Blurred vision can impact even the smallest everyday tasks. It affects your routine even when you use glasses or contacts. For many, these solutions work well but come with limitations. Refractive surgery offers an alternative option for people struggling with eye issues. It can even reduce the need for corrective lenses.
We understand. You feel more confident knowing what the procedure might include. Acronyms and technical language may sound scary and affect your decisions. We will go into great detail about each procedure and what to anticipate for your mental peace in this guide. Increasing your confidence in your decision-making is the primary goal.
Understanding Refractive Surgery
Refractive errors make vision blurry for people. This is because the eye cannot focus natural or artificial light properly on the retina. Surgery addresses this by reshaping the cornea. In some cases, it is corrected by placing a lens inside the eye to restore proper focus.
The main goal is to give you clearer vision without everyday spectacles. While these procedures don’t stop natural ageing, they improve routine vision for most people. A thorough evaluation at Vasan Eye Care will tell you if you’re a good candidate and what long-term benefits you can expect.
LASIK
LASIK is the most commonly chosen refractive treatment worldwide. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and placing the flap back.
Many people prefer LASIK because:
- Vision improves quickly
- Recovery is fast
- Discomfort is minimal
The best people to undergo this procedure are those with steady power and healthy corneas. A clear examination will be conducted wherein the doctor can recommend LASIK. This is done only if it is safe and the success rate for your situation is high. Through the LASIK procedures offered by Vasan Eye Care, you can investigate your alternatives.
PRK
PRK is an older but equally reliable refractive treatment technique. Instead of creating a flap, the outer corneal layer is gently removed before reshaping the cornea. It is often chosen for people who have:
- Thin corneas
- Jobs requiring eye safety (police, military, athletes)
Recovery takes a little longer than LASIK, but the long-term visual outcome is almost the same. Doctors still widely recommend PRK when LASIK isn’t suitable.
SMILE
SMILE is a bladeless, flapless laser procedure where a tiny piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) is removed through a small opening. Patients appreciate SMILE because:
- It causes less dryness
- There is no corneal flap
- Recovery is smooth
ICL
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) works differently from laser procedures. Instead of reshaping the cornea, a soft lens is placed inside the eye, behind the iris. Doctors may recommend ICL if:
- Your power is very high
- Your cornea is too thin for laser surgery
- You want a reversible procedure
ICL has become popular among younger adults seeking freedom from glasses when laser options are not suitable.
Understanding Refractive Surgery Risks and Benefits
Any procedure you undergo will have pros and cons. Similarly, it is good to know the refractive surgery risks and benefits before taking the next step.
Benefits
- Quick recovery in most procedures
- Long-lasting visual clarity
- Better convenience for work, travel and sports
Possible Risks
- Temporary dryness
- Glare or halos at night
- Incomplete correction
- Reduced night vision in some cases
At Vasan Eye Care, specialists perform screenings to ensure surgery is safe for your condition.
Who Should Consider Refractive Treatment?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have stable eye power for at least a year
- Are above 18 years
- Have a healthy cornea
If you have previously faced issues, your doctor will guide you to safer options. Issues like excessive dryness and infections can affect your healing process and quality of life.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery and speed of healing depends on the type of procedure you have undergone. Here’s what most patients experience:
- Mild dryness or irritation for some days
- Vision becoming clearer over days or weeks
- Need to use eye drops regularly
- Avoiding dust, sweat, rubbing your eyes, and heavy exercise
Your doctor will schedule review visits for the next few months. This is to check the healing process and ensure your eye pressure remains stable. If any issues are detected, then immediate corrections can be issued.
Conclusion: A Reliable Refractive Surgery Choice
Choosing a vision correction procedure is a big moment. So it’s normal to want clarity before deciding. With refractive surgery, the right guidance is essential.
Vasan Eye Care offers personalised evaluations to help you understand what suits your eye condition. Their specialists explain every step clearly to reassure you. They rely on modern laser technology, making your journey to better vision smoother and more reassuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is refractive surgery painful?
No. Numbing drops are used, so you remain comfortable during the procedure.
How soon will my vision improve?
Most people notice clearer vision within a few days. Healing and further improvements depend on the procedure.
Can refractive surgery give permanent results?
Yes, for many people. However, natural ageing changes may still require reading glasses later in life.