Refractive Surgery

About Refractive Surgery

Similar to the way a camera lens focuses an image onto a film, the cornea and the lens inside the eye bend incoming light rays, which focus them onto the retina. The retina receives the information, which is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. A refractive error occurs when the image formed on the retina is blurred. The three main types of refractive error are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. These can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or more permanent vision correction options.

PRK

PRK, or Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, is the original excimer laser treatment for refractive errors and is still one of the most effective and widely used procedures. This technique involves removing the top layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and an excimer laser is then applied to the exposed surface to sculpt the cornea. A contact lens is then placed on the eye to protect it during the healing process.

LASIK

Since about 1996 LASIK, or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, has become the most popular surgical method of correcting vision because of its rapid recovery. The LASIK procedure involves firstly creating a thin, circular flap of tissue on the cornea. The flap is then folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue and the laser remodels the exposed surface. The actual laser treatment only takes about 30 seconds. The flap is then re-positioned and allowed to settle for a few minutes and no stitches are required

Refractive or Clear Lens Exchange

Clear lens exchange (CLE) surgery may be an option for patients who are not suitable for laser surgery. CLE is the same as cataract surgery, which involves removing the natural lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial one (IOL). However, with CLE the lens is removed while it is still healthy and clear and has not developed a cataract. The aim of the procedure is to reduce the need for distance (and sometimes reading) glasses and provide clear, functional vision for your day-to-day activities.