LASIK and ICL offer Improved Vision without Glasses or Contact Lenses
Most patients consider laser eye treatment to be the new standard when it comes to treating vision impairment. In the past, patients had to rely on glasses or contact lenses to improve vision that was affected by nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Today, there are options that provide longer-lasting results with greater convenience. Most patients are familiar with LASIK treatment to reshape the cornea and enhance natural vision, but this is not the only type of eye treatment for refractive errors. Patients may also consider ICLs, implantable contact lenses. Both of these treatments can help patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, without the need for removable prescription lenses. The eye doctors at The Papale Eye Center discuss ICLs vs. LASIK with our Springfield, MA patients so we can help them decide which treatment option is best for them.
LASIK
LASIK is the most popular form of laser vision correction and the one that the majority of patients are most familiar with. LASIK is a proven technique that improves vision by addressing the source of the problem – imperfections in the cornea. During LASIK treatment, a small flap is made in the surface of the cornea. After lifting this flap, a powerful and precise laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue in order to eliminate imperfections and allow light entering the eye to be properly focused. The success rate of LASIK surgery is high, with most patients no longer needing glasses or contact lenses. Additional benefits of LASIK include the long-lasting results, the minimal risks associated with treatment, and the relatively quick recovery period.
ICLs
ICLs, or implantable contact lenses, are a vision treatment that many patients don’t know much about. However, it is a procedure that can be just as effective as LASIK, and may be an ideal option for patients who are considered poor LASIK candidates. ICL treatment is different from LASIK in that it does not involve the reshaping of the cornea. Instead, a contact lens is placed inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. This lens corrects vision so that patients no longer have to rely on glasses or removable contact lenses. The implant can stay in place indefinitely to provide patients with long-term vision improvement. Benefits of ICLs include the effective results, the ability to improve vision without creating a corneal flap (one of the leading sources of concern regarding LASIK surgery), and the fact that the lens can be removed should the eye experience any dramatic visual changes.
Which Is Right for Me?
There are many factors that should be considered when determining which eye treatment is right for each patient. In some cases, the decision may come down to a matter of preference, while in others, the health of the eye may determine which technique is most appropriate. LASIK and ICLs both offer their own unique advantages, so the best way to choose a treatment that works for each patient is to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye doctor such as those at The Papale Eye Center.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about eye treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience. The experienced eye doctors at The Papale Eye Center will be happy to answer any questions you may have about LASIK, ICLs, or any of our other vision correction services.