LASIK and other laser vision correction techniques are not the only procedures available to correct vision problems. Some non-laser procedures can be used successfully to correct extreme prescriptions outside the range of conventional LASIK treatments. Other procedures may sound familiar, but are now obsolete due to advances in technology.

Corneal Rings Segments (Intacs)

Low amounts of nearsightedness can be corrected by the insertion of corneal rings (Intacs) directly into the perimeter of the cornea. Unlike LASIK and advanced surface ablation procedures (PRK and LASEK), no laser is involved and the ring segment can be removed. The healing and adjustment time after the insertion of the rings, however, can be longer than the healing and adjustment times associated with LASIK. Corneal rings segments have limited application and are reserved for specific circumstances only.

LTK

LTK (laser thermal keratoplasty) was approved several years ago by the FDA to correct low levels of farsightedness. With the patient sitting upright, a heat-producing laser is used on the perimeter of the cornea to shrink the tissue and steepen the center to a pre-determined level. LTK's main benefits are the brief surgery time and the low invasive nature of the surgery. It is only applicable to people over 40 years of age with low levels of farsightedness and no astigmatism, however, and the corrective effect often diminishes over time, requiring repeated treatments and long healing times. With the advent of CK and the use of the cold-beam laser, LTK is not performed very often.

RK

RK (radial keratotomy) was one of the earliest, most widely performed refractive surgery procedures. It was first available over 30 years ago to treat nearsighted patients. RK is now obsolete due to the precision offered by the excimer laser and the superior results of LASIK. LASIK, PRK, and LASEK can often be successfully performed on former RK patients who still wear glasses. If you had RK in the past and still need corrective lenses, schedule a free eye evaluation to see if you might be a candidate for LASIK.