More often than not, when it comes to laser vision corrective surgery, most people are not aware of their many options. Although many types of Lasik and laser vision corrective surgeries are similar, they have small but important differences.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the very first kind of laser vision correction, first used in the early 1980's. Lasik and PRK are somewhat similar, but recovery and improvement times are longer with PRK. PRK may cause more discomfort because this procedure exposes deeper layers of the cornea.

Lasik and PRK have one distinctive variation. With Lasik, a flap is made at the front of the eye using a microkeratome, which is replaced after the laser vision correction is completed. The laser removes this outer layer of the cornea entirely with PRK.

There are a number of different names that are applied to one of the other types of laser vision correction surgeries. Custom Lasik, wavefront Lasik, and wavefront-guided Lasik are identical methods of taking Lasik technology one step further. With custom Lasik, a three dimensional map is produced detailing how well an eye processes images, and it guides the laser to correct any abnormalities. It is said that this type of laser vision rectification yields an outcome of better vision with a less amount of risk that comes with traditional Lasik.

Just a little bit different from traditional Lasik, Epi-Lasik is a kind of laser vision correction. To allow for a flap at the front of the eye, a blunt plastic tool known as an epithelial separator is used - this is instead of using the thin blade of the microkeratome. Instead of alcohol, which is utilized in some laser vision corrective surgeries (and can destroy epithelial cells), the epithelial separator is used to displace the flap.

Lasek is a type of laser vision correction that should not be confused with Lasik. The process that uses a very fine blade called trephine is called Lasek, which differs from Lasik in that Lasik uses a microkeratome to cut the flap at the front of the eye. An alcohol solution is applied after the flap is disengaged, loosening the edges and permitting ease of flap removal.

Another type of vision correction with a laser is IntraLace Lasik. IntraLace Lasik is a form of laser vision corrective surgery that does not utilize blades in any way. A cold beam laser is used to reshape the cornea and thus repair vision after a microkeratome has been positioned to create a flap in that cornea under the traditional Lasik methodology. In order to complete the procedure with InraLace Lasik, two lasers are deployed. Rather than using a blade, a second laser is then used to create the flap. Finally, the cornea is corrected with a traditional Lasik laser.

Many different types of laser vision correction are available, although some are still in the experimental stage. While each surgeon prefers his own choice of method, the best technique for the individual patient is of the utmost importance. It is essential that research be performed prior to laser vision correction in order to determine the best procedure for a specific condition. During the pre-surgical counseling, it is good advice to come prepared with any questions and concerns pertaining to the procedure. Much thought should always be put forth in choosing the best type of laser vision correction for a given condition as each type of laser vision correction has benefits and risks associated with it.