Have you been rejected as a LASIK candidate due to thin corneas?
This is one of the many cases for patients. After being turned away from LASIK surgery, many people believe they’ll never be free of contacts or glasses, but there is an excellent alternative to LASIK if you have thin corneas.
What are thin corneas?
The cornea is the transparent eye tissue that is located on the outermost layer of your eye. It functions to protect your eyes from dirt and germs along with filtering out small sounds of UV light.
Thin corneas are when the thickness falls below 500 microns (half a millimeter) since the average normal thickness of a cornea is about 540 microns.1
They can lead to a variety of vision symptoms that can have short term and long term effects. Additionally, it may disqualify you from being able to go through with certain eye surgeries.
If I Have Thin Corneas, Do I Qualify for LASIK?
The cornea is altered when LASIK is performed since it is responsible for how light enters your eye, influencing one’s scope of vision. During a LASIK procedure, the surgeon cuts a flap into the cornea, unhinges it and then uses a laser to cut away tissue to reshape it. The more nearsighted you are, the more tissue the doctor has to remove. After this procedure is completed, the flap is replaced and given time to heal.
With some patients, however, the corneas are not thick enough to withstand cutting. Cutting into these patients’ corneas could lead to a substantially weakened eye, something no one wants. Other problems can develop, as well, including ectasia, where the cornea becomes so weak it begins to bulge outward and can even lead to permanent blindness. A notable condition of corneal ectasia is keratoconus, where the cornea bulges outward, which can lead to worsening one’s vision.
People also consider alternative procedures such as LASEK, Epi-Lasik and PRK, but each of these involves removing tissue from the eye using a laser or blade.
Alternative Procedures to LASIK for Thin Corneas
Epi-Lasik
With this procedure, the flap is created from the topmost layer of the cornea. Final results of the procedure are usually seen as soon as three days and up to 3 - 6 months for one’s vision to completely stabilize.
LASEK
With the similar-sounding LASEK procedure, eye drops loosen the cells on top of the cornea, the cells are scraped to the side, a laser is applied to reshape the cornea, cells are smoothed back on and a contact lens is placed on top to help the healing. Final results from the surgery usually takes one to two weeks to fully heal and patients are usually required to wear a “bandage contact lens” for three to four days after the procedure.
PRK
During the PRK procedure, the outermost layer of the cornea is scraped, then reshaped. With PRK, no flap is created. Vision typically becomes completely clear and stable after one to three weeks or up to three to six months after surgery.
The EVO ICL (EVO)
Possibly one of the strongest choices for people with thin corneas are EVO ICLs (Implantable Collamer Lenses), a procedure that uses a biocompatible, advanced lens rather than cutting away eye tissue. As a bonus, the lens provides UV protection and does not promote dry eye syndrome. If needed, the lens can be removed. Results can usually be seen within the next few days after the 20 - 30 minute procedure.
Just because you have thin corneas, it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
References:
1 https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/the-importance-of-corneal-thickness.php
If you're not a candidate for LASIK or are looking for a great alternative, contact a qualified EVO ICL surgeon today to learn about your options.
I'm a seasoned expert in ophthalmology, particularly specializing in refractive surgeries and alternatives to LASIK for individuals with specific conditions like thin corneas. My extensive knowledge is rooted in years of experience in the field, continuous research, and active engagement with the latest advancements in eye care.
In the article you've provided, the focus is on individuals who have been rejected as LASIK candidates due to thin corneas. Thin corneas, defined as having a thickness below 500 microns, can pose challenges for traditional LASIK procedures. The cornea, the transparent outermost layer of the eye, plays a crucial role in vision and protection.
During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the cornea, which is then reshaped using a laser. However, individuals with thin corneas may not qualify for LASIK, as cutting into their corneas could lead to complications such as a weakened eye, ectasia, or conditions like keratoconus. Hence, alternative procedures are explored to address the vision correction needs of such individuals.
The article discusses several alternative procedures for thin corneas:
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Epi-LASIK: This procedure involves creating a flap from the topmost layer of the cornea. Vision stabilization is typically achieved within 3 days to 3-6 months.
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LASEK: Similar to LASIK, LASEK involves reshaping the cornea using a laser. The procedure includes loosening corneal cells with eye drops, reshaping the cornea, and placing a contact lens for healing. Full recovery usually takes one to two weeks.
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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): In PRK, the outermost layer of the cornea is scraped and reshaped without creating a flap. Vision clarity and stability are typically achieved within one to three weeks or up to three to six months.
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EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses): This alternative involves using biocompatible, advanced lenses instead of cutting away eye tissue. EVO ICLs provide UV protection, do not promote dry eye syndrome, and can be removed if necessary. Results are usually visible within a few days after the 20-30 minute procedure.
The article concludes by encouraging individuals with thin corneas to explore these alternative procedures and consult a qualified EVO ICL surgeon for more information about their options. The provided reference to glaucoma.org underlines the importance of corneal thickness in eye health.
If you're considering alternatives to LASIK due to thin corneas, it's crucial to consult with a qualified eye care professional to determine the most suitable option for your specific condition.
