Types of LASIK Series: LASIK

As the old adage goes “One size does not fit all.” This is true for shoes, smart phones, and definitely laser eye surgery. So how do you know which type of LASIK is right for you, and what factors to consider?

A good LASIK surgeon should really start off with a blank slate and determine the right type of LASIK for you based on your individual needs including:

• Are you nearsighted (correction for distance), farsighted (readers only) or both (correction all the time for everything)?
• Do you do anything in your personal or professional life that puts your eyes at high risk for taking a hard sharp direct hit?
• How thick are your corneas?
• What are your vision priorities? Is your distance more important or your reading more important?

Based on your full consultation, your laser eye surgeon should consider one of the following types of LASIK:

• LASIK
• PRK
• Monovision LASIK

Types of LASIK - LASIK

LASIK is the commonly accepted term for laser eye surgery, and most practices then name their procedure based on the type of LASIK technology used, such as I-LASIK or Z-LASIK. It is important that you understand what the technology is and how it will deliver you an optimal result. At Providence Eye & Laser specialists Dr. Mozayeni performs OptiLASIK utilizing the FDA-approved Wavelight FS200 and Wavelight EX500 laser.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

You and your laser eye surgeon should decide together if you are a good candidate, but some initial qualifications for LASIK are:

• You are nearsighted, so you wear glasses and/or contacts to see far away.
• Your corneas are “normal” and are not too thin. This is based on the evaluation of images of your cornea taken with our Pentacam mapping technology.
• You do not have a profession (military, professional athlete) and personal activities where you could easily take a hard sharp blow to the eye.

What are some of the advantages of LASIK?

Due to the sophistication of the technology being used to perform OptiLASIK, it has many advantages over other LASIK procedures and some advantages over PRK.

• Optimal results
• Lower risk
• Fewer side effects
• Faster procedure
• 24-hour recovery period
• Return to most of your normal daily activities the next day.

Online research is great, but what is most important is to visit a reputable LASIK practice and meet with your actual surgeon to determine which type of LASIK is right for you.

Come visit us for a free LASIK consultation with Dr. Mozayeni at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists to determine which type of LASIK is right for you, so you can start to see more and live better.