7 Types Of Refractive Surgery For Myopia Vision Correction

Types Of Refractive Surgery For Myopia

There are several types of refractive surgeries commonly used to treat myopia (nearsightedness). Here are a few examples:

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is a popular and widely performed refractive surgery for myopia. The procedure begins by creating a thin, hinged flap on the cornea using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome (a mechanical blade). The surgeon then lifts the flap, exposing the underlying corneal tissue. An excimer laser is then used to precisely remove a predetermined amount of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error. The excimer laser ablates the tissue with high precision, guided by the individual’s specific prescription. The corneal flap is then repositioned, acting as a natural bandage, allowing for rapid healing and minimal discomfort.

Pros:

• Popular and widely performed.
• Quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.
• Suitable for a wide range of myopia prescriptions.
• Precise corneal reshaping with excellent visual outcomes.
• Potential flap-related complications, such as dry eyes.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another refractive surgery option for myopia that does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium, is gently removed, exposing the underlying corneal tissue. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the exposed cornea, removing precise amounts of tissue based on the individual’s prescription. Once the cornea is reshaped, a special contact lens or a bandage is placed on the eye to protect the healing cornea. Over time, the epithelium regenerates and covers the treated area. PRK typically has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK as the regrowth of the epithelium takes a few days.

Pros:

• No corneal flap creation.
• Can be suitable for individuals with thinner corneas.
• No risk of flap-related complications.
• Longer recovery time compared to LASIK.
• Potential for discomfort during the initial healing phase.

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive refractive surgery for myopia that involves creating a small incision in the cornea. Instead of creating a corneal flap or removing the epithelium, a femtosecond laser is used to create a small disc-shaped layer of tissue, known as a lenticular, within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through the incision, effectively reshaping the cornea and correcting myopia. Since the incision is small, the cornea remains mostly intact, providing greater structural stability. SMILE has gained popularity due to its potential advantages in preserving corneal biomechanics and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Pros:

• Minimally invasive with a small incision.
• Potential advantages in preserving corneal biomechanics.
• Faster visual recovery compared to PRK.
• Suitable for moderate to high myopia.
• Limited availability in certain regions.

4. Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)

ICL is an alternative refractive surgery option for individuals with moderate to high myopia. Unlike the previously mentioned procedures that reshape the cornea, ICL involves implanting a collamer lens, which is a soft and flexible lens, into the eye. The lens is placed between the iris and the natural lens, and it works in conjunction with the eye’s natural lens to focus light properly on the retina. ICLs are designed to be permanently implanted and do not require any regular maintenance. They can be an effective solution for those with thin corneas or higher degrees of myopia.

Pros:

• Ideal for individuals with high myopia or thin corneas.
• Reversible procedure; the lens can be removed if necessary.
• Can provide excellent visual quality.
• Requires implantation of an artificial lens.
• Potential risks associated with intraocular surgery.

5. SmartSurf LASIK

SmartSurf LASIK is an advanced variation of LASIK that incorporates advanced surface ablation techniques. It combines the benefits of both LASIK and PRK. The procedure starts with creating a corneal flap similar to LASIK. However, instead of using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap, a second laser is employed to perform a customized surface ablation on the exposed cornea. This allows for more precise corneal reshaping, potentially resulting in improved visual outcomes and reduced post-operative discomfort.

Pros:

• Incorporates advanced surface ablation techniques.
• Customized corneal reshaping for improved outcomes.
• Potential benefits of both LASIK and PRK.
• Rapid visual recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort.

6. Contoura/Topography-Guided LASIK

Contoura or topography-guided LASIK is a customized laser vision correction procedure that utilizes detailed corneal mapping technology. Before the surgery, a corneal topography map is created to analyze the specific irregularities of the cornea. This map is then used to guide the excimer laser during the procedure, allowing for highly personalized corneal reshaping. Contoura LASIK aims to address both lower and higher-order aberrations, providing enhanced visual quality and potentially reducing the risk of post-operative visual disturbances such as glare and halos.

Pros:

• Highly personalized treatment based on corneal mapping.
• Aimed at correcting both lower and higher-order aberrations.
• Potential for improved visual quality and reduced visual disturbances.
• Requires advanced diagnostic equipment and expertise.

7. Trans PRK

Trans PRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surface ablation technique that combines PRK with advanced laser technology to eliminate the need for manually removing the epithelium. In this procedure, the excimer laser is used to remove both the epithelium and reshape the underlying cornea in a single step. The epithelium is ablated by the laser while simultaneously correcting myopia. The absence of manual epithelial removal may result in reduced discomfort and quicker visual recovery compared to traditional PRK.

Pros:

• Single-step procedure without manual epithelial removal.
• Potentially faster visual recovery compared to traditional PRK.
• Reduced discomfort during the healing phase.
• Similar efficacy to PRK, but limited availability in some regions.