Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery addresses vision issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These procedures reshape the cornea or involve implanting artificial lenses to correct the eye’s focusing ability. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most common technique, where a laser reshapes the cornea for clearer vision.

• For nearsightedness, surgery flattens a steep cornea, shifting the focus from in front of the retina to directly on it.
• For farsightedness, surgery steepens a flat cornea to improve focus.
• For astigmatism, irregular areas of the cornea are reshaped to focus light evenly on the retina.

Who is a Candidate?

Refractive surgery may be suitable if you:

• Want to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses,
• Have healthy eyes free from disease,
• Understand the risks and potential need for glasses post-surgery,
• Have an appropriate refractive error.

A thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist will help determine the most suitable procedure for your needs.

Refractive Surgery Options

1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):

• Removes surface cells on the cornea before using a laser to reshape it.
• Unlike LASIK, no corneal flap is created, making it suitable for patients with thin corneas.
• Recovery is slower, often taking 7–14 days, with mild to moderate discomfort initially.

2. Femto LASIK:

• A blade-free LASIK procedure using a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a microkeratome blade.
• Provides greater precision, safety, and customization for the patient’s eye shape.
• Offers faster recovery and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional LASIK.

4. Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Phakic IOLs):

• Implanted lenses designed for individuals with severe refractive errors not suitable for corneal-based procedures.
• Positioned inside the eye, either in front of or behind the iris, while keeping the natural lens intact.
• Delivers highly precise vision correction by directing light accurately onto the retina.

5. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

• Replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, similar to cataract surgery.
• Frequently used for severe farsightedness or early-stage cataracts.
• ُTrifocal or EDOF  lenses enable focusing at various distances.

What to Consider ?

Refractive surgery techniques vary, and there is no universally “best” method. The ideal procedure depends on your refractive error, eye health, and lifestyle needs. Consulting with your ophthalmologist is essential to evaluate your options and choose the best approach for achieving clear, comfortable vision.