Twelve million Americans aged 40 years and above have eye problems.
Various factors such as diabetes, injury, and aging can lead to eye problems. A lack of proper vision can hinder your productivity and reduce your quality of life. Luckily, you can use eye procedures to solve most vision problems.
Your specific eye problem will determine the recommended type of eye surgery. Here are the most popular types of eye surgery.
1. LASIK
Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most common and best-known type of eye surgery. It involves the precise alteration of the cornea to enhance vision. LASIK treatment normally happens for situations that will require contact lenses on glasses.
If you are suffering from astigmatism and near-sightedness, you should consider undergoing LASIK surgery. The operation is very precise and won’t cause damage to nearby tissues. Moreover, LASIK operations are usually outpatient operations and can happen in your local surgeon’s office.
People who do LASIK surgery may also decide to undergo eyelid surgery.
2. Retina Surgery
A detachment, hole, or tear in the retina may require surgical treatment. Your physician will use special lenses and other instruments to examine your retina and surrounding tissues. Alternatively, the physician may opt to use ultrasound imaging to identify any retina problems.
The eye procedure typically involves reattaching the retina to the eye. You will have to spend some time in the hospital while your vision improves. The main types of retinal surgery include vitrectomy and pneumatic retinopexy.
3. Glaucoma Surgery
Medicated eye drops can detect the presence of glaucoma in your eyes. Fortunately, undergoing glaucoma surgery can halt the disease’s progression.
One glaucoma surgery option is trabeculoplasty. This involves using a laser instrument to widen your eye’s drainage angle.
You can also decide to do a trabeculectomy. This is an elaborate procedure that requires sedation and incisions. Other glaucoma surgery options include inserting drainage implants into the eye.
4. Photorefractive Keratectomy
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure to tackle farsightedness and near-sightedness. Some physicians also use the procedure to treat astigmatism.
PRK involves a physician using a laser instrument to extract damaged cells from your eyes. It differs from LASIK in that it doesn’t require the physician to make a flap before removing damaged cells.
This procedure is fairly simple and takes a few minutes to complete. You won’t have to spend time in the hospital, but you may feel discomfort in the eyes after the surgery.
5. Cataract Surgery
Cataracts clog your eyes and create a blurry and hazy vision. Consequently, your ability to perceive vibrant colors reduces.
Cataract surgery can replace your eye’s lens with a customized one. Before the surgery, your physician will use eye drops to numb the eye. They will then create small incisions near the boundaries of the cornea.
The final step involves getting hold of the lens and removing it. Then, a new lens is inserted into your eye.
Now You Know the Different Types of Eye Surgery Procedures
You need optimum vision to complete your tasks and live a normal life. However, your vision may be inadequate due to multiple factors. When this happens, you will need to choose a solution from various types of eye surgery procedures to correct the situation.
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