There are four types of refractive errors
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
For people with myopia, distant objects seem blurry, while nearby objects appear to be clearer. It happens because of the mismatch in focusing power and eye length.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
It is a common vision problem in which people see distant objects clearly, but objects nearby may seem blurry. This condition is also known as farsightedness.
Astigmatism
This happens when the cornea flattens or curves unevenly. It disrupts the focus of both near and distant vision. Many people suffer from a combination of myopia, hyperopia with astigmatism. hyperopia with astigmatism.
Presbyopia
It refers to long-sightedness caused by the loss of elasticity of the eye lens generally occurring in the middle and old age. It is also called the ‘Aging Eye’ condition.
Types of laser Refractive surgery
1. Surface laser treatments
There are three kinds of advanced surface ablation refractive surgery; PRK, Lasek and Epi Lasek. All of these techniques use an excimer laser to alter the shape of the cornea from the front surface. Advanced surface ablation does not involve creating a flap and preserves more tissue.
It can be an option for people with thin corneas
Useful for those having corneal scars
Useful for low levels of correction
Longer recovery
Can be discomforting
Before Lasik surgery was developed, surgeons performed photorefractive keratectomy or PRK. Photorefractive keratectomy is a first-generation laser refractive surgery where a manual instrument is used to remove the outer layer of your cornea, called the epithelium. Then, an excimer laser is used to reshape your cornea so that your vision is improved.
2. Lasik surgery
Lasik surgery involves creating a thin flap on the cornea (front clear glass-like dome of the eye) with a femtosecond laser or microkeratome. This exposes the underlying corneal tissue. Then, Lasik specialists use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea in a unique pattern for each patient. Post-surgery, light rays bend appropriately and focus on the sensitive film of the eye called the retina. The result is a sharper and clearer vision.
Blade Lasik surgery
Blade Lasik surgery, also known as traditional Lasik, uses a microkeratome blade to cut a flap into the cornea. Then, Lasik specialists lift the flap to allow lasers to reshape the cornea. The extreme sharpness of the microkeratome blade helps the corneal flap to fit back in place allowing the eyes to heal.
Blade vs Bladeless Lasik
Pros and cons of traditional Lasik (Blade Lasik)
The traditional method or blade Lasik is being performed for more than 30 years now
Cost effective
Pros and cons of bladeless Lasik (laser created flaps)
Laser created flaps are more predictable and have consistent thickness throughout
Offers the lowest risk for flap complications, including decreased risk of corneal abrasions
Good options for patients with thinner or more curved corneas
Rarely requires subsequent touch up surgery
3. ReLex SMILE surgery
During this eye surgery, surgeons do not make any flap and remove a thin layer of the cornea with a specialized and most advanced laser eye surgery system called SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). With advanced technology in place, laser operation for eyes is considered as the best option for treating all kinds of refractive errors.
4. Presbyond or laser blended vision
Presbyond laser blended vision is a treatment for people who have an age-related vision disorder, known as presbyopia. As we age, the natural lens of our eyes starts losing its flexibility. It results in the loss of our ability to near-focus.
Presbyond laser treatment is suitable for people suffering from presbyopia. It is primarily used to compensate for reading glasses, though it can also be combined with correction for refractive errors like shortsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Many patients above the age of forty consider going for presbyond laser blended vision while going for any laser vision correction.
Presbyond laser treatment procedure
Before starting with the treatment, the patients eyes are numbed using anaesthetic eye drops. A lid speculum is fitted to keep the eyes open and stop it from blinking. A vacuum ring is placed over your eye while a femtosecond laser creates a tiny corneal flap. Then, the flap is lifted, and the exposed cornea gets treated with the excimer laser. The flap is repositioned, and the procedure is repeated for the other eye.
Benefits of Presbyond laser treatment
Works like Lasik
Presbyond laser treatment is an advanced form of Lasik vision correction. It uses a well-established procedure with proven long term results.
Presbyond laser treatment is always tailor-made based on an individuals requirements
Minimally invasive and offers quick recovery:
People who have undergone presbyond laser treatment can experience clear vision within 48 hours after the procedure.