Characteristics
Alternative refractive surgery options include:
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses (ICLs)
- Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
- Clear Lens Extraction
- Customised to individual eye characteristics
- Options for patients unsuitable for laser surgery
Symptoms
Potential candidates may experience:
- Severe myopia (near-sightedness)
- Difficulty with glasses or contact lenses
- Vision impairment affecting daily activities
- Unsuitable for traditional laser eye surgery
- Persistent refractive errors
- Challenges with existing vision correction methods
Causes
Refractive errors stem from:
- Genetic predispositions
- Eye shape irregularities
- Corneal curvature variations
- Lens positioning challenges
- Age-related vision changes
- Developmental eye characteristics
Diagnosis
Comprehensive pre-surgical assessment includes:
- Detailed eye examination
- Refractive error measurement
- Corneal topography
- Intraocular pressure check
- Lens and retinal health evaluation
- Patient medical history review
- Suitability screening for specific procedures
Treatments
Surgical procedure characteristics:
- Performed under local or general anaesthesia
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Precise surgical interventions
- Customised to individual eye characteristics
- Potential for immediate vision improvement
Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
- Surgically inserted without removing natural lens
- Removable if necessary
- Ideal for severe myopia
- Suitable for ages 21-45
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
- Corrects both near and distant vision
- Reduces dependence on glasses
- Suitable for specific patient profiles
Clear Lens Extraction
- Similar to cataract surgery
- Alternative for high refractive errors
- Performed before natural lens clouding
Post-Treatment Expectations
Success Rate
- Approximately 90-95% patient satisfaction
- Significant vision correction
- Reduced dependence on corrective lenses
- Potential for enhanced visual quality
Recovery Time
- Initial healing: 24-72 hours
- Return to normal activities: Within a week
- Full visual stabilisation: 4-6 weeks
- Potential temporary side effects
- Individual recovery varies
Medications and Care
- Prescription eye drops
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Protective eye shields
- Restricted activities during initial recovery
- Multiple follow-up appointments
- Gradual vision adaptation
Note: Individual results vary. Thorough consultation and comprehensive screening are essential for optimal outcomes.