LASIK vs Laser Eye Surgery

Researching corrective vision surgeries can be overwhelming because of the new vocabulary. What is the difference between laser eye surgery and LASIK? Thankfully the answer is simple: laser eye surgery refers to a number of vision surgeries using a laser – including LASIK.

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a corrective vision surgery. With LASIK, a flap is made from the cornea using a blade or laser. Then, after the flap is lifted, pulses from a computer-controlled laser remove part of the underlying cornea called the stroma. The flap is set back in place, and the surgery is complete. LASIK is a quick healing procedure with very little pain.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery refers to a number of vision surgeries using a laser. At Lipstock LASIK, we perform two types of laser eye surgery: LASIK and PRK. Both LASIK and PRK are corrective vision surgeries, but PRK uses a different process to achieve improved vision. Instead of cutting a flap, PRK removes the outermost layer of the cornea using a surface ablation. PRK has a longer healing process but is equally effective. Some people who are not candidates for LASIK can still have laser eye surgery by getting PRK.

Millions of people have utilized laser eye surgery for vision correction – both LASIK and PRK. To find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK or another form of laser eye surgery, please contact Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center in Richmond at 804-288-1543.