The goal of refractive eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by changing the shape of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to properly focus light onto the retina.
There are several types of refractive eye surgery, including.
SMILE is the latest advance in refractive eye surgery, designed to treat a multitude of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is known to be ‘gentle’ and involves using a femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule which is extracted whole through a small incision without the use of an excimer laser. It is reported to achieve effects similar to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with excellent post-operative outcomes.
LASIK is the most common type of refractive eye surgery. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea, and a laser is used to remove some of the underlying corneal tissue to change its shape. The flap is then repositioned, and the cornea heals on its own.
ICL is a type of refractive eye surgery that involves implanting a lens inside the eye to correct vision. Unlike other types of refractive eye surgery, ICL does not alter the shape of the cornea, and it is typically used for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK.
RLE (Refractive lens exchange), also known as clear lens extraction, is a surgery to correct extreme farsightedness (hyperopia) or near sightedness (myopia)
Phakic intraocular lens implants are designed specifically to correct near sightedness (myopia). It is called phakic because the natural lens is left untouched.
AK (Astigmatic keratotomy) is a surgical procedure to correct moderate to severe astigmatism. Incisions are made at the steepest point of the cornea to flatten it.
Epi-LASIK is a procedure similar to PRK. A very thin membrane is detached from the cornea, and the cornea is reshaped by the excimer laser. A soft contact lens is used to protect the area until healing occurs. TransPRK smooth SurfACE has replaced this treatment as a more beneficial treatment associated with a faster recovery.
Seeing near to far after cataract surgery.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens creating a decrease in the quality of vision and image sharpness, causing text and objects to look dull or blurry. Replacing the eye’s natural lens with the IC-8 lens will help bring life back into focus. The IC-8 lens is ideal for individuals who want clear vision across a full focal range from reading an SMS, watching television to driving without having to rely on glasses.
Most people experience significant improvement in their vision within a few days to a week after the surgery. However, it is important to have regular follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor your recovery and ensure that your vision is stable.
In conclusion, refractive eye surgery is a safe and effective way to correct common vision problems and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is important to see an ophthalmologist who specialises in refractive surgery for a thorough evaluation and to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You will receive information about the different types of refractive eye surgery treatments, and this will help you make an informed decision about your best option.
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