Four Astigmatism Surgical Options You Should Consider
Vision is enhanced and the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses is diminished after undergoing refractive surgery. By reshaping the cornea’s curves with a laser beam, the refractive error is corrected. Before deciding whether you are a candidate for refractive surgery, doctors will evaluate you. (6)
Refractive surgery can treat astigmatism in several ways:
LASIK is laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.
In this procedure, an eye surgeon constructs a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The cornea is sculpted with an excimer laser, and then the membrane is repositioned.
LASEK is laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.
Instead of producing a corneal flap, a special alcohol is used to loosen the cornea’s thin protective layer (epithelium). After using an excimer laser to curve the cornea, the flexible epithelium is repositioned.
PRK is photorefractive keratectomy.
Similar to LASEK, but the surgeon removes the epithelium instead. As the cornea regrows, a new form will emerge. Following surgical intervention, you may be required to wear a bandage contact lens for a few days.
The Epi-LASIK procedure
This is a sophisticated variation or application of LASEK. Instead of alcohol, the surgeon separates a thin layer of epithelium with a mechanised imprecise blade. Afterwards, the cornea is reshaped and modified with the aid of an excimer laser.
SMILE refers to small-incision lenticule excision.
In this more recent type of refractive surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea by generating a tissue lens (lenticule) beneath the surface. To remove the lenticule, a very tiny and clear incision is made. SMILE is presently authorised for the treatment of moderate myopia.
The removal of clear lenses and the implantation of contact lenses are additional forms of refractive surgery. After a thorough evaluation, you should discuss your options with your surgeon if you are contemplating refractive surgery.
