Refractive Surgery

There are three options for people with refractive errors to get clear vision – Spectacles ,
Contact lenses or Refractive surgeries. Refractive surgery is a surgical / laser procedure
used to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by making the light rays get
focused on the retina. There are many different types of surgical procedures available.

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1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

  • A laser is used to reshape the cornea after making a thin flap which is replaced at the end of the procedure
  • LASIK can correct near sightedness (myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia) and also astigmatism.
  • The advantage is that the visual recovery is fast and patient has only a minimal discomfort. It is widely performed and one of the well studied procedure
  • The disadvantage is that a flap is created which is not ideal for people with thin cornea. It can cause or aggravate dry eyes in some patients.
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2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

  • The superficial layer of the cornea is removed, followed by reshaping of the cornea using Laser. No flap is created.
  • Like LASIK, PRK can correct near sightedness (myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
  • The advantage is that it can be performed in people with thinner cornea and there is no flap related complications.
  • The disadvantage is that it can cause more discomfort to the patient lasting for few days and the recovery is slower compared to LASIK

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

A tiny incision is made in the cornea and the laser removes a small portion of the corneal tissue to correct far sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

This is relatively a newer procedure and advantage is that it requires smaller incision than LASIK and causes less impact on corneal strength. The chances of the dry eye is also much less compared to LASIK.

The disadvantage is that it cannot be used for near sightedness and enhancement options are limited compared to LASIK.

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4. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

  • This is a surgical procedure wherein a suitable lens is implanted inside the eye. No corneal reshaping is done.
  • It is useful in moderate and high myopia and also for astigmatism.
  • It is a reversible procedure and even high myopic errors can be corrected unlike LASIK or PRK.
  • Medicines to stimulate tear secretion
  • The disadvantage is that it is a surgical procedure unlike LASIK and PRK

5. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

The eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, similar to cataract surgery. It is for older adults and a permanent procedure. With the availability of advanced premium intraocular lenses, vision can be restored for all distances.

Who is generally NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery ?

These are common exclusion or caution groups but the final decision will be made only after thorough history, complete eye examination and corneal tomography.

1. Age & Vision Stability

  • Under 18 years old
    Eyes are still developing, so the refractive error can progress after the laser procedure
  • Unstable prescription
    If your glasses/contact lens prescription has changed significantly in the last 1–2 years.

    • 2. Corneal Issues

  • Thin corneas (especially for LASIK)
  • Keratoconus or other corneal weakening disorders
  • Irregular corneal shape or scarring
    • PRK and ICL can still be considered in some of the patients with above conditions but not always

    3. Eye Health Conditions

  • Severe dry eye disease
  • Glaucoma that is poorly controlled
  • Active eye infections or inflammation
  • Certain types of Retinal diseases
    • Our Treatment

    Call: (+91) 044-23774676

    Clinic Hours

    Mon - Sat: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Sunday: Closed

    Location

    Virugambakkam, Chennai - 600092