Once you get started on your LASIK eye surgery research journey, it can get confusing – quick. Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, SMILE Pro, Contoura Vision – which technology to pick?
The truth is, deciding on a specific vision correction procedure depends on a lot of different factors. Your doctor assesses your corneal thickness, tear film quality, retina, and overall eye health, and accordingly advises only the best option for your eye. Other factors like your age and lifestyle also play a role in determining your eligibility.
In this blog, we will guide you through the difference between flap-based and flapless surgery, and dive into the workings of a few of the most common flap and flapless vision correction procedures.
Difference Between Flap-Based & Flapless LASIK Eye Surgery
All laser specs removal treatments reshape the cornea in order to facilitate clear vision. The difference between flap & flapless LASIK is how the surgeon accesses the corneal tissue to be reshaped.
- Flap-based surgeries involve creating a hinged flap on the cornea. The thin flap is gently lifted, the laser is applied to the underlying tissue, and then the flap is flipped back into its original position.
- A flapless surgery, on the other hand, does not involve a corneal flap. Depending on the technique, either a small lenticule is removed (SMILE Pro) or the corneal surface layer is gently removed before laser application (PRK).
This small difference in the approach to corneal reshaping can change factors like the corneal structure’s integrity, recovery speed, and the precautions needed post-surgery.
Now that the difference is clear, let’s have a look at the 4 most popular specs removal procedures among our patients.
Flap-Based Procedures
Wavelight Plus InnovEyes
Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is a personalised and flap-based surgery that combines the benefits of AI surgical planning and 3D ray-tracing technology. Currently, it is being hailed as “the world’s most advanced & latest LASIK”, meaning it’s the latest innovation in flap-based vision correction treatments.
- The procedure begins with a detailed eye scan where over 1 lakh data points on the eye are mapped, following which a 3D virtual model of the eye (digital eye twin) is created. Multiple laser patterns are tested on the eye model to ascertain the best results-yielding treatment plan for your unique eye anatomy. After selecting the best plan, you will undergo a 10-minute procedure that involves flap creation and laser application.
- The surgery corrects refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism, as well as all optical irregularities & higher-order aberrations.
Contoura Vision
Contoura Vision is another flap-based LASIK. It is an advanced topography-guided specs removal procedure that maps over 22,000 points on the eye to create a virtual model. Based on this model, the surgery is conducted.
- Contoura Vision corrects myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia – along with corneal irregularities.
Flapless Procedures
SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro is a completely flapless specs removal procedure. It is the world’s 1st robotic+AI, minimally invasive vision correction surgery.
- The surgery comes with a laser time of just 9 seconds (per eye).
- A small lenticule is created in the cornea. This lenticule is then extracted through a small side incision (2- 4 mm) in order to reshape the cornea. The size of the lenticule depends on the refractive error to be corrected.
PRK
While this is not as advanced as SMILE Pro, PRK comes with its own set of benefits. The first one is that it is a touchless and flapless procedure.
*Note: Accepted for eligibility in many government and defence services where laser vision correction is permitted, subject to the specific recruitment guidelines. Also ideal for people with thin corneas.
- The procedure involves dissolving and removing the top layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, followed by laser application.
- The epithelium gradually grows back on its own with proper healing; the recovery period is slightly longer than today’s advanced procedures, but PRK offers long-term vision stability.
We hope this blog has brought you some clarity on flap and flapless vision correction procedures, so you can make an informed choice when it comes to your eyes.
Sohana Hospital boasts all these and more USFDA-approved technologies – under one roof! The cutting-edge technologies, combined with a dedicated team of the highly experienced LASIK surgeons, world-class infrastructure, and stringent safety protocols, ensure all our patients get the highest quality eye care.
For more detailed information on specific vision correction treatments and their features, get in touch with us today!
( 📧: info@sghshospitals.com | 📞: +91 87250-01333)
