Refractive surgery, otherwise known as laser vision correction, can be used to treat and improve a variety of visual issues. Alternative intraocular procedures can be explored if laser vision correction is not appropriate.
If you are looking improve your ability to see clearly you may be considering laser vision correction, otherwise known as refractive eye surgery.
Often an elective procedure, laser encompasses a range of procedures as recommended to you by your surgeon depending on your individual eyes and your desired outcomes.
Occasionally alternative intraocular procedures can be explored if the more mainstream laser surgery alternatives (SMILE® Pro, LASIK, PRK) are not suitable.
When suitability is established, and where there is a strong desire to be free of optical correction using glasses or contact lenses, surgery can be considered with confidence.
ParkView Day Surgery in partnership with your chosen eye surgeon, can offer the below alternatives alongside the more traditional laser vision correction options.
A brief description of these refractive options is provided below and would be expanded by your eye surgeon if suitable and recommended for your individual eye health.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to improve visual outcomes.
The refractive error of the eye can be reduced by altering the power of the internal lens of the eye. Replacing the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens has been routinely used in cataract surgery for many decades. A refractive lens exchange is the same as cataract surgery but with the express purpose of diminishing the requirement for spectacles.
Once the natural lens is removed during refractive lens exchange the ability of the eye to adjust focus from near to far is permanently lost.
This is an important limitation and is the reason why refractive lens exchange is generally confined to patients over the age of 45 years.
The major indications for refractive lens exchange are high hyperopia, high myopia and where there exists an absolute contra-indication to laser vision correction such as in certain cases of Keratoconus. This would be discussed and explained with your surgeon or one of our expert counsellors.
Once the natural lens is removed an intraocular lens must be used to replace it. The power and style of the intraocular lens to replace the natural lens requires a detailed discussion of the needs of each individual patient. The types of lenses available are:
In refractive lens exchange, the priority is good unaided distance vision, however, with some of the options above good near vision can also be achieved – this is called blended vision. The intraocular lens can be expected to remain clear and in position for life.
A part of the refractive surgical suite, a phakic intraocular lens may be advised as a course of action due to its superior outcome predicability.
When a patient is under 45 years of age but is not a candidate for laser vision correction, an intraocular lens may be possible. These are called phakic lenses and are placed behind the iris in the posterior chamber.
The benefits of phakic lenses in patients with high refractive errors include:
Laser vision correction can also be combined with phakic implants should small refractive errors remain or develop.
If this is an option for you, your surgeon or one of our refractive counsellors would discuss all of the above with you so you have a complete understanding of this option.
A low risk procedure with rapid recovery, your surgeon may recommend this treatment to fine tune previous laser vision correction procedures.
When small amounts of pure astigmatism exist, small strategically placed partial thickness incisions in the peripheral cornea can be used to correct the focusing error.
This procedure has extremely low risk with rapid recovery. Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) is most frequently used as a means of enhancing the results of laser vision correction and refractive lens exchange procedures.
ParkView Day Surgery has a complete suite of laser vision correction technology including SMILE, LASIK and PRK.
A fully accredited and purpose built day hospital environment for performing cataract, corneal and refractive surgery.
Professional and personal care from an exceptionally talented and friendly team delivering an optimal patient experience.