What is Refractive Eye Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a transformative solution for individuals struggling with refractive errors, offering the possibility of clear vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses. At Centre for Sight, India, we specialise in various types of refractive eye surgeries. Our experienced team of ophthalmologists utilises state-of-the-art technology and aims to provide safe, precise, and effective results.

Refractive surgery procedures are often tailored to the patient’s unique vision needs. Through modern refractive surgery techniques such as SILK, Countoura Vision, LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and phakic IOL implants, patients can expect effective vision correction without dependence on corrective eyewear.

Types of Refractive Eye Surgery

At Centre for Sight, we offer different types of refractive eye surgeries. Here’s a look at the most common procedures we offer:

SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)

SILK is a laser eye surgery that creates a thin lenticule (disc) of tissue below the cornea’s surface, later removed through a small incision. A femtosecond laser creates microscopic bubbles within the cornea and then removes the corneal lenticule. This results in flattening your cornea, thus reducing or eliminating near-sightedness with and without astigmatism.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat myopia and astigmatism. It involves creating a small 2-3 mm incision in the cornea and removing a lenticule (a tiny disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue) to reshape the cornea and correct vision. SMILE is often preferred by patients looking for a procedure with fewer post-operative complications, such as dry eye, and a quicker recovery period.

Contoura Vision (Topography-Guided LASIK)

This advanced procedure takes LASIK one step further by using corneal topography the cornea’s surface. It can map up to 22,000 unique elevation points in each eye. Contoura Vision corrects refractive errors and minor corneal surface irregularities that can cause night vision or glare issues. This can give better results than traditional LASIK for many patients.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

What is LASIK eye surgery? It is one of the most well-known refractive eye surgeries. It’s a quick procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. During the procedure, a small 22mm flap is created in the cornea, and a laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue to improve how light enters the eye. LASIK is renowned for its fast recovery time, with most patients experiencing significantly improved vision within 24 to 48 hours. There are many benefits of LASIK surgery if you decide to go for it.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another popular option, especially for those with thinner corneas, which might make them ineligible for LASIK. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a flap in the cornea. Instead, the cornea’s outer layer is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser. While recovery from PRK may take slightly longer than LASIK, the results are just as effective. You can also compare LASIK, SMILE, and PRK to determine the best option for you.

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a vision correction procedure designed to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia) in individuals who are not good candidates for LASIK or other refractive surgeries. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, ICL surgery involves implanting a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. This lens works with the eye’s natural optics to focus light correctly onto the retina, correcting vision without altering the corneal shape.

Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants

For individuals with extreme cases of myopia or hyperopia, Phakic IOL implants are an ideal solution. These lenses are implanted in front of the natural lens and help correct higher degrees of refractive errors. Unlike other procedures, Phakic IOLs don’t require reshaping the cornea, making them a suitable alternative for patients who may not be good candidates for laser-based procedures.

Preparing for Refractive Eye Surgery

Preparing for refractive eye surgery is an essential step toward achieving clear vision. At Centre for Sight, we guide you through the process to ensure you are ready for surgery. Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your vision and determine the degree of your refractive errors. They will also evaluate your corneal thickness and overall eye health to ensure you’re a good candidate for the surgery.

For LASIK and other procedures, you’ll need to stop wearing contact lenses before surgery (typically 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the type of lenses). This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape, for better results during the procedure.

Who Is Eligible for LASIK Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most transformative procedures for vision correction, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here’s a look at the key eligibility criteria:

  • Age: Patients should be at least 18 years old, as vision should be stable by this age. Younger patients may still experience changes in their prescription, which could affect the results of the surgery.
  • Stable Vision: Your prescription must have remained stable for at least one year before surgery. If your vision is still changing, you may not be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
  • Good Eye Health: Candidates for LASIK should have healthy eyes. Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eyes can disqualify you from the surgery.
  • Corneal Thickness: A key factor in determining LASIK eligibility is sufficient corneal thickness. Patients with thin corneas may be better suited for procedures like PRK.
  • General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health and free from conditions that may affect the healing process, such as autoimmune disorders or diabetes.

If you do not meet the criteria for LASIK, other options like PRK, SMILE, ICL, or Phakic IOL implants may be recommended based on your individual needs.

What to Expect During and After Surgery

The day of your LASIK eye surgery is exciting, and you can expect a quick, painless procedure that takes around 15 minutes for both eyes. Here’s a brief overview of what happens:

  • Before the procedure: You’ll receive numbing eye drops to prevent discomfort during the surgery. You’ll remain awake but relaxed, and your surgeon will guide you through each step.
  • During the procedure: A small flap is created in the cornea (for LASIK), and a laser is used to reshape the tissue beneath it. The procedure itself takes just a few minutes per eye.
  • After the procedure: Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours. However, it’s essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities immediately after surgery. You may experience some mild discomfort, such as dryness or sensitivity to light, but this usually resolves within a few days. This is one of the most attractive benefits of LASIK surgery.

The recovery process for other procedures like PRK, SILK, or SMILE may differ slightly, with PRK requiring a bit more downtime due to the removal of the corneal surface layer. However, all these procedures ultimately result in better vision.

Why Choose Centre for Sight for LASIK?

At Centre for Sight, we pride ourselves on providing quality care and advanced technology in the field of refractive eye surgery. Our expert surgeons have years of experience performing SILK, LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and other vision correction procedures. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • State-of-the-art technology: We invest in the latest laser technologies to ensure the highest level of precision and safety for every patient.
  • Experienced surgeons: Our team has a wealth of experience performing LASIK and other refractive eye surgeries, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
  • Pioneers in Refractive Surgery: Everyone deserves a clear vision, which is why we offer different types of refractive eye surgeries – all under one roof.

FAQs

What are the five refractive errors?

The five common types of refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea or lens), presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects), and anisometropia (a condition where each eye has a different refractive power, leading to unequal focus between the two eyes).

Refractive errors are primarily caused by irregularities in the shape of the eye, which prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. This could be due to the length of the eyeball (too long or too short), changes in the shape of the cornea, or ageing of the lens, as in the case of presbyopia.

The best refractive eye surgery depends on the individual’s needs, eye health, and type of refractive error. SILK and SMILE are the most popular options for patients. However, PRK, ICL or Phakic IOLs may be more appropriate for patients with thin corneas or other special conditions. At Centre for Sight, our specialists will help determine the best option for you based on a comprehensive eye examination.

How to prevent refractive errors?

While some refractive errors, such as myopia or hyperopia, are often hereditary and cannot be entirely prevented, maintaining good eye health is essential. To minimise the risk of vision problems, avoid excessive eye strain, wear protective eyewear in harsh conditions, follow a healthy diet rich in vitamins A and C, and schedule regular eye check-ups.

To be eligible for LASIK eye surgery, you must be at least 18 years old, have had stable vision for at least a year, and have healthy eyes with no conditions such as glaucoma or severe dry eyes. Additionally, your corneal thickness will be evaluated for the procedure. Your general health will also be considered, as some conditions may affect healing. A detailed consultation at the Centre for Sight will help determine if LASIK is right for you.

Individuals with certain conditions may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. These include those with unstable vision, corneal diseases like keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eye syndrome, or autoimmune diseases. Pregnant or nursing women are also advised to postpone LASIK, as hormonal changes can affect vision stability. If you have any of these conditions, other alternatives may be considered.

What is Refractive Eye Surgery?

Lasik surgery