Vision Correction Surgery
This topic will help you understand vision correction and how to prepare for it.
What is vision correction?
This procedure is known as refractive surgery or vision correction surgery, and it is used to correct refractive errors and eliminate the patient’s need for lenses or glasses.
- There are several types of refractive errorsthat can be corrected, which are:
- Nearsightedness: A condition where distant objects are difficult to see, while near objects appear very clear.
- Farsightedness: A condition wheredistant objects are seenbetter than close ones.
- Astigmatism: A condition that can occur concurrently with nearsightedness or farsightedness, leading to blurry vision.
Presbyopia: This differs from the other types because it naturally occurs with age. After the age of forty, the lens begins to lose its ability to accommodate, and reading glasses are usually recommended.
When is vision correction performed?
- The type of vision correction surgery depends on several factors, including the health of the eye, age, and lifestyle. There are two main types:
- 1- Laser Eye Surgery: A laser is used to reshape the front surface (cornea) of the eye to allow the patient to focus better. It is commonly used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and is usually suitable for individuals over 18 years of age. Laser eye surgery is divided into three categories:
- LASIK: Uses two lasers; one to create a thin flap on the cornea and another to reshape the cornea underneath.
- A procedure involving a small incision to repair the cornea through it.
- Surface Laser Treatments: The transparent skin covering the cornea is removed, allowing the surgeon to reshape the cornea with a laser.
- 2- Lens Surgery: Typically used for older adults or young people unable to undergo laser surgery due to health reasons such as cataracts or astigmatism. There are two types:
- Phakic intraocular lenses, where artificial lenses are placed in the eye without removing the natural lens, suitable for young people who cannot undergo laser surgery.
Refractive lens exchange, where the surgeon makes a small incision on the surface of the eye to insert a new lens. This is very suitable for older adults.
How do you prepare for vision correction?
- By visiting the doctor for examinations, the doctor will determine the best procedure for vision correction and will prescribe the following steps for the patient:
- Before surgery, stop wearing contact lensesfor several weeks, as continuous wearcan alter the cornea’s shape,potentially affecting previously taken measurements.
- Ensure that your medical history is accurate, including no past eye diseases or infections, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Avoid using any products around the eyes for 24 hours prior to the procedure. This includes makeup, eye creams, and perfumes.
- Inform the doctor about the medications you are taking.
