Advancements in Eye Care for People with Thin Corneas

For years, people with thin corneas faced limited options for corrective eye procedures. Conditions like keratoconus or naturally thin corneas often exclude individuals from undergoing laser vision correction, especially LASIK, which relies on a certain corneal thickness to achieve safe and stable results. But thanks to groundbreaking advancements in eye care, patients with thin corneas now have new solutions that open up clearer possibilities for improved vision and quality of life.

The Challenges of Having Thin Corneas

The cornea is the eye's outermost layer, and it helps in focusing light for clear vision. It needs a certain thickness to maintain shape and stability during laser eye surgery. People with thin corneas, however, lack enough tissue in this area, making traditional laser procedures like LASIK too risky. Without sufficient corneal tissue, LASIK can lead to complications such as structural instability or even corneal ectasia, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea.

Fortunately, advancements in ophthalmology have introduced safer alternatives that cater to thin corneas, improving the vision options available to many.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK is a tried and true alternative to LASIK and has seen renewed popularity for patients with thin corneas. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, it removes the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and uses a laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Since PRK doesn’t rely on corneal thickness to the same degree as LASIK, it’s often recommended for those with thinner corneas.

How It Works

During PRK, the outermost layer of the cornea is removed to expose the tissue underneath. A laser then reshapes this tissue to correct vision. After the procedure, a bandage contact lens protects the eye as the epithelial layer regenerates over the following days.

PRK typically has a longer recovery time than LASIK or SMILE, and patients may experience discomfort as the corneal surface heals. However, the benefits for those with thin corneas often outweigh these temporary inconveniences.

The Benefits

PRK is particularly good for individuals with thin corneas, as it does not involve creating a corneal flap. This makes it a safer alternative to LASIK for those at risk of corneal complications. With PRK, patients experience long-term stability and excellent vision correction, benefiting from decades of successful results.

The world of eye care is constantly evolving, bringing hope and solutions to those once limited by thin corneas. If you’ve been holding back from corrective procedures due to corneal thickness concerns, reach out to our team at Baptist Eye Surgeons. We’re happy to share more information about the procedures that are available to you. Contact us today and learn how the possibility of clearer vision could be closer than ever!