Eye Surgery

Eye surgery which is also known as orogolomistician surgery or ocular surgery is a surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa, typically by an ophthalmologist

Over the past years, surgical techniques, tools, and procedures for correcting vision have evolved rapidly. The use of computer technology in medical science has been extending during recent years and so is in the area of correcting ones vision. Laser eye surgery has become a lot more popular, while non-laser procedures have also improved. Although a lot of people think that LASIK is the only type of refractive surgery, in fact there are various types of eye surgery for correcting vision.

There are several types of eye surgery available today. Below are the most common types of eye surgery available it gives an idea of what type of surgery is suitable for different conditions and of some of the side effects patients may experience.

Laser Eye Surgery

These procedures involve the use of a laser that reshapes the cornea in order to improve the eye's ability to focus. LASIK, LASEK, Intralense or PRK are several types of laser eye surgery.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

Astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness are treated with the use of this procedure. Here, the surgeon removes a flap through the outer and middle layer of the cornea and then uses an excimer laser to remove tissue under the flap

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

This is very similar to LASIK, except in here, the flap is cut only from the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium). Mostly it is used for patients with thin corneas, who are not eligible for LASIK. It is a newer procedure with several drawbacks, such as more discomfort and a little longer healing time

IntraLense

This is also very similar to LASIK, except that here surgeon uses an extra laser instead of a blade to create the flap in the outer layers

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This procedure is also used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and mild to moderate farsightedness. In here, a laser is used to remove tissue from the outer layer of the cornea and correct vision. The surgeon does not cut any flap in the cornea

Non-laser Eye Surgery

These surgical procedures improve the vision by cutting into the surface of the eye and reshaping the cornea. Intraocular lenses, astigmatic keratotomy incisions and implantable contact lenses are the most common non-laser eye surgery procedures.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions

Mild astigmatism is corrected in this procedure. The bulgy areas of the cornea are reshaped by using a blade. Many patients undergo such a treatment along with other types of eye surgery

Implantable Contact Lenses

These are devices implanted used to treat severe farsightedness and nearsightedness. A lens is placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens of the eye. This is unlike normal contact lenses, as you cannot feel them and they do not need maintenance.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

This type of eye surgery has been around for a number of decades now. The lenses are usually implanted during a cataract surgery so as to replace the natural lens of the eye. Years ago, these lenses only help with distance vision and patients still needed to wear glasses for close vision. However, the method has now been improved and helps with close and intermediate vision as well.

While a lot of surgeons may prefer laser procedures and the newest technologies, some may still advise a small number of patients to choose a non-laser surgery instead. All eye surgery procedures involve certain risk factors and possible side effects.