Although they are efficient alternatives, using glasses or contact lenses is not the only way to treat myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Another possibility is refractive surgery, an effective procedure that does not require using these accessories. Do you know how it is performed? Do you know the different techniques? Do you know when it is indicated? We recommend reading this post if you answered one of these questions negatively. Next, we will explain everything about it.
What Is Refractive Surgery?
It is a surgical procedure aiming to correct refractive errors in the eyes. As a result, the patient’s vision is restored, eliminating the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The bending and spreading of light from one medium to another is still referred to as refraction. When there is a refractive error, this deviation is altered, and the focus point no longer focuses on the retina, distorting the images we see.
Types Of Surgeries
With technological advances, new techniques have emerged for performing refractive surgery. Below, learn about the main aspects of each procedure and lasik eye surgery cost:
PRK laser: this technique consists of scraping and applying the PRK laser directly to the curvature of the corneal membrane;
LASIK laser: in this procedure, the ophthalmologist makes an opening in the eye’s lamella for the passage of the LASIK laser, correcting the patient’s ocular degree;
SMILE: technique in which a high-precision femtosecond laser is applied from a small incision;
Intraocular lens: consists of the surgical implantation of a lens inside the eye. The technique is more suitable for those who cannot perform laser surgery and those with a thinner corneal curvature or a high degree of myopia or astigmatism.
When Is It Indicated?
Refractive surgery is indicated for people with myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism who no longer wish to wear glasses or contact lenses. In addition, the patient must be over 18 years old, as grade stabilization begins to occur at this age. Furthermore, it is not recommended for anyone with any type of medical contraindication, such as diseases that affect wound healing and surgical recovery, cardiovascular problems, autoimmune pathologies, irregular astigmatism, large pupils, or excessively thin corneas.
How Is It Performed?
The procedure depends on the type of technique that will be used. The main difference from the LASIK method is the creation of a small flap (raising a thin layer on the cornea) for laser application. In the case of the SMILE technique, the procedure is done in a single step, applying the laser to create a lens on the inner part of the cornea and making an incision of up to 4 mm on the surface, changing the shape of the cornea. On the other hand, the intraocular lens does not use a laser, being surgically inserted between the eyes. Generally speaking, refractive surgery is effective and painless and can take up to 10 minutes for both eyes. Recovery is fast, and patients can resume their activities within three days after surgery. Finally, refractive surgery with kraff eye institute for example is an intervention recognized for its excellent results and safety. Patients regain their visual acuity without the need for accessories.
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