Alternative to LASIK surgery?

  As an alternative to LASIK surgery, I remember recently seeing a report on TV about a new technique to "insert" a ring in the eye to alter the shape of the cornea as opposed to permanently reshaping it with a laser.  
  This report stated that as opposed to the actual reshaping of the eye with the LASIK procedure, this procedure can be reversed by simply removing the ring.
  What is this procedure named, and where is more information available?
  Curt Holstein

[hfhs md ke]

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curt
  what you are describing is called "intracorneal rings" and they are currently in phase 3 trials in the united states, in other words they are about to be approved for use.  they are for low to moderate degrees of nearsightedness, and not astigmatism. yes, they have the theoretical advantage that they can be removed and replaced. they seem a promising alternative to LASIK or PRK. you may find more information at Eyenet.org, which is the american academy of ophthalmology website.
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