Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is a term used to describe vision correction procedures that surgically change and improve the way light rays enter the eye and are focused on the retina. The goal is to achieve sharper, clearer vision.
Our experienced surgeons use the latest refractive technologies and surgical techniques to help patients suffering from such refractive problems as farsightedness, nearsightedness and/or astigmatism. As a result of refractive surgery, many of our patients are able to greatly improve their vision and eliminate or reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Please visit our contact page to schedule a consultation with one of our talented surgeons to determine if you are a candidate for refractive vision correction surgery.
Types of Refractive Surgery
While most people think of refractive surgery as exclusively LASIK, there are several other types of refractive vision correction procedures available besides this popular treatment. Our skilled surgeons are experienced in both laser and non-laser refractive surgery procedures. They offer such laser vision correction treatments as LASIK and PRK, and they also perform non-laser refractive surgical procedures such as intraocular lens (IOLs), Visian ICLs and Intacs corneal implants.
- LASIK. Our surgeons have helped numerous people eliminate or reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses by performing this advanced, convenient procedure. During LASIK surgery, a special excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea so that if refracts light rays properly and improves vision.
- All-Laser LASIK. LASIK surgery involves two steps – the creation of the corneal flap and the reshaping of the underlying corneal tissue. For the first step, our surgeons use the sophisticated IntraLase femtosecond laser (instead of a surgical blade). This approach allows them to create a very precise, thin flap and reduce the risk of complications. This type of procedure is typically called “bladeless” LASIK.
- PRK. The FDA approved this procedure in 1995, which makes it the “original” laser refractive surgery. The major difference between PRK and LASIK is that PRK does not involve the creation of the corneal flap. This aspect of PRK makes it appropriate for many people who do not qualify for LASIK because of thin corneas and/or dry eye.
- Intraocular Lens (IOLs). Our surgeons are able to help many cataract patients improve their vision by providing them with implantable lenses such as ReStor and ReZoom. These lenses replace the eye’s natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery.
- Visian ICLs. Our surgeons also offer the advanced Visian implantable collamer / contact lenses for patients with moderate to high degrees of nearsightedness. The ICL procedure is different from the IOL implants in that the ICL procedure does not remove the eye’s natural lens.
- Intacs. Our surgeons also offer the advanced Intacs corneal implants procedure for patients who suffer from keratoconus. This minimally invasive surgery improves vision by reshaping and strengthening the cornea with the help of special polymer implants.
Is Refractive Surgery For Me?
The field of refractive surgery has advanced tremendously since the 1980s when the first form of refractive surgery, called refractive keratectomy (RK), was performed in the United States. Today, our talented surgeons can select from a variety of refractive surgical treatments to help patients with different types of vision problems.
Please visit the other pages of our website to learn more about the types of refractive surgery offered by our eye surgeons. However, only a one-on-on consultation with one of our experienced doctors can help you determine if you could improve your vision through refractive surgery.
The highly trained Eye Health Partners team is dedicated to helping patient throughout the area, including Gadsden, Huntsville, Mobile, Nashville, Montgomery and Birmingham LASIK patients reduce and/or eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.
