Corrective Eye Surgery Types

Advancements in medical technology have introduced various corrective eye surgery types which have improved the vision of millions of people around the world. 

Vision is a crucial aspect of our lives, affecting how we perceive the world around us. However, not everyone is born with perfect eyesight, and even those who are might experience changes in their vision due to age or health conditions. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and effective eye surgeries available today, including Laser Vision Correction procedures, EVO ICL, Custom Lens Replacement, and Modern Cataract Surgery.

Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction surgeries are among the most well-known and widely performed eye surgeries for correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is the most common laser vision correction procedure. It involves reshaping the cornea—the eye’s clear front part—to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. The procedure is generally quick, with minimal discomfort, and recovery times are short, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their vision almost immediately.

LASIK has been around for almost 40 years, and all aspects of the procedure have improved dramatically. Improved diagnostic devices make doctors better at identifying which patients are good candidates for LASIK. Also, laser technology has advanced tremendously to be more precise and deliver better optical performance. As a result, modern LASIK is safer and more effective than ever. 

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another form of laser corrective eye surgery, similar to LASIK. Surgeons often choose PRK for patients with corneas too thin for LASIK or when a LASIK flap may not be desirable.

In PRK, the surgeon gently removes the top layer (epithelium) instead of creating a flap in the cornea, then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with a laser. Because the epithelial layer needs to regenerate, PRK recovery takes a bit longer than LASIK.

After early healing is complete, the vision results of PRK are essentially identical to LASIK. However, you should discuss the expected differences between procedures for your eyes with your surgeon.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is another laser corrective eye surgery technique, approved for treating myopia and astigmatism. 

In LASIK and PRK, the surgeon changes the cornea’s shape by vaporizing part of it with a laser. In SMILE, the surgeon performs a similar shape change by etching out a 3-dimensional shape of tissue from within the cornea and removing it through a small incision. Surgeons refer to this removed 3-dimensional piece of corneal tissue as the “lenticule”.

The SMILE procedure, similar to LASIK, offers a quick recovery time. 

EVO ICL

The EVO ICL procedure involves surgeons placing a biocompatible lens between the iris and the natural lens. This procedure is approved in the United States for patients with moderate to severe myopia. 

EVO ICL provides advantages over laser vision procedures, such as being reversible and not requiring corneal reshaping. The procedure is similar in how long it takes and recovery time to LASIK.

Surgeons typically operate on both eyes on the same day, with each taking about 10 minutes. Most patients can legally drive without glasses or contacts the next day. 

Custom Lens Replacement (CLeaR)

Custom Lens Replacement (CLeaR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a procedure similar to cataract surgery but performed primarily to correct refractive errors rather than to remove a cloudy lens. 

In CLeaR, the surgeon replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct specific vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

This procedure is often recommended for patients over the age of 45, when patients start losing their range of vision due to normal aging (presbyopia).

CLeaR has several advantages over LASIK, EVO ICL, and other laser vision correction procedures in this over 45 age group:

• Provides extended range of vision
• Longer-lasting
• Prevents cataract development & need for future cataract surgery

Modern Cataract Surgery

When the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, cataract surgery can be performed to improve vision. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens from the eye in cataract surgery and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens implant to restore clear vision. 

Modern cataract surgery uses lasers and modern lens implants to increase freedom from glasses after surgery.  

Laser Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery can be performed using a laser with computer-guidance. Laser cataract systems perform the delicate steps of the surgery with more precision and consistency than a human hand.

The laser corrects astigmatism and performs many of the steps that previously required sharp instruments and the human hand.

Laser cataract surgery offers patients better vision, more independence from glasses, safer surgery, and a gentle & comfortable patient experience. 

Advanced Lens Implants

Advanced lens implants are designed to correct astigmatism and provide a range of vision. These implants reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. The choice of IOL depends on the patient’s lifestyle and vision needs.

Some of the most popular advanced technology lens implant options are:

• PanOptix Multifocal Implant
• Vivity Extended Depth of Focus Implant
• Light Adjustable Lens
• Toric Implants

There is no “one-size-fits-all” lens implant that is “the best”. Every patient is different. You should discuss which lens implant is best for your eyes and lifestyle with an experienced cataract surgeon near you. 

Summary

There are more types of corrective eye surgery than ever before. Modern vision correction has come a long way. Whether it’s laser vision correction, EVO ICL, Custom Lens Replacement, or Cataract Surgery, each procedure has its unique benefits and considerations.