Refractive Surgery: Laser Vision Correction
Modern advances in ophthalmology have made it possible for many people to leave their glasses and contact lenses behind. Laser vision correction—often referred to simply as refractive surgery—is a safe, effective way to improve your eyesight by reshaping the cornea. In this post, we’ll explore what refractive surgery entails, how the laser procedure works, and who makes a good candidate for the treatment.
What Is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery is designed to correct common vision problems—such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism—by permanently altering the shape of the cornea. By doing so, light entering the eye focuses more precisely on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Lasers Reshape the Cornea
At the heart of laser vision correction is a highly specialized excimer laser. This laser emits a cool ultraviolet light that removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue with incredible precision. Depending on your prescription and corneal thickness, your surgeon will choose the most appropriate technique:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A thin flap is created in the cornea, folded back, and the laser reshapes the underlying tissue. The flap is then repositioned to heal naturally.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The outer layer of the cornea is gently removed and the laser reshapes the exposed tissue. A protective contact lens covers the eye during initial healing.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A small lenticule of corneal tissue is created and removed through a tiny incision, allowing the cornea to reshape itself.
Each procedure has its own advantages; your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your eye anatomy and lifestyle needs.
Determining Your Eligibility
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for laser vision correction. Before proceeding, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive evaluation that typically includes:
- Corneal Thickness Measurement: To ensure there’s enough tissue for safe reshaping.
- Refractive Stability: Your prescription should have been stable—without significant changes—for at least one year.
- Overall Eye Health: Screening for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or dry eye syndrome, which may affect results.
Only after these assessments confirm you’re a good candidate will your surgeon schedule the procedure. If you’re not eligible for laser correction, they may recommend alternative treatments such as phakic intraocular lenses (ICLs) or refractive lens exchange.
Is Laser Vision Correction Right for You?
If you’re tired of handling glasses or contact lenses, laser vision correction offers a life-changing opportunity to enjoy clear vision with minimal downtime. Recovery is typically quick—many patients return to work within a day or two—and most experience significant improvement in their vision almost immediately.