4 Types of Corneal Procedures and Their Benefits

There are a variety of corneal procedures that may help you or someone you know after being diagnosed with a corneal condition. Seeking advanced vision services can help determine the procedure for your specific condition. Laser eye surgery, or refractive surgery, corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, allowing you to see clearly. Here are four types of corneal procedures and their benefits:

1. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

When you think of laser eye surgery, this is likely the first procedure that comes to mind due to addressing common vision problems. PRK involves reshaping the surface of the cornea using an ultraviolet laser beam. The outer layer of the epithelium is removed, and then the underlying layers are sculpted to correct vision and enable you to see more clearly. You may be a good candidate for PRK if you have mild to moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism.

One of the benefits of PRK is that it corrects the surface irregularities of the cornea, leading to improved visual acuity. It also has a lower risk of complications, like excessive corneal thinning. You won’t need to wear glasses after the procedure, eliminating the need for a lifetime of corrective eyewear. 

2. Intacs Corneal Implants

You may be a candidate for Intacs corneal implants if you have keratoconus. This is a condition that causes progressive thinning of the cornea. During this procedure, two small crescent-shaped plastic inserts are placed into the periphery of the cornea to flatten it and improve vision. When you have Intacs corneal implants, you may experience improved vision without needing glasses or contacts.

Some of the benefits of Intacs corneal implants include a minimally invasive procedure with a low recovery time. Unlike other corneal procedures, Intacs corneal implants are reversible and may be removed or replaced if necessary.

3. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

LASIK corneal procedures allow surgeons to use a laser to reshape the cornea. Before the procedure begins, an eye drop numbs the eye and lets it stay open. When performed in a proper and medically supervised environment, the LASIK procedure takes less time and is safe for most patients with stable vision.

A LASIK procedure is helpful for those suffering from astigmatism, among other refractive errors. Your recovery period is a few days after the surgery because of the fast-healing nature of your cornea. The success rate for LASIK is high, with many individuals achieving perfect or corrected vision to the extent that they will no longer need glasses or contacts. You may have better quality of vision and higher comfort levels while driving or reading. 

4. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

In the case of some diseases that involve the front layer of the cornea, known as the stroma, you could be a candidate for DALK. This surgery replaces the diseased, damaged corneal tissues with healthy ones from the donor’s eye to improve your capacity to see. DALK is advantageous because there is less risk of transplant rejection when compared to other types of transplants.

It starts by removing your diseased stroma while the innermost layer remains intact. After that, a skilled surgeon transplants new healthy tissue into your eye through small incisions. Other advantages of DALK are that it is less scarring and has fewer complications after the procedure. Patients also recover sooner with this procedure and see better afterward. This procedure can treat diseases such as keratoconus or corneal scars.

Book an Appointment for Your Laser Eye Surgery

Visiting an ophthalmologist is the first step towards improving your vision through laser eye surgery. During this consultation, a comprehensive eye exam will assess your overall eye health and determine an appropriate treatment option. The surgeon will also discuss the procedure, including potential risks and benefits. Contact your eye care center to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward improved vision.