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Refractive Eye Surgery Options

April 22, 2024 . min read

Refractive eye surgery is a corrective surgical procedure aimed at improving the eye’s refractive state and decreasing or eliminating dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery works by adjusting the eye’s ability to focus light directly onto the retina through reshaping the cornea.

Options for refractive eye surgery have expanded over the years, offering patients a variety of choices based on their vision correction needs, lifestyle, and the health of their eyes. Here are some of the most common vision correction procedures:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
EVO Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

In the following article, we will explore each of these refractive surgery options in detail, discussing the procedure, benefits, risks, and ideal candidates to help you make an informed decision about which option might be best for your vision correction needs.

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is one of the most widely recognized and performed types of corrective eye surgery. The procedure typically takes around 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. After numbing the eye with drops, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea using either a microkeratome (a small blade) or a femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted, and the laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Once complete, the flap is folded back into place, and the healing process begins.

This procedure allows for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The primary appeal of LASIK is its rapid recovery period and minimal discomfort post-surgery.

Ideal candidates for LASIK

Ideal candidates for LASIK in Houston are adults over the age of 18 who have had a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least one year. Good candidates should not have any corneal abnormalities or severe dry eye syndrome.

Prospective patients must undergo a comprehensive eye examination to ensure their eyes are healthy and suitable before receiving the procedure.

Benefits of LASIK

LASIK offers several benefits for patients seeking vision correction surgery. These include:

Quick recovery time: Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours after surgery.
Minimally invasive: LASIK is a relatively non-invasive procedure, avoiding the need for stitches or bandages.
Improved vision: Many patients experience improved vision almost immediately after surgery, with full results typically achieved within a few weeks.
Long-lasting results: The changes made to the cornea during LASIK are permanent, and most patients do not require further treatment.

LASIK risks and considerations

While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for many, it does come with some risks. Potential complications can include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights at night, and double vision in one eye. Understanding the risks mentioned above and discussing them with a qualified ophthalmologist can help ensure the best outcomes from LASIK surgery.

Learn more about the average cost of LASIK in Texas.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK surgery, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is another form of refractive eye surgery similar to LASIK, designed to correct common vision issues.

Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap in the cornea, PRK removes the very top layer of the cornea (the epithelium, which naturally regenerates) to reshape the cornea with a laser. The lack of a corneal flap reduces the risk of certain complications and makes PRK a better option for patients who have thin corneas or other corneal irregularities.

Ideal candidates for PRK

Ideal candidates for PRK are those who seek to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses due to myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism but may not be suitable candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other corneal irregularities.

Individuals opting for PRK should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery. Since the recovery process for PRK can be longer and slightly more uncomfortable than with LASIK, potential patients must be prepared for a gradual improvement in their vision over several weeks.

Benefits of PRK

The benefits of PRK versus some of the other types of corrective eye surgery include:

Suitability for patients with thin corneas: Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a flap in the cornea, PRK is viable for patients whose corneal thickness might not support such procedures.
Reduced risk of corneal flap complications: Since PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, it eliminates the risks associated with flap complications, making it a safer option for some patients.
Comparable outcomes to LASIK: Despite a slower initial recovery, many patients achieve 20/20 vision or very close to it after PRK, similar to the results of LASIK surgery.
Precise corneal reshaping: The removal of the epithelium allows for accurate corneal reshaping, which can effectively correct vision and decrease dependency on glasses or contacts.
Long-term results: PRK offers lasting vision correction, often without the need for further enhancements, providing a long-term solution for vision improvement.

PRK risks and considerations

Although PRK offers numerous advantages for vision correction, it’s important to understand the associated risks and necessary considerations. Patients might experience greater discomfort post-surgery as the epithelial layer heals, a process that requires more time than LASIK, potentially leading to several weeks of recovery before vision stabilizes. The risk of infection is also elevated due to the corneal surface layer’s removal, necessitating vigilant post-operative care.

Additionally, PRK may cause dry eye symptoms and increased UV light sensitivity, making lubricating eye drops and UV-protective sunglasses essential. These challenges are relatively minor, however, and PRK remains a valuable and effective vision correction method for suitable candidates.

3. EVO Visian ICL

EVO Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is another innovative eye surgery to correct vision loss that caters to individuals seeking an alternative to laser-based procedures like PRK and LASIK. The procedure involves creating a small incision near the edge of the iris to insert the small, biocompatible lens, which then unfolds and is positioned behind the iris. This method corrects refractive errors by bending light rays before they reach the natural lens, resulting in clearer vision.

The main difference between EVO ICL vs. LASIK and PRK is that this procedure does not involve reshaping corneal tissue, making it reversible if necessary.

Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL

EVO ICL in Houston is an ideal option for individuals with moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia) and those who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas or extreme refractive errors. The lens also has UV protection, making it a viable choice for patients with outdoor lifestyles.

