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Vision Correction Profiles

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Maria Afonso in Vision

Learn which vision correction method is right for you!

Myopia

myopia vision

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems characterized by the inability to see far distances clearly. Myopia can be corrected a number of ways. If your myopia is relatively minor, it can be treated with iLASIK or PRK.

Don’t worry if you experience higher levels of myopia. You have options like bioptics, cachet phakic lens impants, or a refractive lens exchange.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a vision problem making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Hyperopia can be treated with procedures like iLASIK, PRK, Bioptics, LASIK Xtra.

Presbyopia

reading computer screen

Similar to hyperopia, presbyopia is a condition that prevents you from focusing on nearby objects. Unlike hyperopia, presbyopia is a condition that naturally occurs with age and is something everyone experiences around the age of 40. Presbyopia can be treated with iLASIK, PRK, or KAMRA vision.

If you had myopia when you developed presbyopia and require bifocals, you can treat both concerns with Monovision.

Astigmatism

Is your vision blurred? Do you have trouble focusing your vision? You might have astigmatism which is caused by the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. You may already know that iLASIK and PRK can correct astigmatism, but there are other options beyond these procedures as well. Femtosecond Laser Astigmatic Keratotomy, or FSAK, which reduces reliance on contacts and eyeglasses.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder that causes the cornea to thin and change to a more conical shape. It has been known to cause distortions to vision that include multiple images, streaking, and sensitivity to light.

Keratoconus can be treated through a variety of methods. Corneal Cross Linking is a method that prevents the progression of keratoconus, although it does not improve vision. Procedures such as LASIK Xtra, PTK, and Intacs which help treat corneal thinning can also help correct keratoconus.

 

If you’re interested in correcting your vision, the best option for you would be to come in for a free consultation so we can help you determine which procedure is best suited for your individual circumstance.


Eye Correction Surgery Types

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Maria Afonso in Eyes, Vision

While LASIK is certainly the most recognized type of eye correction surgery, there are a wide variety of options available. Most of these procedures work by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. The cornea functions by focusing the light that travels through it, creating a more accurate impression on the retina at the back of the eye. Some surgeries also involve replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. Check out our comprehensive explanation of the various corrective surgery options below!

Eye correction surgery types

LASIK

LASIK is used to correct vision in patients suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure a flap is made in the outer layer as seen above, exposing the underlying tissue, which is then reshaped with the use of a laser. The flap is what separates LASIK procedures from other eye corrective surgeries. LASIK can be performed with or without computer imaging known as wavefront technology, which creates a detailed image of the cornea and acts as a guide for treatment.

PRK

Photoreactive keratectomy is a process used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, as well as farsightedness and astigmatism. As with LASIK a laser is used to reshape the cornea, however, this laser is used on the surface of the cornea and requires no cutting. The PRK procedure can also take advantage of computer imaging software.

Lasek

Laser epithelial keratomileusis is a variant of PRK in which an epithelial flap is created by loosening the cells with an alcohol solution. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea, and the flap is closed and secured until it has healed. This procedure is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.

RLE

Refractive lens exchange, also known as clear lens extraction or refractive lens replacement, is similar to cataract surgery. With RLE a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea, through which the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a silicone or plastic lens. This procedure is used to correct extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness, but may be inappropriate for those with corneal problems such as thin corneas or dry eyes. This procedure cannot be used to correct astigmatism, and it may be necessary to combine it with another procedure in order to achieve desired results.

EpiLasik

Similar to PRK treatments, EpiLasik involves separating a very thin layer from the cornea before reshaping the underlying tissue. The layer may be removed or replaced, and then the area is protected by a soft contact lens while it heals.

Intacs

With Intacs treatment two Intercorneal ring segments are inserted at the edge of the cornea through a small incision. These rings work to flatten the cornea thus changing the way light rays are focused on the retina. This procedure is used to treat keratoconus, a disorder that causes negative structural changes to the cornea.

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants

Used for patients who are too near or farsighted for LASIK or PRK treatments, this procedure involves attaching an artificial lens to the iris behind the pupil, inserted through a small incision at the edge of the cornea. This procedure differs from RLE because the natural lens is left in place.

For more information on the types of procedures we offer, check out our procedures page, or contact us to book a consultation today!