LASIK eye surgery seems to be the first thing that most people consider when they are thinking about corrective vision procedures. Although LASIK is a good choice for many conditions, there are other surgical alternatives available that you will want to consider.

When you need corrective surgery, consider:

LASEK: This is similar in some respects to LASIK surgery. The difference is that LASEK is often prescribed for individuals who have thin corneas. The recovery time with LASEK is often longer than with LASIK so that may be a consideration.

Epi-LASIK: This is actually similar to LASEK but the surgeon doesn't use any alcohol during the procedure. This may seem to be a minimal point but it can actually lead to less pain for the patient which results in a faster healing period.

PKR: PKR is an acronym for Photorefractive Keratectomy, which is a procedure in which tissue is removed from the cornea. This is very effective for treating conditions including near-sightedness and far-sightedness.

AK: AK is an acronym for Astigmatic Keratotomy. This is used for people who have astigmatism. It involves cutting away areas of the cornea to produce a smoother surface.

CK: Conductive Keratoplasty is a very fast procedure that involves using heat to shrink collagen in the cornea.

Intacs: These are plastic rings that are placed into the eye during a short surgical procedure.

Implantable Contact Lenses: These are used to help people who have severe vision problems including near and far sightedness. One of the benefits of this surgery is that if any difficulties arise, the lenses can be removed without much discomfort for the patient.

IOLs: Intraocular lenses are generally reserved for aiding patients who suffer from cataracts. These lenses are used to replace the eye's lens to allow the patient to see without the blur that is associated with cataracts.

Most people are unaware of all of the choices available to them when it comes to vision problems. Although not all procedures treat every situation there is at least a few that address each vision issue. This is important as it allows the patient the opportunity to choose which procedure they are most comfortable with. When you are well informed about your own health, you can effectively choose what is best for you.

Regardless of which surgery you ultimately decide on it's vitally important that you choose a surgeon who has extensive experience with it. It's wise to ask for recommendations from friends and acquaintances that have had the procedure you are considering. You can also research available surgeons online.

Don't be afraid to ask questions before and after the surgery. If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.

You don't have to live with unclear vision. There are surgical procedures that can correct vision problems within minutes. Even if you are unsure about whether or not to have the surgery, speak to your eye doctor about surgical advantages, and how they can positively affect your vision

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Source: http://www.lasiksurgeryarticles.com/Surgical-Alternatives-to-LASIK-Eye-Surgery.php

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