By Ezra Julia
Wearing glasses or contact lenses can be a thing of the past for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Refractive surgery is a reality, correcting these problems (refractive errors). Sounds like a dream. But many people still have many questions about the procedure, so let’s talk a little about it.
Refraction is the bending and propagation of light from one medium to another. In our body, this happens when light penetrates our eyes, thus allowing us to see correctly. Refractive errors cause refraction to deviate the focus point (a focal point that should focus on the retina), making us not see perfectly, and that’s where refractive surgery comes in. The procedure is precisely indicated to correct so-called addictions or refractive errors, allowing healthy vision without needing glasses or contact lenses.
The procedure uses very modern technology, using a LASER to treat and remodel the cornea, correcting the degree that the patient presents. There are two main types of surgery: LASIK and PRK. The best technique for each case is made according to the characteristics of each patient’s eye. The detailed study of the patient’s cornea through exams that allow the evaluation of its curvature and thickness is carried out by modern equipment, mainly corneal tomography.
In PRK, the laser is applied directly to the cornea after removing its most superficial layer (epithelium). In LASIK, a flap (flap) is created on the cornea, which is lifted, and then the laser is applied. The flap is repositioned in its original position without the need for stitches.
Surgery from Kraff Eye Institute for instance is highly effective and painless; anesthesia is done with just a few eye drops. Patients usually only feel a slight sensation of sand in their eyes, but nothing that cannot be circumvented.
Visual rehabilitation is also very quick, and a few days after the procedure, the person can return to normal activities, according to the ophthalmologist’s guidelines. Most patients already gain visual capacity right after the surgery, but usually, the results are visible after two or three weeks. Like any other procedure, refractive surgery also has risks, but they are quite rare, mainly due to technological advancement. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid.
If you can’t adapt to wearing glasses and contact lenses, look for a trusted ophthalmologist and get informed. Refractive surgery can be a great chance to permanently improve your quality of life.
