Corrective Laser Eye Surgery

Lasers are used to reshape the tissues located on the underlying or stromal layer of the cornea, to correct vision. There are two types of corrective laser eye surgery - PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy and LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Each of these procedures uses a different technique.

Photo Refractive Keratectomy or PRK

In PRK, the epithelium of the cornea is manually scraped away and an excimer laser corrects vision. The epithelium layer grows back later. This method involves a longer recovery period and more discomfort during healing than with LASIK. PRK is less risky when compared to LASIK because it does not involve cutting the cornea.

Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis or LASEK

LASEK is an advanced form of PRK that uses alcohol in a solution to first soften then remove the epithelium. After reshaping the stroma with excimer laser, the epithelium is replaced. The advantage of LASEK over PRK is that the healing process is hastened.

Epi-LASEK

This method is a further advancement on LASEK. It uses a separator to preserve a living layer of the epithelium. This layer is replaced after an excimer laser corrects vision. Discomfort and healing time are much less in Epi-LASEK, as compared to LASEK.

LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

LASIK uses a microkeratome metal blade to cut the cornea flap and an excimer laser to reshape the eye. After the procedure, the flap is returned to its position. Unlike the PRK techniques, vision is immediately corrected. Some blurriness may be present for the first 24 hours but will improve over time.

Custom Vue LASIK

This method is very similar to LASIK. The only difference lies in the use of an advanced software called Wavefront. In this procedure, the vision is measured by mapping the optical system, using technology that is 25% more accurate than traditional methods. The excimer laser is then guided by the software to make necessary changes to the stroma.

Custom Intra LASIK

In this, a femtosecond Intralase laser is used to make the flap. The excimer laser, guided by the Wavefront software, corrects vision. This is regarded as a far superior method for corneal flap creation. It is also the most expensive type of laser eye surgery.

Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries.

Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

Corrective laser eye surgery costs vary widely depending upon the procedure. There's also a wide variation in the cost of equipment used for testing and surgery. Technologies such as eye tracking tear film analysis and measurement of corneal thickness and the laser itself are available at different prices. The Purchasing or leasing of other equipment is also reflected in the procedure fee. There is a royalty fee of $100 to $250 per eye to the excimer laser manufacturer, depending upon the type of equipment used. Procedure fees also include expenses such as operation equipments, surgical staff fees and postoperative and preoperative care.

LASIK prices differ widely from one provider to another and depend on many factors. The only universal standard is that LASIK and other refractive surgery prices are quoted per eye.

Traditional LASIK surgery costs range from $1,400 to $2,000 per eye. LASIK with IntraLase, a procedure in which the epithelium flap is made with a laser rather than a microkeratome, costs more than traditional LASIK. The increase ranges from $250 to $500 per eye, averaging $344. Thus, the cost of LASIK with Intra Lase ranges is $1,600 to 2,500. The price is higher because of the high costs of the system used in surgery. Using Wavefront technology combined with a traditional LASIK procedure increases the price by at least $100.

To help lower the price or make surgery more affordable, there are a number of options available without compromising technology or surgical experience. These include medical insurance, financing options, payment plans, flexible spending plans and tax deductibles.

LASEK, an advanced form of PRK, costs the same as a LASIK procedure. The same increase in price range is present when including Wavefront technology or Intra Lase.

PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy is comparatively cheaper and may be performed for a cost of about $1,000 to $1,800.

Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries.