Dr. Kanani Darshan Jayantilal
Family Physician
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been wearing glasses since the age of thirteen, and contact lenses since the age of fourteen. I am looking for a career in law enforcement and need laser eye surgery to meet the optical requirements. I assumed my options were limited to Lasik and PRK, but one of the clinics I visited recommended Smartsurf, a third procedure I had never heard of. I would want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment and perhaps get a recommendation.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
1. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK):
Advantages: LASIK is a well-known and well-established technique. It has a rapid recovery time and usually results in better eyesight within a few days. The majority of individuals suffer just minor discomfort during and after the surgery.
Drawbacks: There is a little risk of problems such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or vision abnormalities, although they are typically transient. LASIK requires the formation of a corneal flap, which may result in flap-related problems, although these are uncommon. Individuals with thin corneas or certain pre-existing eye disorders may not be a candidate for LASIK.
2. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK):
Advantages: PRK is an option to LASIK that is appropriate for people with thinner corneas or who are at a higher risk of flap problems. The laser directly reshapes the surface of the cornea, eliminating the necessity for a corneal flap. PRK has a lengthy history of effectiveness and safety.
Drawback: The recovery period after PRK is often longer than that of LASIK. Vision may take several weeks or even months to settle and improve. During the first recuperation phase, you may have pain and temporary blurred vision. PRK can cause momentary light sensitivity or glare.
3. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE):
Advantages: SMILE is a newer treatment that eliminates the need for a corneal flap. It makes a tiny incision with a femtosecond laser and removes a lenticular (a little piece of tissue) to reshape the cornea. When opposed to PRK, SMILE has a quicker recovery period and causes less discomfort throughout the healing process.
Drawbacks: Because SMILE is a newer surgery, long-term data may be limited when compared to LASIK and PRK. Because not all clinics may provide SMILE, availability may be an issue. When compared to LASIK and PRK, the correction range with SMILE may be more limited.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
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