Your Options for Eye Surgery

Five decades ago, eyeglasses remained to be the only way for correcting eye and vision problems. However, today, along with contact lenses, modern approaches are available. These modern approaches involve corrective eye surgery which can range from reshaping the eye surface through laser (PRK and LASIK) to surgically inserting artificial lenses to correct eyesight. More specifically, eye surgery usually involves one of the following:

Cataract treatment: This vision correction eye surgery involves the removal of the part of the natural lens which has become cloudy due to cataract and replaced with new lens implants. This procedure can partially restore a patient’s near vision, and can correct farsightedness and nearsightedness. Eye surgeons use multifocal IOLs for promising results.

Contact lens implants: Implanted lenses are similar to contact lenses, but made more permanent. Implanted lenses are considered best for advanced levels of nearsightedness.

PRK refractive surgery: Short for Photorefractive Keratectomy, PRK has been the first ever vision correction procedure, where a tissue is directly removed from the eye’s surface to alter the curvature of the cornea. Although PRK is still commonly used, this has been largely replaced by laser procedures.

LASIK: LASIK is ultimately just like PRK, only more modern. Short for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, this procedure involves creating a thin, hinged flap on the eye’s surface. This flap is then lifted and using a computer-guided laser, a calculated amount of tissue is removed from the interior layers of the cornea. Today, LASIK makes use of WaveFront technology where a detailed map of your eye is created for more precise procedures. Variations in this technology such as LASEK, Epi-LASIK, and All-Laser LASIK also exist.

Squint surgery: Strabismus or squint, commonly known as “lazy eye” cannot be corrected via surgical and non-surgical means. Eye surgery can correct this condition by re-aligning the eye muscles in such a way that satisfactory function and appearance is achieved. Refractive lenses, prisms, vision therapy, BOTOX or eye patching has also been used to alleviate this condition.

Refractive lens replacement surgery: This is a non-laser based eye surgery procedure, which is much like cataract surgery. However, while cataract removes the part of the eye that has grown cloudy, refractive lens replacement involves the removal of a clear natural lens and then replacing it with a lens with a different shape. This is usually done to manage or eliminate high levels of farsightedness.

Which eye surgery is right for you?

If you are suffering from farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism, there are now a wide range of treatment options for you to choose from. However, the kind of eye surgery you need will depend on a few factors. The eye surgery procedure that is good for one may not be good for another. For example, methods such as LASIK are ideal for younger adults, and might be appropriate for the aged. Children under the age of 18 are rarely considered for laser vision correction as their eyes can still change as their body matures. Those who have diabetes, heart conditions, or other chronic diseases may opt for PRK than LASIK. It is always best to consult with your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon before deciding on a course to take.