Refractive surgery is eye surgery that is used to improve the state of the eye. It can improve or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It's aim is to correct certain eye conditions including myopia (nearsightedness) , hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism (blurred vision).
The following are the three most commonly used refractive surgeries used in the U.S. today:
Radial Keratotomy (RK) - One of the oldest forms of refractive surgery used to correct nearsightedness. In this procedure the surgeon makes tiny, radial cuts in the cornea of the eye with a diamond blade. The number of incisions and their depth are determined by how severe the condition is. The cuts allow the cornea to flatten which lessens the effect on light entering the eye.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) - One of the most recent developments in refractive eye surgery. Used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In this procedure the outer layers of the cornea are removed to produce the flattened shape. For nearsightedness the tissue is removed from the center of the cornea. To correct farsightedness and astigmatism the tissue is taken from the peripheral or outer edges of the cornea to create a more spherical shape.
LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) - In this surgery the cornea is permanently reshaped. Instead of removing the cornea a surgeon uses a special blade or laser to fold back the tissue. Within the open flap the surgeon reshapes the inner tissue of the cornea. When finished the flap is replaced. This accounts for more rapid healing and preservation of the outer tissue.
Intrastromal corneal ring segments - The first approved non laser procedure used to correct mild myopia or nearsightedness. It is still the goal to reshape the cornea but to do so without any surgery or alteration to the eyes. In this procedure two polymer arcs are placed in the peripheral (outside) portion of the cornea. The arcs flatten the cornea to correct nearsightedness. These arcs have been used for over 40 years in cataract surgeries. They can remain in place indefinitely or can be removed when the condition changes.
Intracorneal lenses - Another non laser procedure that is not widely used. Just like LASIK a surgeon makes a fold in the cornea. A lens that is similar to a contact lens is placed under the fold and then put back into place. After the lens is placed under the flap the cornea can be reshaped to correct farsightedness.
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