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Vision Correction
The aim of refractive surgery is to be
able to correct any refractive error by surgical adjustment.
Refractive surgery requires specialised knowledge from both
a diagnostic and treatment point of view and is therefore
clearly definable as a sub-speciality within ophthalmology.
The main refracting surface of the eye is the cornea and
in particular the tear film interface. Within the eye, the
lens is the secondary focusing system providing approximately
one third of the total refracting power. From a surgical point
of view, the cornea is accessible for surgical processes to
alter the shape. Altering the shape of the cornea will produce
a different focusing performance eg. by flattening the cornea
we make the eye less myopic and by steepening the cornea we
make it more myopic or less long-sighted.
The other option is surgery to the lens. Modern micro-incision
surgery of the lens offers the opportunity to change the focusing
power of the eye through implantation of a lens of appropriate
power for the eye. It is an established, safe, predictable
and fast method.
On the cornea (changing the shape of the cornea):
- By making an exact pattern of incisions on the cornea
(RK or AK)
- By sculpting the surface of the cornea into a new shape
by removing tissue with an Excimer laser (LASIK)
- By inserting an inlay within the cornea (Suterless Synthetic
Keratophakia)
On the lens:
- Cataract removal and lens replacement surgery
- Clear lens removal and lens replacement
- A supplementary intraocular lens either in the anterior
chamber for high myopia or internal contact lens for myopia
and hyperopia
Some of these procedures could also be done as a combination.
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