If you’re considering LASIK to resolve your own vision problems, you’ve probably run into the query already: which LASIK procedure is the best, especially for you?

This is where many candidates for the procedure get overwhelmed. The various types of LASIK procedures can be difficult to compare to each other if you know little about them.

Fortunately for you, our article today addresses that. By the end of this piece, you should be more familiar with the various types of LASIK laser surgery as well as better-informed on which one to choose.

But first, let’s go over LASIK itself briefly.

What is LASIK?

LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a popular procedure that reshapes the cornea of the eye with a laser. This leads light travelling through it to focus properly, giving a person sharper and clearer vision than before.

LASIK is one of the types of Laser Vision Correction (LVC) procedures available here in Singapore. It’s also easily the most popular in terms of total procedures performed per year.

It corrects Myopia (short-sightedness), Hyperopia (long-sightedness), and Astigmatism (up to 350 degrees). The main draw to it is that it’s considered very effective as well as safe, with a rather low risk of complication.

The Types of LASIK Procedures

1. Traditional LASIK

Traditional LASIK involves the use of a surgical instrument called the microkeratome.

This instrument has a very small oscillating blade capable of slicing through the cornea to create a flap anywhere from 120 to 200 micrometres. By comparison, the cornea itself is around 550 micrometres thick.

The corneal flap created by the microkeratome is folded to allow the surgeon to perform the actual corneal reshaping required in LASIK. This reshaping is performed with a laser called an excimer, which removes microscopic and precise amounts of tissue.

Once the cornea has been altered appropriately by the excimer, the flap is simply moved back in place.

2. Bladeless LASIK

While the traditional method used to reign supreme, it has now been phased out over the years as new tools and technology appeared. Today, bladeless LASIK or the IntraLase method is the default option.

This LASIK procedure is a blade-free method. While it still involves the creation of a corneal flap, the process is now performed with a computer-aided laser. A thinner flap can be made more safely compared to the blade method.

The computer provides exquisite precision to the process, in fact, which gives surgeons more control over what happens. They can specify the width, shape, and depth of the flap more precisely than ever with this procedure, allowing them to cater to each patient more carefully.

After a bladeless LASIK procedure, the cornea is essentially intact, which means the patient can blink and walk around normally without worrying about the flap being dislodged.

At Shinagawa Eye Centre, we use the latest version of the IntraLase to add to the benefits, which include these:

• Shorter surgical time
• More stable corneal flap for reduced risk of complications

3. Epi-LASIK or PRK

Apart from the above methods in which a cornea flap is made, Epi-LASIK is a method that does not make any cornea flap. A specialised equipment is used to separate a thin layer of cells known as epithelium on the front surface of the cornea. The laser is then applied.

Another way to perform the surgery without the need for a cornea flap is to perform PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy), this method involves scraping off the epithelium. A variation of this method involves applying some alcohol over the cornea for a short period of time to make it easier for the cells to be removed, this method is known as LASEK.

Shinagawa Eye Centre has all the above methods but the preferred method to do the no flap technique is to use an even more advanced method: No-touch Epi-LASIK. This method utilizes the advanced Amaris laser to remove the epithelium. This means that there is no need to use any equipment to scrape the skin cells away, the laser does the entire procedure. This reduces surgery time and increases precision. There have been quite a few terms for this particular method of surgery, some call it Bladeless Epi-LASIK or Trans-PRK or Trans Epi-LASIK. The simple way to think of it is No Touch and No Flap.

Not everyone is suitable for this technique. It is important for you to go through an assessment of your eyes and our doctor will determine which method best suits your eyes.

There are some centres in the world that use Relex Smile. This is a less mature technology than LASIK. Unlike LASIK or Epi-LASIK, it cannot treat people with low amounts of short-sightedness and the procedure cannot be done again (enhancement) on the same eye if needed. This method is not truly flapless as it involves disrupting the layers of the cornea such that a small layer of the cornea can be removed through an opening on the side of the cornea.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a LASIK Procedure

1. Prescription and Eye Condition

Your doctor will review the data of your eyes and discuss with you the best procedure that suits your needs. Some of the factors to consider are how high your spectacle correction is and whether there are scars on your cornea.

2. Corneal Thickness

The thickness of your cornea also plays a part in determining the right LASIK procedure for you. This is because different LASIK procedures require specific minimum thicknesses for the cornea for safety.

3. Lifestyle and Visual Needs

Some LASIK types may be better for specific visual needs or lifestyles. For example, people who have occupations where they may be at risk of eye trauma regularly are not ideal candidates for most LASIK procedures.

Determine the best LASIK procedure for you

There are many things to consider when selecting a LASIK procedure, from the severity of your refraction problems to the specific eye condition affecting you. This is why it’s so important to ensure you know everything there is to know before choosing.

One thing that can’t be overstated is the value a professional can provide you here. Reliable doctors can guide you expertly through your options in a way that accounts for your unique situation.

Please call us to enquire or book an appointment with our medical professionals. We can do a pre-LASIK assessment to determine the most suitable course of action for you.

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