This post is mainly for the people who are researching on vision correction options. Ive read up so much (blogs/reviews on lasik) and been to some forums. So here is my chance to give back to my community (the short-sighted community) Lol... Here we go!
Disclaimer: this is all I know but is not gonna be 100% correct due to doctors/optometrists/bloggers subjective opinions... And perhaps my own memory slips! Do more research if you want to do any vision correction surgery!
Firstly, my background:
I'm the girl who's been wearing glasses since I was 9. I've always set my eyes on lasik since that's what my dad did... Until I found out about Implantable Contact Lens (ICL).
And I was faced with a huge decision to make, as each option has their pros and cons.
Here is what I gathered from my own research and visits to the doctor, with regards to comparison between ICL and Lasik.
Visual clarity
Research says that ICL gives better visual quality than lasik for high refractive errors above 600 degrees (which mine is obviously super high la haha).
Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22865405/
People can have 6/6 (perfect) vision with bad visual quality - you can see up to the last line in the eye check, but it's just not completely sharp.
Also, ICL has fewer instances of glares, haloes and dry eyes, which are common side effects of Lasik.
BUT
So far, I've been to 3 lasik/ICL centers, and something seems quite weird... The mainly-ICL center said that ICL would definitely give highest quality vision, however, the mainly-lasik center says that their technology gives comparable vision quality.... Shrugs... It's a 自卖自夸 (praise whatever you sell) thing, but really scary because it's something I have to live with for the rest of my life!!
Iridotomy
I've read online about many complaints of iridotomy procedure in ICL (for the layman, it's something like the ICL will block the flow of liquid in the eye, so the doctor has to "poke holes" in the eye).
From the reviews I've read, the iridotomy is really horrible because of the increased glares and also it hurts!! If you're interested in ICL, you probably read the horror stories with regards to iridotomy too, but that's for the lower technology ICL lens. The newest 4th generation lenses has holes in them, making iridotomy obsolete, so you don't have to worry! (Not sure if these lenses are available in every country yet, from what I read there will be some FDA approval waiting time)
Risks
Lasik has a 0.01% risk of Ectasia (cornea steepening, and in worst cases, require a corneal transplant!!) while ICL has 1% risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
I was initially put off by Lasik because I am so afraid of getting Ectasia!! But doctor has informed me that my cornea is thicker than average and my chances of Ectasia are pretty low.
For ICL, glaucoma and cataracts can be halted - refer to next point about maintenance.
Maintenance
Lasik is much more fuss free compared to ICL (after the 2 post-op surgery checks, there is no need for visits to the eye doctor anymore). Whereas for ICL I'd need to visit the eye doctor EVERY year!!
The doctor explained that she needed to monitor if the lens is still in place--- too big it'd cause glaucoma and too small it'd cause cataracts when it scratches on the natural lens! OTL
Btw, you'll only realize you have glaucoma when it's very serious- there are no symptoms. Also, it causes vision loss which is irreversible due to permanent damage of optic nerves.
Eye condition when the eye ages- cataracts
I won't deny that I was shocked when doctor told me that everyone will eventually have cataracts. To treat cataracts, the ICL must be removed and a new lens is put in!! Throwing away something so pricey is really... Ahh so wasted! (Not to mention that people with high myopia have higher risk of cataracts) (Mehh!!! High myopia is NOT FUN!)
Furthermore, there're some risks of removing the ICL (it's an invasive procedure). Whereas in the case of lasik, the procedure for cataracts follow the general treatment procedure (like for someone who didn't go vision correction surgery).
Weighing ICL and Lasik
ICL- better visual outcome, however, must live with yearly checks, and finally a removal when cataracts come along.
Lasik- not-so-optimal visual outcome (??), but lower maintenance.
Conclusion
Yup, that's all the info I have! What decision will I make? Stay tuned!!!
