A Guide to the Different Types of Eyesight Surgery
Until about 20 years ago, eyesight surgery consisted of removing cataracts, removing lesions, and cornea transplants but with the development of corrective surgeries such as RK, PRK, LASIK, and others, millions of people have enjoyed improvement vision. Although these newer surgeries have proven highly successful, it is vital that a board certified surgeon do the work and that the person meet strict criteria. In addition, people need to be realistic about the results of this type of surgery, knowing that it is common for multiple corrective surgeries be performed and even then, perfection is seldom achieved.
On a good note, when corrective vision surgery is performed by a highly trained and skilled surgeon, the results can be incredible. With RK, PRK, LASIK, and similar surgeries, the curvature of the cornea is changed. With this, the way in which light enters the eye changes, which means vision changes. In most cases, a person could go into surgery seeing only blurred items but walk out with the ability to read road signs, clocks on the wall, books, etc without glasses or contact lenses.
The following are the various options for corrective eyesight surgery available today but again, anyone considering this type of surgery needs to work with a respected surgeon, one that can recommend the type of surgery that would be the safest and provide the best results.
- Radial Keratotomy (RK) – During the 1980s, this was the most popular method used, which involved up to 16 small spoke-like incisions made to help flatten the cornea. RK was designed to correct nearsightedness but it also caused glare and spoke lights at night. In addition, most people having RK experienced regression after 10 to 15 years. Today, RK is seldom used not because it is a bad surgery but because technology now offers more advanced options.
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) – Using a special laser, tissue is removed from the surface of the eye, which changes the curvature of the cornea. While used during the 1980s, it was not until 1985 it received FDA approval for use in the United States. While similar to LASIK, PRK has one primary advantage in that nerve regeneration appears to be faster.
- Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) – The most advanced method of corrective eyesight surgery is LASIK. With this, a thin hinged flap is made in the surface of the eye after which time laser energy is applied beneath to reshape the cornea. When done, the flap is replaced and the eye heals. The biggest advantage to LASIK is that the patient feels very little, if any discomfort immediately after surgery and within hours, vision is clear. As a part of LASIK, several different forms are used based on the person’s individual situation.
- Conductive Keratoplasty – For this type of vision corrective surgery, a small probe along with low heat radio waves are used to spots of the eye. This surgery is relatively noninvasive and designed to improve eyesight in people with farsightedness.
- Implantable Lenses – Approved by the FDA in 2004, this surgery involves lenses being implanted in the eye to treat severe cases of nearsightedness. Unlike cornea replacement, the natural lens is left in place.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – For this eyesight surgery, people with cataracts can achieve clear vision with the natural lens being removed and in its place, an artificial lens being implanted.
- Cataract Surgery – Finally, this type of eyesight surgery has been used in a variety of different forms for a long time. For individuals with cataracts, a new lens is implanted, which provides incredible results for people who are nearsighted and farsighted.