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Refractive Surgery
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Refractive surgical procedures include those procedures designed to reduce problems with vision, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All refractive procedures are intended to reduce your dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. With their ability to improve your vision and lifestyle, refractive surgery is considered one of the most exciting and advanced areas of ophthalmology today.
The type of refractive surgery best suited for your needs depends on various factors such as:
• the type of refractive error you suffer from
• the degree of the problem
• your general health
• your age
• your expectations
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Common refractive surgery procedures include:
• LASIK surgery
• Epithelial-LASIK (or EPI-LASIK)
• Advanced surface ablation (ASA). This includes procedures known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK)
• Conductive keratoplasty (CK)
• Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs)
LASIK
LASIK is a laser procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In a LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist will use a highly specialized instrument to make a thin flap in the cornea. The excimer laser is applied beneath the corneal flap. The flap is then replaced and allowed to heal. No stitches are necessary. LASIK results in nearly instantly improved vision.
Epi- LASIK
Epi-LASIK (Epithelial LASIK) is a refractive surgery procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Epi-LASIK is very much like LASIK, except that Epi-LASIK is used for patients with thin corneas who would not otherwise be candidates for the conventional LASIK procedure.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)
Advanced surface ablation (ASA) is a refractive surgery technique used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. With ASA, the outermost layer of the cornea is removed to expose the middle layer. A computer-controlled excimer laser then reshapes the front surface of that layer. The outer cornea layer is then either replaced or assisted in healing back over the surface of the cornea underneath a bandage contact lens. ASA is usually recommended instead of LASIK for people with thin corneas. ASA procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
CK is a non-invasive, refractive surgical procedure used to correct mild to moderate farsightedness in people over age 40. With CK, your ophthalmologist uses a tiny probe that releases controlled amounts of radio frequency energy, instead of a laser, to apply heat to the peripheral portion of the cornea. The heat then causes the peripheral cornea to shrink and tighten. This increases the curvature of the central cornea, and the optical power of the central cornea, thus improving vision.
Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Phakic IOLs are designed for those people with high degrees of refractive errors which cannot be safely corrected with more traditional refractive surgery. The phakic IOL, sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens, is surgically implanted inside the eye in front of the eye's natural lens. The eye's natural lens is not removed, so patients can retain their ability to focus.
Which Method Is Best for Me?
There is no one best method for correcting refractive vision errors. Rather, everyone's needs, expectations, degree of problem, and concern for reversibility are factors to be considered in deciding which refractive surgery is best for you. You should discuss your these issues with your ophthalmologist to determine what procedure would be best for your individual needs and lifestyle.
Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?
You might be a good candidate for refractive surgery refractive surgery if you:
• Wish to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Are free of eye disease
• Can accept the inherent risks and potential side effects of the procedure
• Have realistic expectations
• Have the appropriate refractive error
The best candidate for LASIK is an individual who desires to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, is willing to accept the risks of the procedure, has a lifestyle that would allow for LASIK, and understands that a follow-up enhancement procedure may sometimes be required.
Important facts
More than 95 percent of people who have had refractive surgery can pass a standard driver's license exam that requires vision of at least 20/40 without glasses or contacts.
Reading glasses may still be necessary for middle-aged and older adults because refractive surgery does not alter the aging process of the eye.
If you have specific occupational goals, you should check with your employer about regulations or policies concerning refractive surgery
If you have any questions about what refractive surgery can do for you, please call or email Dr. Anderson Penno at Western Eye Associates today to schedule your free consultation.
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