Types Of Eye Procedures For Nearsightedness

Among the many procedures one can undergo for vision correction, Lasik is perhaps the most widely used. Lasik, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a corrective surgical procedure that changes the shape of the cornea (the transparent cover at the front of the eye through which light enters) in order to 'repair' vision problems. Essentially, it modifies the focusing power of the eye, which is just what eye glasses and contact lenses do, but, of course, it is permanent. Although suitable for sufferers of astigmatism and hyperopia (far-sightedness), Lasik is but one of the many types of eye procedures for nearsightedness as well.

Other eye procedures for myopia include: Thermokeratoplasty, the process by which heat (a laser, usually) is used to alter the cornea's shape; orthokeratology, which makes use of specialized contact lenses that are capable of reshaping the cornea. Similarly, nearsighted eye operations can also be performed using RK (Radial Keratotomy) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) to much the same effect as Lasik. In fact, PRK is the predecessor to Lasik technology. Essentially, all these procedures differ not so much in the technology used, but in the manner in which the operation to correct nearsight problems is carried out.

In Lasik, for example, a flap is cut in the cornea and folded back in order for the laser to directly hit the stroma. PRK, on the other hand, sculpts the surface of the eye rather than requiring a cut to be in the cornea itself. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of eye surgery and it's best to discuss these with a licensed practitioner. Besides, your eyes will need to be evaluated in order to determine if you are a suitable candidate for such an eye operation to correct nearsightedness.

If you consider yourself to be just a little too squeamish to undergo surgery (c'mon, admit it, it is pretty darn scary to have something boring away so close to your brain) then perhaps you've already considered ophthalmic devices such as eye glasses or contact lenses. If that's the case, make sure to give the links on the right-hand side of this article a once over. There you'll find a surprisingly massive collection of useful contact lens products, and none with lasers that will go anywhere near your eyes... probably.

Shop for: