Carter Eye Lasik Vision Correction Blog

When LASIK was first offered in the mid-1990s, some people had it done who were not good candidates for it. Over the years, eye surgeons have learned more and more precisely who makes a good LASIK candidate and who would do better with a somewhat different procedure.

That increased practical knowledge has led to the development of several LASIK alternative procedures, designed to give safe and effective vision correction to people who are not good LASIK candidates.

The most common problem that disqualifies a person for LASIK is thin corneas. LASIK requires a surface flap to be folded back to give the laser access to a deeper cornea level. Since LASIK works by removing (ablating) some of the corneal tissue to reshape it, there must still be enough corneal thickness to hold the eye’s shape. If LASIK is done on an eye with too thin a cornea, a problem called ectasia can develop, where the cornea bulges forward and distorts vision.

Therefore LASIK alternative procedures use different methods to create a thinner flap than LASIK can create.

Four LASIK Alternatives at Carter Eye Center

• LASEK: which uses a diluted alcohol solution and an implement called a trephine to raise a thin layer of surface tissue.
• PRK: which creates no corneal flap at all. Instead it removes a thin sliver of surface tissue completely. After the vision correction is done, you wear a bandage contact lens to protect the eye while the surface cells grow back. This makes for a little longer recovery period but vision improvement is just as excellent as in other LASIK alternatives and it avoids all the complications that can potentially arise from the corneal flap.
• Clear Lens Exchange: which replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens and restores your vision at all distances. You can choose from several lenses, according to your particular eyes, needs, and lifestyle.
• The Visian ICL™: which stands for Implantable Collamer Lens and which is positioned in your eyes without removing the natural lens. It is like a contact lens placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens.

With all these choices, we can offer a safe and effective vision correction to just about anyone. Why not call or email our Dallas, Texas LASIK office today and schedule a free personal consultation?

The vast majority of people who have their vision corrected using LASIK are very happy with their results. LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The correction is instant and permanent.

When your procedure is finished and you are given the OK to go home (you will need a ride home), you can already see so clearly that most people are startled and astonished and full of wonder. They have never had this freedom of vision, where they can look from their watch to the child crossing the street to the mountains on the horizon and it is all equally clear.

LASIK Recovery
The first day or two your eyes will be a bit sensitive to light. In fact the first day you might just want to sleep. But you can return to normal activities in a day or two and typically leave your glasses at home. A day or two is the immediate recovery period and full recovery is thought to be three months. Over that period your vision will slowly improve even more. You will probably have dry eyes in this period and your eye surgeon will prescribe moisturizing eyedrops. The dryness will resolve itself in a few months.

When you are fully recovered, you will be delighted at the freedom you now have.
• You can perform better in sports without glasses
• There is no more bother with contact lenses falling out or getting lost
• You can add more spontaneity to your life, going out for a movie, a bike ride, a picnic, without any vision concerns
• You can pick up any printed material and see it clearly
• The computer monitor will be crystal clear

Each person has their particular joy according to their lifestyle and favorite activities.

Dr. Carter will want to check your eyes in follow-up visits. They will become less frequent and will end after about a year.

Please contact LASIK surgeon Dr. Harvey Carter today if you would like to learn more about LASIK and whether you are a good candidate for it. We hope to see you soon in our friendly Dallas, Texas vision correction office.