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Refractive correction
Refractive correction refers to the process to adjust or correct vision impairments caused by the eye’s inability to properly focus light on the retina. This adjustment compensates for refractive errors—such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Types Of Refractive Correction
- LASIK - Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
- ICL - Implantable Collamer Lens
- RLE - Refractive Lens Exchange
Lasik
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive eye surgery designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused onto the retina, leading to clearer vision.
Symptoms
- Blurry Vision
- Frequent Use of Glasses or Contact Lenses
- Eyestrain
- Difficulty with Night Vision
Diagnosis
Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes assessing visual acuity, eye health, and overall suitability for LASIK.
- Corneal Topography: Maps the surface of your cornea to measure its shape and thickness. This helps in planning the precise correction needed.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea to ensure it is thick enough for the procedure.
- Refraction Test: Determines the exact prescription needed to correct your vision.
- Measurement of Eye Pressure: Ensures that the eye pressure is normal and that you are not at risk for glaucoma.
Prevention of Complications
- LASIK is generally safe, but potential complications include dry eyes, glare, halos, or under-correction. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending follow-up visits can help minimize these risks.
- Routine Eye Exams: Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the health of your eyes and the results of the LASIK procedure.
- Eye Protection: Protect your eyes from injury and avoid rubbing them, especially in the early post-operative period.
- Manage Dry Eyes: If you experience dry eyes, use lubricating eye drops as recommended
Treatment
The LASIK procedure involves
- Creating a thin flap in the cornea
- Using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue
- Repositioning the flap.
| TYPE OF LASIK | PROCEDURE | ADVANTAGE | RECOVERY |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPI-LASIK | This technique involves creating a thin epithelial flap on the cornea's surface using a special device. Then a laser is used to remodel the underlying corneal tissue. | Minimal disruption to the corneal structure; often preferred for patients with thin corneas. | Typically involves a longer healing period compared to traditional LASIK |
| SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) | SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule (a disc-shaped piece of tissue) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. The cornea is reshaped in this way to improve eyesight. | Less invasive without the need for a corneal flap, potentially reducing the risk of flap-related complications. | Usually involves a faster recovery time |
| Femto-LASIK | This advanced form of LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, rather than a microkeratome. An excimer laser is then used to remodel the corneal tissue underneath. | Offers greater precision in flap creation and can improve safety and outcomes. | Generally provides a quick recovery and high visual outcomes, with reduced risk of flap complications |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Suitable candidates generally have stable vision, are at least 18 years old, have healthy eyes, and have no contraindicating medical conditions. An eye care professional can determine your candidacy through a comprehensive eye exam.
Benefits include reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses, quick recovery time, and the potential for significantly improved vision.
LASIK is often considered an elective procedure and may not be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider and discuss payment options with your LASIK center.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
What is ICL?
ICL involves implanting a special lens inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct vision. Unlike other refractive surgeries like LASIK, ICL is reversible and can be a suitable option for patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to high prescriptions or thin corneas.
Diagnosis Procedure
Before undergoing ICL surgery, a thorough eye examination is required, including
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
- Corneal Topography: Maps the corneal surface to determine its shape and thickness.
- A-scan Biometry: Measures the eye’s internal dimensions to calculate the correct lens power.
- Pupil Size Measurement: Assesses pupil size under different lighting conditions.
- Overall Eye Health Evaluation: Ensures there are no underlying conditions that could affect surgery outcomes.
Treatment
ICL is a surgical procedure, and the treatment process includes
- Preoperative Consultation: Detailed eye exam and discussions about expectations and potential risks.
- Surgical Procedure: Performed under local anesthesia, the ICL is inserted through a small incision. The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes.
- Postoperative Care: Includes using prescribed eye drops, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision.
Potential Complications
While ICL is generally safe, potential complications can include
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection.
- Increased Intraocular Pressure: Rarely, ICL can lead to increased eye pressure, which requires monitoring.
- Lens Dislocation: The lens may shift or become misaligned, requiring further intervention.
- Cataracts: In some cases, ICL may contribute to cataract development over time.
ICL can be a highly effective solution for vision correction, especially for those not suited for LASIK. A thorough evaluation and discussion with an experienced ophthalmologist will help determine if ICL is the right choice for your visual needs and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are over 21 years old (or older).
- Have stable vision for at least one year.
- Have moderate to severe myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
- Have healthy eyes with no underlying conditions that could affect the outcome.
Candidates for ICL surgery typically
A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist will determine if ICL is suitable for you.
- ICLs are designed to be a long-term solution for vision correction. They are made from durable materials and can remain in the eye for many years. However, they can be removed or replaced if necessary.
- Dry eye syndrome does not typically disqualify someone from ICL surgery, but it must be managed beforehand. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your condition and may recommend treatments for dry eyes prior to surgery.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Lens Replacement Surgery, is a procedure used to correct significant refractive errors by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
This procedure is often recommended for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK, typically due to high refractive errors or presbyopia.
Symptoms
The symptoms that might indicate a need for RLE include
- Blurry Vision: Difficulty focusing on both near and far objects.
- Significant Refractive Errors: High myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of near vision, commonly starting in the mid-40s.
- Vision Disturbances: Issues such as halos, glare, or reduced contrast sensitivity.
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnosis for RLE involves:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes visual acuity tests to measure how well you see at different distances.
- Refractive Error Measurement: Determines the degree of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Corneal Topography: Maps the curvature of the cornea to assess its shape.
- A-scan Biometry: Measures the eye’s internal dimensions to calculate the appropriate lens power.
- Assessment for Presbyopia: Evaluates how well you can focus on near objects.
Treatment
RLE involves several steps
- Preoperative Evaluation: Thorough eye examination and discussion of surgical options and expected outcomes.
- Surgical Procedure: Performed under local anesthesia, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial IOL. The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes per eye.
- Postoperative Care: Includes using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are over 40 years old and are experiencing presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision).
- Have significant refractive errors that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Are seeking a more permanent solution to vision correction.
- Have healthy eyes with no signs of eye disease other than refractive errors.
Candidates for RLE typically include individuals who
- RLE involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial lens, while LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve vision.
- RLE is generally recommended for individuals with presbyopia or significant refractive errors who may not be suitable for LASIK.
- RLE is also an option for those with thin corneas or other conditions that make LASIK less effective or safe.
- Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at one distance (usually far) and may require reading glasses for near tasks.
- Multifocal IOLs: Allow for clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), reducing the need for glasses.
- Accommodative IOLs: Designed to move within the eye to provide a range of vision, similar to the natural lens.
- Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism in addition to nearsightedness or farsightedness.
