Eye surgery refers to surgical procedures that involve the eyes. These procedures help correct refractive errors. They can reduce or even end the need for contact lenses or eyeglasses. Read on to find out about some common types of eye surgery that can improve your vision.
Eye surgery
Refractive and laser eye surgery, also known as vision correction surgery, refers to surgical procedures used to correct or fix vision problems. The most common types of vision correction surgeries are corneal modification procedures. The cornea is the front part of the eye that helps bend light rays as they pass through the eye. For a person to see clearly, the cornea has to have the right shape and power. This will allow it to focus incoming light rays properly on the retina. Other procedures involve replacing the natural lens of the eye.
Comprehensive eye examination
A person who is thinking of eye surgery should first have a comprehensive eye examination. Eye exams are used to evaluate the health of the eyes and diagnose any problems. The exam has different parts that can be used to identify various vision problems. If testing shows that a person has a refractive error, eye surgery can then be considered.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis)
This surgery is used to correct astigmatism, hyperopia, or myopia. It involves a doctor creating a flap in the cornea and then using a laser to reshape it. This ensures that the cornea can focus light properly. LASIK is different from other procedures because of the flap.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Like LASIK, this surgery also involves the use of a laser. The cornea is reshaped using a laser by the surgeon. The laser removes some tissue from the outer surface of the cornea. This means it only affects the surface of the cornea and not the tissues underneath. PRK is used to correct mild to moderate farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. A surgeon may use a computer to map the surface of the eye and calculate the amount of tissue removed.
Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI)
LRI is a procedure that helps correct astigmatism. This procedure reduces the effects of astigmatism and provides cataract patients with a clearer vision. It also eliminates or reduces their need for contact lenses or glasses. LRIs are small incisions that are made around the limbus, the edge of the cornea. When the limbus is relaxed or cut, the cornea’s steep curvature becomes more rounded, improving the way the eye focuses light.
Intacs
Intacs can also be referred to as ICR or intracorneal ring segments. The procedure involves the doctor making small incisions in the cornea and placing two rings at the outer edge. These rings flatten the cornea and change the way light rays are focused on the retina. This surgery was mostly used to correct nearsightedness. However, laser-based procedures are now preferred. ICR is now usually used to treat keratoconus.
Anesthesia considerations during eye surgery
Some types of eye surgery will need general anesthesia. This will keep the patient conscious during the procedure. It is common for the patient to go through sedation with a regional anesthetic. This will prevent the patient from feeling any discomfort. The sedation will run through the vein. The eye doctor will provide the pain block injection near the eye.
The level of sedation is often low. This will allow the patient to stay awake. Sedation will allow the patient to stay still during the procedure. Excessive sedation can make the patient snore or fall asleep. This could lead to errors in surgery or confusion on the part of the patient.
It will be difficult for the eye doctor to operate on the patient if the patient starts to have breathing difficulties. This often happens with general anesthesia. But children often need general anesthesia because it is difficult to keep them still during the procedure. Some procedures will only need anesthetic eye drops. Such a procedure is LASIK surgery.
Preparing for eye surgery
The eye doctor will tell the patient not to drink or eat before the procedure. Knowing what time to stop these activities is important. Asking which maintenance medications to continue taking or discontinue can prevent drug interactions during the procedure. It is important to ask someone to take the patient home after the eye surgery.
Takeaway
Surgery is a common and effective treatment for eye and vision problems. The procedures can help treat different eye problems and improve your eyesight. A comprehensive eye examination can be used to determine if you have any eye and vision problems. If you are considering eye surgery, talk to your optometrist.
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