Vision Correction Surgery
There are different forms of vision problems, such as myopia,
hyperopia and astigmatism. Vision correction methods continue to
grow. Refractive surgery for vision correction has made
important advances since its beginning .
The first form of vision correction surgery is the radial
keratotomy, or RK, used for the first time in the 1960s in
Japan. This form of vision correction surgery was performed for
the first time in the USA in 1978.
Nowadays there are certain different methods of vision
correction that can help the most of the people who need to
improve their vision. Vision correction surgery are efficient
for the patients with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. There
are diverse ways of vision correction that can be used today,
such as: radial keratotomy, laser vision correction, intacs and
clear lens extraction.
About 90% of Americans who have vision correction surgery choose
the use of LASIK.
Laser vision correction can treat myopia, myopia with
astigmatism, hyperopia, hyperopia with astigmatism or
astigmatism alone. Not every patient who solicit laser vision
correction is a candidate for the surgery.
There are a few criteria for laser vision correction, such as:
the patient must be at least 18 years old for myopia and
hyperopia, and at least 21 years old for astigmatism; stable
refraction for at least 1 year; myopia between -0.50 and -14.00
diopters; astigmatism less than 5.00 diopters; hyperopia less
than +6.00 diopters. Also, the patient who want to have laser
vision correction must have no eye problems, such as
keratoconus, unstable refractive error, cataract and corneal
disease. In addition, the persons who want to have laser vision
correction must have no medical problems, such as lupus,
arthritis, AIDS, diabetes and pregnant or breastfeeding.
Furthermore, the patients who want to undergo laser vision
correction cannot take certain medications, such as Accutane,
Imitrex, or amiodarone.
If you decide to have a laser vision correction you will have to
stop the use of your contact lenses for a few days to a few
weeks so that your cornea will have the time to go back to its
first shape.
Results after vision correction surgery are very good, and about
95% of patients enjoy 20/40 or even better post operative vision.
Laser vision correction involves a few very rare risks, such as
retinal detachment or loss of vision. Laser vision correction is
not painful, because the patient a local anesthetic is
administered in the form of eye drops. Patients recover
dissimilar after laser vision correction. The recovery can take
a few days for one patient, or a few weeks, maybe months for
another patient.