Refractive eye surgery is immensely beneficial in rectification of ocular refractive errors and reducing dependence of eye glasses and contact lenses. It has established success rates in diminishing refractive error issues like myopia – nearsighted vision, astigmatism – corneal elongation, hyperopia – farsighted vision among several others.
The remedy encompasses 4 forms of refractive eye surgery methods, namely:
- Corneal incision.
- Flap and photoablation.
- Implants.
- Thermal methods.
In present times, current technology facilitates usage of laser for corneal re-shaping.
In flap method, the doctor incises a small flap in the cornea for re-shaping the tissue beneath and rectifying refractive error.
Lasik or Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis are popularly chosen in the area of refractive surgery and treats astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia. Firstly, an Intralase (microkeratome) is employed for moving the flap away from the stroma. Subsequently, an excimer laser is used for removal of surfeit corneal tissue and solely afterwards is the flap replaced.
The ideal entrants for Lasik surgery are those individuals having flattish or thin corneas. During the procedure, a tiny trephine razor incises into the epithelium at the same time as a mild-ranging alcohol mix would assist in smoothening out its borders. Excimer laser would assist in removal of surplus corneal tissues and the procedure concluded by reinstating the flap.
Epi-LASIK procedure is analogous to LASEK however comprises of incising the epithelium and epikeratome deployed as a substitute for alcohol solution and razor.
The second phase in flap methods is photoablation as it is used UV or ultraviolet radiation for removal of surfeit corneal tissue. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the innovative laser eye surgery method used.
This intercession makes use of local anesthetic ocular drops for de-sensitizing the eye after which corneal re-shaping is conducted. Excimer laser is a computer-controlled UV light shaft that causes no harm to adjoining eye areas.
Arcuate and Radial Keratotomy procedures are corneal opening methods which change the corneal surface to rectify refractive errors.
Radial Keratotomy or RK – During this method corneal incision in the shape of a spoke is done using a diamond blade for myopia treatment.
Arcuate keratotomy – Quite alike radial keratotomy except that the parallel slits are done on the corneal edges using diamond blade.
Thermal Keratoplasty method uses heat in a band of eight to sixteen small-sized scorches around the pupil area to rectify farsighted vision or transitory hyperopic refractive errors. The thermal method aids in causing contractions that steepen the cornea.
Thermal keratoplasty includes LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty) using holmium laser and CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) using elevated-frequency electrical prods.
ICL or implantable contact lenses when placed in the cornea via tiny slits help in curing refractive error problems. ICL placed at the rear of the cornea helps to refocus light and offers an innate image.
