What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery aims to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and sometimes to improve presbyopia. In the last decade, it has probably been the most advanced area of ophthalmology.
Candidate Evaluation for Refractive Surgery
What types of procedures does the term “refractive surgery” include?
In general, refractive surgery procedures can be classified into 3 categories:
- Corneal or keratorefractive procedures, which include different laser techniques (e.g. PRK, LASIK, LASEK, femto-LASIK, SMILE)
- Scleral procedures, which are mainly at the research stage
- Intraocular procedures, which include phakic IOL implantation and refractive lens exchange, with removal of the crystalline lens and implantation of a monofocal or premium intraocular lens.
Who is refractive surgery for?
Refractive surgery is aimed at those who wish to reduce their dependence on eyeglasses and/or contact lenses in their daily lives.
Can I undergo refractive surgery and if so, which type is right for me?
Proper evaluation of the candidate for refractive surgery is the most important step in the success of the procedure. First, the physician will discuss with you your needs and expectations, your professional and daily habits (e.g. professional/night driving, contact sports, etc.).
She will then take a detailed medical history, both personal and ophthalmological, and record any medication you are taking and any previous surgeries you may have had.
Regarding the eye examination itself, a comprehensive assessment includes the following:
- Visual acuity test without correction and with optimal correction (BCVA)
- Refraction test
- Assessment of pupil size in photopic and scotopic conditions
- Ocular motility test
- Intraocular pressure test
- Slit lamp examination of the anterior segment
- Fundus examination to assess the optic nerve, macula, peripheral retinal lesions, etc.
As far as imaging tests are concerned, topography and especially corneal tomography are an essential tool, which allows the assessment of both the anterior and mainly the posterior surface of the cornea, the curvature, the refractive power and the thickness of the cornea.
Our private clinic is equipped with the modern diagnostic device PENTACAM AXL® OCULUS®, which, in addition to corneal tomography information, provides us with information on corneal aberrations (lower and higher order aberrations), the axial length of the eye and the condition of the crystalline lens.
In addition, our private clinic is equipped with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate the thickness of the cornea and to assess the structure of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
Once the physician has gathered the necessary information, she will be able to discuss with you whether refractive surgery is appropriate for you, what type of surgery you need, and answer any questions you may have.