When it comes to cosmetic surgery, one of the most popular options is refractive surgery. This type of surgery changes the shape of your eyes by altering the angle at which light enters your eye. Various types of refractive surgery are available, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of refractive surgery and their respective benefits and drawbacks. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what refractive surgery is and which option is best for you.
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What Is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery is a type of medical procedure that helps people with Near Point of Curvature (NPC) and other vision conditions see more clearly. The surgery changes the shape of the eye’s lens, which can improve your vision.
People use refractive surgery to improve their vision in several ways:
If you have a Near Point of Curvature (NPC), your eye’s lens is too curved. Refractive surgery can reshape the lens so that it focuses images on the back of your retina instead of on the front. This can help you see better.
If you have astigmatism, your eyes are mismatched in their ability to focus light. Refractive surgery can change the shape of your lens to match the curvature of your eye’s surface. This can improve your vision.
If you have presbyopia or age-related vision decline, your eyesight starts to decline gradually as you get older. Refractive surgery can help refocus your lenses so that they magnify small images correctly, which may improve your vision.
Types of Refractive Surgery
There are three main types of refractive surgery. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at each type:
LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to remove the cornea and reshape the surface of the eye. It is one of the most popular forms of eye surgery, with nearly two million procedures performed each year.
The main benefits of LASIK include improved vision quality and reduced dependency on glasses or contacts. Patients typically see an improvement in their vision within days after the procedure, with most seeing full resolution within a week. Additionally, LASIK is considered to be relatively safe, with no long-term side effects associated with it.
Patients who suffer from severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, as well as those who have had unsuccessful attempts at other types of refractive surgery (like PRK or LASEK). Additionally, patients with dry eyes are generally better candidates for LASIK than those with more common ocular conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
During LASIK surgery, the surgeon first measures your eye’s Refractive Error (RE), which is your current optical power minus your desired optical power. Next, they use a laser to remove the low-quality layer of your cornea using a tiny blade called an excimer laser. This removes the obstruction to your sight and allows the surgeon to reshape the cornea using a custom-made laser instrument.
The surgery is then completed by replacing the removed cornea with a new, artificial one. The entire process usually takes around 20 minutes, and patients are typically back at work within a few days.
PRK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of refractive surgery that uses beams of light to reshape the cornea. The surgery is done using a computer-generated image of the patient’s eye. PRK can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
PRK is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small incision in the eye. The laser is shone directly onto the surface of the cornea, and the reshaping procedure is then performed. PRK is usually completed within an hour, and patients usually recover without any pain or any need for medication.
The working of PRK is based on the idea that light has a natural ability to reshape objects. When the laser light shines onto the eye, it stimulates a process called photo-elasticity. This causes the cornea to change shape and become more accurate in its focus.
SMILE
SMILE is a type of refractive surgery that uses tiny surgical scissors to trim your cornea – the clear front part of your eye. This procedure is less invasive than LASIK and PRK, and it can be done as an outpatient procedure. However, SMILE doesn’t offer any immediate visual benefits (unlike those of LASIK and PRK). Additionally, SMILE results in a more noticeable blurring of your vision – so it may not be ideal for people who are looking for a discreet refractive surgery option.
If you’re considering refractive surgery, be sure to speak with a qualified eye doctor to learn more about the different options available.
RGP
Refractive glaucoma therapy is a type of refractive surgery that uses drops to lower pressure inside your eyes. Over time, this reduced pressure can result in improved vision without having to undergo surgery. RGP is less popular than LASIK and PRK because it doesn’t offer any immediate visual benefits (unlike those of LASIK and PRK). However, RGP results in a more natural appearance, so it may be preferred by some patients over other types of refractive surgery.
Factors Determining Selection From Types of Refractive Surgery
The type of refractive surgery that a patient should undergo is determined by certain factors. Some of these are:
Patient’s Age
One of the most common factors that are considered when determining which type of refractive surgery is best for a patient is their age. Generally, patients must be at least 18 years of age to undergo refractive surgery but some procedures may be available to those as young as 16. Also, the available types of refractive surgery will vary depending on the age of the patient, as certain procedures may not be recommended for those over a certain age.
Cost
An important factor to consider when determining the type of refractive surgery is the cost. Different procedures carry different costs, and therefore patients need to be aware of their budget when selecting a procedure. In some cases, insurance companies may cover certain types of refractive surgery but patients need to check with their provider before having any procedure done.
Eye Prescription
The strength or potency of a patient’s eye prescription will also determine which type of refractive surgery they should undergo. Typically, those with weaker prescriptions can opt for more conservative treatments such as LASIK while those with higher prescriptions may require more extensive treatments like PRK.
General Health
Finally, a patient’s overall health and underlying medical conditions can affect which type of refractive surgery is recommended for them. For example, some surgeries are better suited to those who have dry eyes while others may be best avoided if the patient has diabetes or is pregnant.
In summary, the type of refractive surgery recommended for a patient will depend on a variety of factors including their age, eye prescription, and overall health. It is important to discuss these with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision about which procedure is best for you.
Conclusion
Refractive surgery is an effective way to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other focusing problems. It can help improve your vision and reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Each type of refractive surgery has its benefits and risks, so it’s important to talk with your eye doctor about what is best for you. With the right procedure, you may be able to enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts.
No matter what type of refractive surgery you decide on, make sure you do all the research necessary before making a decision. Consult with a qualified ophthalmologist who specializes in Refractive Surgery to help decide which option would work best for your specific needs.
Lasik surgery is a safe 10-minute procedure to help you get rid of glasses. MantraCare offers the most advanced LASIK options. If you have any questions on LASIK surgery feel free to reach out to us at +91-9711116605.