Refractive errors can be treated with various surgical techniques. Most of the vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea. Some may require the replacement of the natural lens of the eye. Based on your eye examination, your eye doctor may recommend any of the following surgeries to improve your vision:
LASIK (Bladeless)
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis is a laser surgery useful in correcting vision abnormalities such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and/or astigmatism. During a LASIK surgery, a flap is made in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap provides access to the underlying tissue of the cornea, which is reshaped in order to make the cornea focus light onto the retina. The flap can be made using a blade or a laser beam. LASIK has been associated with faster recovery.
PRK
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser surgery useful in correcting mild-to-moderate near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and/or astigmatism. During PRK surgery, an excimer laser is passed over the corneal surface to reshape the cornea. Wavefront Technology may be used with PRK.
Implantable Collamer Lens
Implantable Collamer lens (ICL) surgery is useful in correcting refractive errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, by implanting a permanent biocompatible soft lens into your eyes. During the procedure, your doctor will inject the Collamer lens into your eye through a micro-opening. The lens will unfold and you will be able to experience an immediate improvement in the quality of vision.
Bioptics
Bioptics is a combination of two techniques, LASIK and lens implantation, which are used to correct extreme refractive errors. Your doctor may suggest bioptics if you have far-sightedness greater than +4 dpt or near-sightedness greater than -8 dpt. The first procedure involves creating a corneal flap and implantation of a lens in addition to your own lens. The second procedure of LASIK is performed around 6 weeks to 3 months after lens implantation. The flap created is lifted and the laser is used to make fine corrections to the refractive error.
