A plan by age
Ages 18–40
Glasses or contact lenses. Distance correction is the usual goal, while the natural lens can still focus up close.
The options
Three ways to correct distance
On the WaveLight suite, treatment can run from −12 to +6, and astigmatism up to 6 dioptres. The first visit decides whether an eye is inside that, and which procedure fits. The tear film is checked before any refractive plan.
First choice, when the cornea allows it
LASIK
A bladeless flap is made with the femtosecond laser, then the cornea is shaped on the WaveLight EX500. No blade. The flap is the natural bandage.
Suits
A cornea thick and stable enough for a flap, with short-sight, long-sight, or astigmatism.
Recovery
Home the same day. Vision usually settles within one to six days. A sandy feeling can last about a day. The operation itself is painless.
When a flap is the wrong idea
PRK with Streamlight
Surface laser, with no flap. Streamlight uses the excimer laser to remove the surface cells and then correct the vision. It is a no-touch treatment on the same WaveLight platform.
Suits
A cornea that is too thin for LASIK, or one that looks too unstable for a flap.
Recovery
A bandage contact lens stays in for four to six days. Clear vision takes about four to six weeks. A gritty feeling can last several days, so a few days off work is sensible.
When laser should not be used
Phakic lens implant
A lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The cornea is not reshaped. Most people are corrected for distance, and only one eye is treated at a time.
Suits
Moderate to high short-sight, long-sight, or astigmatism, when laser is not the right operation.
Recovery
Usual activities in two or three days. Vision can take several weeks to settle. The second eye waits at least a week, sometimes up to three months.
Another age