Refractive Surgeries

Refractive surgeries are advanced medical procedures designed to correct common vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. These procedures reshape the cornea or replace the eye’s natural lens to improve light focusing on the retina, eliminating or reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. With millions of procedures performed annually, refractive surgeries are transformative for individuals seeking improved vision and quality of life.

What are Refractive Deiseases?

Refractive errors occur when the eye cannot properly focus light on the retina, leading to blurred vision. They are among the most common visual impairments worldwide.

Types of Refractive Errors

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty focusing on close objects.
Astigmatism: Distorted or blurred vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea.
Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.

The Role of Refractive Surgeries

Refractive surgeries work by modifying the eye’s focusing mechanism. By reshaping the cornea or implanting lenses, these procedures enhance the eye’s ability to direct light accurately onto the retina

Types of Refractive Surgeries

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):
- Procedure: A flap is created in the cornea, and the underlying tissue is reshaped using a laser.
- Benefits: Quick recovery, minimal discomfort.
- Risks: Dry eyes, glare, and halos.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
- Procedure: The cornea’s surface layer is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped.
- Benefits: Ideal for patients with thin corneas.
- Risks: Longer recovery compared to LASIK.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):
- Procedure: A laser creates a lenticule within the cornea, which is removed through a small incision.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, less dry eye risk.
- Risks: Limited availability.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy):
- Procedure: A thinner corneal flap is created and treated with a laser.
- Benefits: Suitable for patients with thin corneas.
- Risks: Longer healing time.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange):
- Procedure: The natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens.
- Benefits: Effective for presbyopia and severe refractive errors.
- Risks: Similar to cataract surgery.
Phakic IOLs (Implantable Lenses):
- Procedure: Lenses are implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens.
- Benefits: Reversible and suitable for high refractive errors.
- Risks: Potential for infection and cataract formation.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Refractive Surgeries

Persistent blurred vision.
Frequent eye strain or headaches.
Difficulty seeing distant or near objects.
Squinting to focus on objects.

Causes Leading to Refractive Surgeries

Genetic Factors: Family history of refractive errors.
Eye Injuries and Health Conditions: Trauma or conditions like keratoconus.
Aging: Natural decline in vision quality over time.

Diagnostic Procedures Before Refractive Surgeries

Comprehensive Eye Exam: Determines overall eye health.
Corneal Mapping: Assesses corneal shape and thickness.
Pupil Size Testing: Evaluates pupil response under different lighting conditions.

Risks and Contraindications of Refractive Surgeries

Risks:
- Dry eyes.
- Glare and halos.
- Over-correction or under-correction.
Contraindications:
- Severe dry eye syndrome.
- Unstable refractive errors.
- Autoimmune disorders.