The Patient's Guide to Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery is a type of eye surgery that can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions occur when the shape of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is not perfectly round. This causes light to focus incorrectly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Refractive surgery can correct these vision problems by reshaping the cornea. This can be done with a laser or with a surgical blade. Laser refractive surgery is the most common type of refractive surgery and is typically performed using a technique called LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

There are two main types of refractive surgery:

Everything You Need To Know About LASIK: A Patient's Guide To Refractive Surgery

by Robert G. Lee

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• LASIK: LASIK is a type of laser refractive surgery that is performed using a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is then lifted and the laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery and is typically used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): PRK is a type of laser refractive surgery that is performed without creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the laser is used to directly reshape the surface of the cornea. PRK is typically used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Refractive surgery can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved vision: Refractive surgery can significantly improve vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
• Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses: After refractive surgery, many people are able to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Improved quality of life: Refractive surgery can improve quality of life by making it easier to perform everyday activities such as driving, reading, and playing sports.

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with refractive surgery. These risks include:

• Dry eyes: Refractive surgery can cause dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and may require treatment with artificial tears.
• Glare and halos: Refractive surgery can cause glare and halos around lights at night, which can be bothersome for some people.
• Undercorrection or overcorrection: Refractive surgery may not completely correct vision, or it may overcorrect vision, which can lead to the need for additional surgery.
• Infection: Refractive surgery can rarely lead to infection, which can be serious and may require treatment with antibiotics.

Before refractive surgery, you will need to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The exam will include a measurement of your vision, a dilated eye exam, and a corneal mapping.

You will also need to stop wearing contact lenses for at least a week before surgery. This is because contact lenses can change the shape of the cornea, which can affect the results of the surgery.

Refractive surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

During LASIK surgery, the surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is then lifted and the laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

During PRK surgery, the laser is used to directly reshape the surface of the cornea.

After refractive surgery, you will need to wear a protective eye shield for a few days. You will also need to use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.

Your vision will gradually improve over the next few weeks. Most people experience significant improvement in their vision within a few days of surgery.

You will need to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully after refractive surgery. This may include avoiding strenuous activity, not rubbing your eyes, and using artificial tears.

Refractive surgery can be a life-changing procedure for people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. The surgery can significantly improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

If you are considering refractive surgery, it is important to talk to your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of refractive surgery and help you decide if it is the right option for you.

Everything You Need To Know About LASIK: A Patient's Guide To Refractive Surgery

by Robert G. Lee

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1165 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	67 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE