Refractive Error Surgeries

Refractive Error Correction Procedures (Removal of Glasses):

1. PRK Procedure
2. Trans-PRK Procedure
3. Femto-LASIK Procedure
4. Smile Procedure
5. Clear Procedure

(Wishing you a speedy recovery)
Farvardin Specialized Surgery Center

Refractive error surgeries are elective procedures used to correct refractive errors (myopia and hyperopia) as well as astigmatism by reshaping the cornea .Laser vision correction alters the eye’s primary visual function and involves certain risks .Refractive surgery does not change the natural aging process of the eye .If the purpose of this procedure is to provide adequate visual conditions for the patient’s occupation, the outcomes should be satisfactory for both the patient and the employer .The exact visual outcome cannot be guaranteed

The corneal thickness and structure must be normal, and the refractive error should be stable .The patient must discontinue the use of contact lenses for a specific period prior to the procedure (2–3 weeks for soft contact lenses and 4 weeks for rigid lenses).Patients with impaired corneal wound healing for any reason (such as those using corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications, or those with elevated intraocular pressure) are not good candidates for this procedure .Before undergoing any refractive procedure, any ocular surface disease must be identified and fully treated

Patient satisfaction is the ultimate goal; therefore, education and counseling regarding potential risks, complications, and postoperative follow-up are essential .Minimum postoperative care includes the use of corticosteroid ointments, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as antibiotic eye drops

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) – Laser Vision Correction

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is used to treat hyperopia and myopia, with or without astigmatism .In this method, the excimer laser is applied directly to the cornea based on precise, calculated measurements. For myopia, the relative corneal curvature is reduced, while for hyperopia, the relative corneal curvature is increased .A bandage contact lens is placed on the cornea to promote epithelial healing and to reduce pain, which is similar to severe corneal abrasion

LASIK works by flattening the anterior corneal curvature through the removal of a portion of the stromal layer. The surgeon creates a corneal flap using an automated rotating blade called a microkeratome. This flap, which is less than one-third of the corneal thickness, is lifted to access the stromal layer, after which the excimer laser is applied to the stromal bed to reshape the cornea according to precise, calculated measurements. There is insufficient data to determine whether LASIK or PRK is superior in the correction of myopia .A small number of adverse outcomes have been reported for both procedures

Possible complications during the procedure

Following LASIK treatment, irregularities of the corneal surface may occur. These include central islands (central areas of corneal steepening or elevation), decentered ablations resulting from misalignment of laser treatment or involuntary eye movement during laser therapy, as well as forms of irregular astigmatism. The signs and symptoms associated with central islands and decentered ablations include halos, blurred vision, glare, reduced visual acuity, and double vision in the affected eye

Intraocular Lens Implantation

Intraocular lens implantation is increasingly used for patients with moderate to severe myopia. The lenses may be implanted in either the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye. This procedure is reversible, as the natural crystalline lens is not removed and the normal corneal structure remains intact .Compared with procedures that alter the curvature of the cornea, intraocular lens implantation provides more predictable refractive outcomes, offers a higher level of safety, and results in greater patient satisfaction .Potential complications include cataract formation, iritis or uveitis, loss of corneal endothelial cells, and increased intraocular pressure

Conductive Keratoplasty

Conductive keratoplasty is another innovation in refractive surgery used to correct mild to moderate hyperopia. This technique is based on the principles of thermal keratoplasty, in which radiofrequency energy is applied to the peripheral cornea using a fine handheld probe. With this method, no corneal tissue is removed