iris. Some eye surgeons consider IOLs the best option for extreme nearsightedness. Unlike traditional lens implants, which typically provide clarity in either near, intermediate, or distance ranges, multifocal and accommodating lens implants offer the prospect of good vision at more than one range.

Unlike LASIK, surgically implanted lenses do not require tissue removal from the eye. The patients natural lens remains in place to focus from far to near in a natural way, it is intended for younger patients who are still able to focus well, but may also be used on older patients as long as they retain sufficient focusing ability. Convenience and reversibility are just a few of the advantages of this procedure.