What Is All-Laser LASIK Surgery?

Let’s face it: you’re sick of having to struggle with glasses and contact lenses.  You’re ready for the day when you can wake up in the morning and immediately take note of your surroundings.  You can’t wait for the day when you can eliminate the constant expenses of contact lenses, glasses, lens solution, adjustments, and other assorted items.  And let’s face it: being able to see at all times is a dream you’ve had since LASIK surgery was invented.

At NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA – also serving the greater Washington DC and Northern Virginia areas – Dr. Griffiths and her friendly staff members are delighted to educate their patients on the different types of LASIK surgery out there.  First, let’s explore what LASIK surgery is before we dive into the different procedures.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is simply a procedure that prepares the inner surface of the cornea for a vision correction treatment using an Eximer laser.  The inner surface can be prepared using one of two methods, either a blade (known as a microkeratome) or a Femtosecond laser.  Both methods create a “LASIK flap” which is then peeled back to reveal the inner part of the cornea.  The surgeon will then use the Eximer laser to gently sculpt the inner cornea for vision correction treatment and then lay the flap back down.  After the procedure and treatment, patients will need to be accompanied home, where they will need to wear protective glasses for the day.  Most patients are able to resume normal activities the next day – not to mention enjoy their brand-new vision.

Now that you know what LASIK surgery is, it’s time to compare the different types of LASIK procedures.  As previously mentioned, the LASIK procedure can be performed with a blade or a laser.  LASIK that’s performed with a microkeratome is more traditional and common, while LASIK that’s performed without a blade is known as “all laser LASIK surgery.”  Many studies have been done to compare these results, and the majority of them have determined that there’s very little difference in best corrected visual acuity between the two types of procedures.  The reason for this is because the LASIK procedure alone has no bearing on the best corrected visual acuity.  The best corrected visual acuity is obtained by the Eximer laser sculpting the inner cornea.  So patients being charged extra for the use of a Femtosecond laser just to make a flap could be throwing good money out the window.

At NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA, we serve all of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and Washington DC. In addition to LASIK surgery, Dr. Griffiths also specializes in EpiLase^® surgery, a truly innovative approach to laser eye surgery. This procedure doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea, like LASIK.  So, if you’re uncomfortable with the thought of having a flap created in your eye, have corneas that are too thin for LASIK eye surgery, or you have severe dry eyes, then EpiLase^® may be a good option for you.

To learn more, or to schedule your free LASIK consultation, call (703)834-9777 or fill out the form in the top left corner.