Thin cornea, bright future: Your guide to laser eye surgery with thin corneas If you’ve been researching vision correction options and have discovered that LASIK may not be suitable for you due to thin corneas, don’t worry. Your path to improved vision is not a dead end. In this blog, we’ll explore alternatives that can offer you a bright future, even with thin corneas. We understand that every set of eyes is unique, and we’re here to guide you towards the right solution. So, let’s delve into the world of laser eye surgery for thin corneas. Thin corneas and LASIK You’ve likely heard about LASIK, one of the most well-known vision correction procedures, but here’s the catch – it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you have thin corneas or their shape is irregular, LASIK may not be the procedure for you. The same goes for those with a high eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Why? LASIK involves removing a portion of your cornea’s thickness to correct your vision, and this might not be ideal for those with thin corneas. PRK: A great alternative Enter PRK, short for Photorefractive Keratectomy. This laser eye surgery offers an excellent alternative for individuals with thin corneas, who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK. PRK has been around for quite some time, even before LASIK, and it’s known for its success in improving vision.1 In PRK, we gently remove the epithelium, the thin outer layer of your cornea. Then, a laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The good news is that the epithelium typically regenerates quickly, often within days.2 In terms of results, both LASIK and PRK deliver similar outcomes. The only difference is that with PRK, you might need to exercise a bit more patience. While LASIK patients typically experience rapid vision improvement, PRK patients may take a few weeks to reach their peak vision improvement.3 Alternatively: Lens replacement surgery Another appealing option for individuals with thin corneas is lens replacement surgery, also known as refractive lens exchange. This procedure is particularly well-suited for those who are farsighted and have thin corneas. Here’s how it works: an artificial intraocular lens replaces your eye’s natural lens. This new lens enhances your vision, potentially reducing or even eliminating your need for reading glasses. The lens replacement surgery process is quite similar to cataract surgery, with one key difference – your natural lens is clear, not cloudy as in the case of cataracts. Implantable contact lenses: A clever option Implantable lenses, also known as phakic intraocular lenses, are yet another viable option for those who aren’t LASIK candidates. If you have myopia, this might be the solution for you. 4https://cbc.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/01072009AO.pdfDuring the procedure, clear lenses are placed between your iris and cornea, leaving your natural lens intact. Think of them as contact lenses that you no longer need to insert into your eye. These lenses can provide exceptional results, especially for individuals with myopia, and can be a game-changer for those with thin corneas seeking improved vision. We understand the importance of finding the right solution for your unique vision needs. If you’re looking to explore these alternatives and determine the best approach for your thin corneas, we invite you to book a free assessment with our expert team. Your bright future with improved vision is just a click away. Don’t let thin corneas hold you back – take the first step towards clearer vision.