Laser Eye Surgery vs. LASIK: What Are the Differences?

You’ve definitely heard of laser eye surgery, but you might have noticed some people say “LASIK eye surgery” instead. No, there’s nothing wrong with your hearing, both terms are valid. But what do they mean?

Is there a difference in laser eye surgery vs. LASIK and if so, what is it exactly? This guide will break down everything you need to know. Read on to learn everything you need to know about laser eye surgery, LASIK eye surgery, and the correct ways in which to use each term.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Before we explore the differences between LASIK and laser eye surgery, let’s take a look at what laser eye surgery actually entails. As the name suggests, it is a type of surgery that’s performed on the eye with the use of a laser.

Another name for this type of procedure is refractive surgery or vision correction. The lasers are used to reshape the surface of your cornea. This allows you to see more clearly.

Laser eye surgery is suitable for both long-sighted and short-sighted people. Candidates must be over the age of 18 to have this surgery done, and their prescription must have been stable for around two years prior to the surgery.

Laser eye surgery can be life-changing, and today, it’s becoming a popular option for glasses and contact lens wearers. If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, see this post from Medical Arts Eye

Laser Eye Surgery vs. LASIK

Now that we’ve looked into the ins and outs of laser eye surgery, let’s take a closer look at LASIK. What is it? LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis and it refers to the method of eye surgery used.

This type of laser eye surgery has been in use for over two decades. LASIK is a form of laser eye surgery, so in fact, if you’re having LASIK, the two terms can be used interchangeably.

LASIK Eye Surgery Guide

One of the reasons you might hear your doctor using the term LASIK is because there are other alternative forms of laser eye surgery. LASIK is the most established form of laser eye surgery. It’s also the most popular.

When you’re having your LASIK surgery done, a few things will happen. One laser will create a thin protective flap on the clear layer of your eye, also known as the cornea. This protective flap will then be lifted, and a different kind of laser will reshape your eye and correct your vision.

You’ll have both eyes done in one sitting. Usually, the procedure takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Within a day, you’ll be able to see without glasses or contact lenses.

A Future With Clear Vision

It’s a testament to how far science and technology have advanced that we’re able to perform such an amazing procedure today. We hope this post has explained laser eye surgery vs. LASIK in an easy-to-understand way. For more information on science and technology, check out the rest of our posts now.