Refractive Eye Surgery

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. According to the National Eye Institute, about 150 million people have some form of refractive error. 

What are Refractive Errors? 

Sharp vision depends in part on how efficiently the lens and cornea focus light on the retina. Refractive errors develop when the shape of the cornea interferes with how light is directed. For example, the cornea may be too flat or too round. Some refractive errors develop in childhood, while others are more common in people over 40.

Common types of refractive errors include:

• Nearsightedness: People that are nearsighted can see close objects. But images in the distance are harder to see and may appear blurred.
• Farsightedness: Farsightedness involves the opposite. Objects in the distance are clear, but up-close images are blurry.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia develops most often as people age. It is a type of farsightedness that is caused by loss of elasticity of the lens.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism causes blurry vision at a distance. 

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Types of Refractive Eye Surgery 

Fortunately, refractive errors are often easily corrected with surgery. Different procedures are available, including:  

LASIK 
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed refractive eye surgeries. LASIK surgery consists of using a laser to reshape the cornea. Different techniques are used during LASIK surgery. One frequent method involves creating a flap in the cornea and raising it up prior to reshaping the cornea. 

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK is a procedure that reshapes the cornea using a laser. But it does so differently than LASIK surgery. The laser used delivers pulsating light, which is directed on the surface of the cornea to remove the outermost layer of the cornea. A technology called Ladarvision Excimer Laser System is then used to reshape the cornea to create the correction for your specific vision problem. People that have thin corneas may not be appropriate candidates for LASIK, and PRK surgery may be a good option.

Implantable Collamer Lenses
Implantable collamer lenses are similar to contact lenses in that they correct vision. But instead of wearing the lens on the surface of the eye, they are implanted to permanently correct vision.

Clear Lens Extraction
Clear lens extraction involves the removal of the lens in the eye. It is performed similarly to cataract surgery. The replacement intraocular lens is selected depending on a person’s vision problems and lifestyle. It is most commonly performed in people that have vision changes due to the natural aging process of the eye.

Refractive eye surgery is usually effective and safe. Side effects can develop, but they are usually temporary. Side effects also depend on the exact procedure.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, possible side effects include:

• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort
• Dryness  

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Which Procedure is Right for You? 

Your eye doctor will help you determine if you are a good candidate for refractive eye surgery. Not every procedure is appropriate for everyone. But good candidates are typically free of eye disease, want to decrease dependency on glasses or contacts, and have an appropriate refractive error.
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Factors that may play a role in determining which procedure is right for you include:

Cost: Some types of procedures may be covered by your insurance provider. Before deciding what procedure is best, talk with your insurance company to determine coverage.

Type of refractive error: Some types of refractive errors are best treated with certain procedures. Your eye surgeon will explain what options work best for your vision problem.

The thickness of the cornea: If your cornea is too thin, you may not be an appropriate candidate for all types of procedures. The good news is there are options that may work.

Lifestyle: Your lifestyle may also play a role in what type of refractive surgery is your best bet.

One procedure is not “best” for everyone. Your eye doctor will help you decide what procedure is most appropriate after an eye exam. If you have any questions about refractive eye surgery, we are happy to help.  Also, if you would like to schedule an exam with one of our eye doctors, please phone us at 508-746-8600. 
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