Laser Safety Glasses is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The most common laser eye surgery procedures are LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Each procedure uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is currently one of the most popular vision correction procedures performed in the United States due to its quick recovery time and high success rate. During LASIK, the surgeon uses a laser, called a microkeratome, to create a hinged flap on the cornea. They lift the flap and expose the underlying corneal tissue. Then, a computer-guided excimer laser precisely reshapes the cornea to correct the person's vision. The corneal flap is replaced, and through the natural healing process, the flap bonds back into place. Most patients experience dramatic improvement in vision within hours. Healing is usually complete within a few days, so recovery times are shorter than other vision correction procedures.
LASEK Procedure
Laser Safety Glasses does not require the creation of a flap. Instead, the epithelial cells—the outermost layer of the cornea—are gently peeled back with an alcohol solution. The excimer laser then reshapes the corneal surface. After treatment, the epithelial cells overlying the area are allowed to heal naturally. This procedure is popular for people who may not be eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas. The recovery time is typically longer than LASIK—around 5-7 days until complete healing. However, LASEK offers a more gradual visual recovery and often results in fewer side effects.
PRK Procedure
PRK was one of the earliest laser eye surgery techniques used and paved the way for LASIK and LASEK. It involves removing the epithelial cells from the outermost layer of the cornea using an alcohol solution or gentle scraping. Then the excimer laser reshapes the cornea. Unlike LASIK and LASEK, PRK does not create a corneal flap, so it may be preferred for people who are at higher risk for complications from a LASIK flap. However, recovery is usually the longest at 5-7 days and pain and discomfort during healing tend to be greater.
As with any surgical procedure, laser eye surgery does carry some risks, though major complications are rare when performed by a qualified surgeon. Some potential side effects or risks associated with vision correction include:
- Dry eyes. The most common side effect is temporary dry eyes due to surface irregularities on the cornea during healing.
- Undercorrection or overcorrection. There is a small chance the surgery does not completely correct the vision or provides too much correction, requiring an enhancement procedure.
- Infection. Post-operative infections are very rare but could lead to permanent eye damage. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection
- Vision problems at night. Headlights and other low light situations may cause glare, halos or starbursts for a while after surgery. This usually improves within months
- Loss of best corrected vision. On rare occasions, vision may be permanently reduced compared to best glasses or contacts.
Thorough eye exams and patient screening help minimize risks. Continued eye checkups are also important after surgery to help prevent complications. With advancements in technology and techniques, vision correction continues to become safer and more effective each year.
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