If you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser vision correction treatment can truly transform your life and vision. But with so many types of procedures available, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, if you are seriously considering permanent specs removal surgery, you must visit an experienced ophthalmologist for a detailed check up and recommendation. However, if you are still making up your mind and want to be well informed before visiting a doctor, this blog is for you.
Which vision correction is right for you depends on factors like your refractive error (eyeglass power), corneal thickness, and age. In this blog, let’s explore different laser vision correction options and which one suits you the best.
Understanding Your Refractive Error
Before diving into the various types of permanent specs removal surgeries, it is important to understand the common vision problems or refractive errors that laser procedures can correct:
- Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, it is a condition in which people face difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, in this condition, people face difficulty in focusing on near objects
- Astigmatism: People with this condition have blurred or distorted vision for all distances due to an irregular corneal shape
- Presbyopia: It is also known as age-related farsightedness. It generally happens in people over 40 and makes focusing on close objects difficult.
Which Vision Correction Surgery Is Right For You?
Now that we have discussed the types of refractive errors, let’s understand the different types of vision correction surgeries and who they are best suited for.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery and involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and repositioning the flap.
Lasik is ideal for: Myopia (up to -10D), Hyperopia (up to +5D), Astigmatism (up to ±5D)
| Pros | Cons |
| – Quick recovery – Minimal discomfort – Suitable for a wide range of prescriptions | – Requires adequate corneal thickness – Can cause dry eyes – May cause temporary glare or halos at night |
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Pro)
SMILE Pro is the latest, minimally invasive laser eye surgery that corrects myopia and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE Pro reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. Yes! It’s a flapless procedure. Instead, a small piece of tissue (lenticule) is removed through a tiny incision.
SMILE Pro is ideal for: Myopia (up to -10D) and Astigmatism (up to ± 5D)
| Pros | Cons |
| – Takes only 9 seconds – No cuts, no blade – No dry eyes – 24-hour recovery – Gives HD visionNo flap-related complications | – Not suitable for hyperopia or farsightedness |
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is an excellent vision correction option for patients with thin corneas or for those who are not eligible for LASIK. In this, the surface layer of the cornea is removed, and a laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue. The epithelium i.e, the surface layer then regenerates over a few days.
PRK is ideal for: Myopia (up to -8D), Hyperopia (up to +4D), Astigmatism (up to ±4D)
| Pros | Cons |
| – Suitable for patients with thin corneas – No flap-related issues – Long lasting results | – Slightly longer recovery time – Vision may take a while to stabilize |
Contoura Vision (Topography-Guided)
Contoura Vision is an advanced vision correction surgery that customizes the laser treatment by mapping the unique topography of the cornea. This results in sharper and clearer vision without any blade or cuts.
Contoura Vision is ideal for: Myopia (up to -9D) and Astigmatism (up to ±3D)
| Pros | Cons |
| – No cuts & no blade – Personalized treatment for superior visual clarity – 10-minute procedure – Quick Recovery – Can correct irregular corneal surfaces | – Not suitable for hyperopia or farsightedness |
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
People with very high eyeglass prescription or thin corneas, are well suited for ICL if they wish to get rid of specs permanently. Instead of reshaping the cornea, a biocompatible lens is implanted inside the eye to correct vision.
ICL is ideal for: High Myopia (above -10D) and Hyperopia (above +5D)
| Pros | Cons |
| – Suitable for very high prescriptions – No risk of dry eyes – No corneal weakening | – More invasive than laser procedures |
Laser Vision Correction Options Based On Eyeglass Power
| Eyeglass Power | Choice Of Procedure |
| -1 to -8 diopters | All Laser Vision Correction Procedures |
| -8 to -18 diopters | ICL |
| +1 to + 5 diopters | Lasik or Contoura Vision |
| +5 to + 10 diopters | ICL or RLE |
Final Thoughts
The ideal surgery for your refractive error depends on your eye prescription, corneal thickness, and whether your eyeglass power has been stable for at least a year. Visit an experienced ophthalmologist at a good eye hospital in Punjab, and get a comprehensive eye exam to know what’s best for you.
Laser vision correction surgeries have transformed the lives of millions by offering clear, and glasses-free vision. With the right procedure, you can enjoy the world and eliminate the dependency on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Hope this blog gives you a good idea of what permanent specs removal is all about. It’s high time you take the first step towards clear vision.