Say goodbye to glasses? Learn about vision correction surgery

Do you find yourself reaching for your glasses every morning? Or are you tired of the discomfort of wearing contact lenses all day? If so, you've probably been thinking about a way to see the world clearly without glasses. Today, we're talking about a possible solution. That's vision correction surgery, or what we call ``Vision Correction Surgery.''

Simply put, what is this vision correction surgery?

This is very simple. Our eyes see when light enters the eye and focuses on a spot called the retina. However, some people's eyes are not focused properly due to slight differences in the shape of their eyes. We call this refractive error. This is why we can't see far or near.

So, this surgery involves making a small change in two parts of our eye so that the light entering the eye is focused precisely.

1. Cornea: This is the transparent, glass-like, spherical part of our eye at the front. About 75% of the light entering the eye is bent, or refracted, here.

2. Lens: After the cornea, light passes through this lens. This is what focuses the light even more finely and sends it straight onto the retina.

So, these surgeries either use a laser to slightly change the shape of the cornea, or they put an artificial lens inside the eye. Whatever you do, the end result is that light is focused precisely and you get clear vision.

What are the different methods of this surgery?

There are two main methods. And not all of them will suit you. That is up to your eye doctor to decide.

Some of the most commonly used surgical procedures:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This is the most popular method performed by many people in the world.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK, but with a slightly different procedure.
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): This is also a new laser technology.
• Phakic IOL Placement: This is where an artificial lens is inserted without removing the natural lens.
• Refractive Lens Exchange: In this, the natural lens is removed and an artificial lens is inserted. This is somewhat similar to cataract surgery.

What is the best method for me?

This is the most important question. There is no "best method." What works best for you may not work for someone else. Your eye doctor is the best person to make this decision. He or she will consider the following:

• Your vision problem: Whether you have nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia), or astigmatism. Some people may have a combination of these.
• The extent of the defect: The appropriate method will vary depending on the severity of your vision impairment.
• The overall health of your eyes: If you have other eye conditions, such as dry eye disease or glaucoma, some surgical procedures are not recommended.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Your doctor will perform several tests before surgery.

• Vision test: Your vision error should be measured accurately. Your prescription should also be checked to see if it is "stable." This means that your prescription should not have changed significantly in the past year or so.
• Eye health check: Checks for other medical conditions.
• Eye Surface Mapping: A special scanning machine creates a very detailed map of your cornea. This is very important for planning the surgery.

In addition, the doctor will tell you:

• Should you continue taking your medications, or should you stop them before surgery?
• Will they give you eye drops like antibiotics to put in your eyes before surgery, and how to use them?
• You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the surgery.

What happens during surgery?

There is nothing to worry about. This is an outpatient procedure . This means you don't have to stay in the hospital, and you can go home the same day.

First, they put numbing eye drops in your eyes, so you don't feel any pain. Then they use a small device to hold your eyelids open.

What happens next will depend on the type of surgery you have. In a procedure like LASIK, a very thin flap is created on the cornea, which is then moved to one side and a laser beam is focused on it. When the procedure is complete, the flap is put back in place and closed. The entire procedure takes a very short time, about 15-30 minutes.

What are the benefits and risks?

Like any medical procedure, this one has benefits and minor risks.

Main advantages:

• Very high success rate: More than 95% of people who have laser surgery are very happy with the results. More than 90% of people have good vision without glasses.
• Improved quality of life: You can get rid of your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. This is a great freedom for someone who plays sports or swims.

Things to consider (risks):

• You may need glasses: Sometimes your vision may not be 100% correct. But even then, you will have much better vision than before. You may only need a low-power mirror for occasional situations, such as driving at night.
• Side effects: Dry eyes and light sensitivity may occur in the first few weeks after surgery. These usually go away within a few days.
• Presbyopia: This surgery cannot stop nearsightedness that occurs after the age of 40. There are different solutions for that.
• Complications: Very rarely, complications such as infection can occur. This is why it is important to have this done by a qualified, experienced doctor in a place with good facilities .

How to protect your eyes after surgery?

The first few days after surgery are very important.

• Don't rub your eyes: Even if your eyes feel itchy or dry, don't rub them. Use the eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Protect yourself from the sun: When going out, be sure to wear sunglasses with good UV protection.
• Avoid getting water or dust in your eyes: Be careful not to get water in your eyes when bathing or washing your face for a week or two. Avoid swimming pools.
• Follow medical advice: Ask your doctor how long you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

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