A variety of laser-based treatments can change the shape of your cornea, improving how you see.
Several refractive or laser surgery options are available:
- PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) is used to treat low to moderate levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Surgeons correct your vision by removing a thin layer of tissue from the surface of the cornea and reshaping the cornea.
- LASIK (LASer In-situ Keratomileusis) corrects your vision by reshaping the corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea. LASIK reshapes the cornea beneath the surface, rather than on the surface like PRK. LASIK is used to treat higher ranges of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- LASEK (LAser SubEpithelial Keratomileusus) combines elements of PRK and LASIK.
- INTACS (corneal ring segments) is an alternative treatment to laser vision correction. Segments are placed in the periphery of the cornea, allowing it to flatten in the center. INTACS is used to treat low levels of nearsightedness.
- Custom LASIK creates a unique laser treatment for each patient.
For further LASIK information, please call 319-353-7625 or e-mail lasik@uiowa.edu.