Refractive surgery

What is refractive surgery?

Do you have poor vision for far or near or astigmatism?

Refractive surgery is the ideal solution to correct your vision and reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. There are several related techniques, such as laser surgery, which will depend on the initial evaluation.

Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct certain vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Its goal is to change the way light enters the eye, which can improve the quality of vision.

It is recommended for people who have vision problems and want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses. However, not everyone is a candidate for this surgery. The ideal candidate should have stable vision for at least one year prior to the surgery, not have serious eye diseases, and have a suitable cornea for the procedure.

There are several techniques for refractive surgery, including laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), implantation of a phakic intraocular lens (IOL), and refractive lens exchange (RLE).

LASIK is the most commonly used technique and involves creating a flap with a femtosecond laser and then using another laser to reshape the cornea. PRK involves removing a layer of cells on the surface of the cornea without creating a flap before using the laser to reshape the cornea. Phakic IOL implantation involves placing a lens in front of the natural lens and is suitable for patients with high myopia, presbyopia, or those who are not candidates for the previously mentioned techniques. On the other hand, refractive lens exchange involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens and is indicated for patients over 55 years old.

Refractive surgery may have some risks, such as infection, dry eyes, halos around lights, and changes in night vision. However, these risks are generally low, and most people experience significant improvement in their vision after surgery.

The benefits of refractive surgery include improved vision quality, reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses, and increased comfort in daily activities. Additionally, refractive surgery can be a more cost-effective option in the long run compared to the ongoing expenses of glasses replacement.

In conclusion, refractive surgery is a surgical procedure that can improve vision quality and reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses for some individuals. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine if it is the right option for you.

Duration

15 a 30 min

Anesthesia

Topical anesthesia.

Recovery

Recovery period of 5 to 8 days.

Recommendations

Resume your daily activities within a few days. Immediate results can be seen. Not all patients are suitable for laser surgery, preliminary studies must be conducted.

Contact

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