However, this procedure is not recommended for individuals with a history of eye diseases like glaucoma or certain types of cataracts.

Benefits of EVO Visian ICL

The benefits of EVO Visian ICL extend beyond its non-invasive nature and reversibility and can include:

High-quality vision: The quality of vision offered by EVO Visian ICL is often described as sharper and clearer when compared to other forms of vision correction, primarily due to the positioning of the lens inside the eye, which works harmoniously with the natural lens to correct vision.
Immediate results: Patients typically observe significant improvements in their vision almost immediately after the procedure, with continued improvements over the next few days.
UV protection: The Collamer material of the ICL provides inherent protection against ultraviolet light, offering an added benefit to those with increased sensitivity to UV rays or those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Suitability for dry eyes: Unlike procedures that involve reshaping the cornea, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, EVO Visian ICL does not affect the cornea’s surface. This makes it a suitable option for patients with dry eyes.
Preservation of corneal structure: Since there is no corneal tissue removal or reshaping, the cornea’s structural integrity remains intact, which is beneficial for patients with thin corneas.
Reversibility: Although designed to be a permanent solution for vision correction, the process is reversible. The ICL can be removed or replaced if necessary, providing flexibility in treatment not available with methods that remove corneal tissue.

EVO Visian ICL recovery and risks

The recovery process for EVO Visian ICL is relatively quick, with patients experiencing improved vision within a day. The incision made during the procedure does not require stitches and will heal on its own. Patients may experience mild discomfort and blurred vision for a few days, but this is normal and should subside.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks involved. These may include infection, overcorrection or undercorrection of vision, and cataract formation. However, these risks are minimal, and the success rate of EVO Visian ICL is high.

Discover the clear choice for refractive error correction at Eye Center of Texas!

So, what is the best eye surgery for refractive eyes? While that will depend on individual factors and goals, the advancements in refractive eye surgery have made it possible for patients with varying conditions to achieve clear vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses!

At Eye Center of Texas, we offer a range of vision correction surgery options, including LASIK, PRK, and EVO Visian ICL. Our team of experienced surgeons utilizes the latest technology to provide safe and effective procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Don’t let refractive errors hold you back from experiencing the world with clear vision. Request an appointment with us today to determine the best option for you! Our locations throughout Texas (including Houston/Bellaire, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Katy, and The Woodlands/Conroe) are committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your refractive eye surgery journey.

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What Causes Presbyopia?

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What Causes Presbyopia?

May 12, 2021 . min read

What causes presbyopia (aka over age 40 vision)? This is a common question amongst patients around age 40 or older. Do you have the need to wear a pair of reading glasses when flipping through the newspaper or your favorite book? Do you have to hold your phone far away from your face to read the text on the screen? This inability to read something up close is called presbyopia.

Presbyopia is a condition caused by the natural aging process of your eyes during which an individual begins to lose the ability to focus visually on nearby objects. The lenses in our eyes begin to lose flexibility around age 40 and become hardened, which makes it more difficult to see objects that are nearby. For more information on presbyopia and how it is diagnosed, view our article on What is near vision?

Though this condition is becoming more common amongst adults, there are several means of presbyopia treatment to alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms of presbyopia

Presbyopia does not have many cut-and-dry symptoms. To put it plainly, if you have to hold your phone screen far away from your face to read a text message, it’s likely you have presbyopia. Eyestrain and headaches when doing close-up work or struggling to read small print are also common symptoms.

Presbyopia can occur regardless of your vision history and affects all races and genders. Because presbyopia is caused by aging, it has been nicknamed the “over age 40 vision.” Even if you haven’t experienced eye problems in the past, all eye doctors recommend getting checked for presbyopia as you turn 40.

How do you fix presbyopia?

Can you prevent presbyopia? No, presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process. Receiving regular eye checkups before and after you turn 40 increases your chances of having healthy eyes for longer. However, there are treatment options available for alleviating the symptoms.

Many people choose to wear bifocals to correct their near vision, but there are some patients who prefer to live life glasses-free. In that case, we would recommend eye surgery. Eye Center of Texas offers simple surgery options for presbyopia treatment:

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a procedure in which a doctor replaces your eye’s natural lens with a synthetic one (an intraocular lens) which can help treat presbyopia. This is a more common method for treating near vision problems.
Conventional LASIK surgery is not performed to cure presbyopia; however, there is a specific LASIK for presbyopia procedure called Monovision LASIK in which one eye (typically your dominant eye) will be corrected while the other eye is is made partially nearsighted (also known as blended vision LASIK). Find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK procedure on our website.

The advanced technology at Eye Center of Texas is designed to improve vision problems in aging eyes. It’s never too late or too early to start thinking about presbyopia treatment.

Our experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you find presbyopia relief.

Now that you’re aware of what causes presbyopia, the staff at Eye Center of Texas is here to help you with any questions and presbyopia treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced cataract surgical techniques and technology.

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

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