Freedom from Glasses: Refractive Surgery Patient Information Brochure

 

Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision? Refractive surgery offers a solution to reduce or eliminate the need for visual aids like glasses or contacts. This patient information brochure provides an overview of refractive surgery and its various techniques.

What is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure designed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These common vision problems occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Refractive Surgery Techniques:

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK is the most popular and widely performed refractive surgery technique. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea's surface, using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue, and then repositioning the flap. LASIK can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is an alternative to LASIK, particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas or other contraindications for LASIK. PRK involves removing the cornea's outer layer (epithelium) and using a laser to reshape the underlying cornea. The epithelium naturally regenerates after the procedure. PRK can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE is a newer refractive surgery technique that utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, altering the cornea's shape to correct refractive errors. SMILE can correct myopia and astigmatism.

4. LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): LASEK combines elements of LASIK and PRK. It involves creating a thin flap of the cornea's surface epithelium, using a laser to reshape the cornea, and repositioning the epithelial flap. LASEK is often suitable for patients with thinner corneas or specific corneal conditions. It can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Benefits of Refractive Surgery:

1. Reduced dependence on glasses or contacts: Refractive surgery aims to improve your vision, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear in most cases.

2. Convenience and freedom: Enjoy the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses during daily activities, sports, and social events.

3. Improved quality of life: Clear vision can enhance your overall quality of life, improving productivity, self-confidence, and participation in various activities.

4. Long-term investment: Refractive surgery is often a long-lasting solution, offering vision correction that can potentially last for many years.

5. Quick recovery: Most patients experience improved vision within a few days after the procedure, with minimal downtime and discomfort.

Considerations and Risks:

While refractive surgery has a high success rate, it's important to consider the following:

1. Eligibility: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for refractive surgery. Factors such as age, stable prescription, overall eye health, and corneal thickness will be evaluated by an eye care professional to determine eligibility.

2. Potential side effects: Although uncommon, refractive surgery can have side effects such as dry eyes, glare, halos, light sensitivity, and fluctuating vision. These usually subside over time.

3. Risks and complications: While rare, complications can include infection, corneal thinning, corneal haze, undercorrection, overcorrection, or regression of the initial correction.

4. Future visual changes: Refractive surgery corrects your vision at the time of the procedure. However, age-related changes or the development of other eye conditions may affect your vision in the future.

Choosing a Surgeon:

Selecting an experienced and qualified refractive surgeon is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. Consider the following when choosing a surgeon:

1. Credentials: Ensure your surgeon is board-certified, trained in refractive surgery, and has a track record of successful procedures.

2. Technology: Inquire about the technology and equipment used by the surgeon. Advanced lasers and diagnostic tools contribute to better surgical outcomes.

3. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your specific needs, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have.

Conclusion:

Refractive surgery offers an opportunity to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, providing the freedom to enjoy clearer vision. By considering the benefits, risks, and choosing a skilled surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether refractive surgery is the right choice for you.

Note: This brochure provides general information about refractive surgery. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult an experienced eye care professional for personalized evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance regarding refractive surgery options.

What is Age Related Macular degeneration? How to treat it?

 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness among people over the age of 50. AMD primarily occurs in older adults, hence the term "age-related."

Types of AMD:

1. Dry AMD: Dry AMD is the more common form, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It develops when the macula thins and small clumps of protein called drusen accumulate, gradually impairing central vision.

2. Wet AMD: Wet AMD is less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking blood and fluid, leading to rapid and significant vision loss.

Symptoms of AMD:

AMD may initially present with subtle or no symptoms. As the condition progresses, the following signs and symptoms may appear:

1. Blurred or distorted central vision: Straight lines may appear wavy or crooked, and objects may seem blurry or out of focus.

2. Dark or empty areas in central vision: You may experience a blind spot or a missing area in the center of your visual field.

3. Decreased color perception: Colors may appear faded or less vibrant.

4. Difficulty recognizing faces: Facial features may be hard to distinguish.

It is important to note that AMD does not cause total blindness, as peripheral (side) vision remains intact. However, it significantly impairs activities that require sharp central vision, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Treatment Options for AMD:

While there is no cure for AMD, several treatment options are available to manage the condition and slow its progression. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of AMD:

1. Dry AMD Treatment:

   • Nutritional supplements: Certain high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and lutein/zeaxanthin, may help slow the progression of dry AMD in some individuals. However, these supplements should only be taken under the guidance of an eye care professional.

   • Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support eye health. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fish, and fruits, maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays.

2. Wet AMD Treatment:

   • Anti-VEGF injections: Currently, the most effective treatment for wet AMD is the use of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications, which are injected into the eye. These drugs block the abnormal blood vessel growth and help reduce fluid leakage, preserving and sometimes improving vision.

   • Photodynamic therapy: In some cases, photodynamic therapy may be used to treat wet AMD. It involves injecting a light-activated drug into a vein, which is then activated by a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels.

   • Laser therapy: Laser treatment is less commonly used now but may still be considered in specific cases of wet AMD to target and seal leaking blood vessels.

Regular monitoring and follow-up visits with an eye care professional are crucial for assessing the progression of AMD and determining the appropriate treatment options.

It's important to note that early detection and intervention play a vital role in managing AMD. If you notice any changes in your vision or have concerns about AMD, consult an eye care specialist for a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate guidance.

Note: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

How to choose the right lens for cataract surgery

 

Cataract surgery is one of the very commonly done eye surgeries.  Crores of patients world wide undergo cataract surgery to regain their sight

In cataract surgery, an artificial lens is implanted. An Intraocular lens (IOL) helps the patient to restore lost vision as well as correct the refractive error they had prior to surgery

Different lens types are available to match patients lifestyle and eye requirements

Ophthalmologist will help you prior to surgery in choosing the best suited lens for your eyes. Your lifestyle requirements, budget and insurance coverage is also considered while offering you the best.

Lets understand the various artificial lenses available for your eyes

The options we have are

• Monofocal IOLs are made to focus at a particular fixed distance. Most patients who opt these monofocals, get it fixed for distance vision. These patients usually require reading glasses.

• Multifocal IOLs  are designed in such a way that they help you with distance as well as near work such as reading. The newer trifocals help with intermediate distance which is our screen viewing distance (mobile, laptop usage)

• Extended depth-of-focus i.e. EDOF lens: they are designed for distance and intermediate work. But the patients who opt them require some reading glasses

• Toric lenses designed to correct astigmatism. They can be monofocal, multifocal or EDOF

Some of the cost, insurance and lifestyle factors which are considered before planning the surgery are as follows...

What can I afford?

Most of the insurance companies and insurance policies usually cover monofocal intraocular lenses. Hence when someone opts for premium lenses such as multifocals, toric or EDOF, out of pocket expenses are incurred. But many corporate policies and policies which have high coverage do cover premium lenses. Sentra clinic and hospital's insurance team will help you with all the insurance related process.

Do you spend a lot of time reading, working on screen etc?

If you like doing a lot of near work you can considered multifocal lens. Also you can set your monofocals in such a way that you can do near work without glasses and for distance you will require glasses. Another option is one eye you can set for distance and other for near work with monofocal lens. This is called mono vision. But this may not suit everyone. Also with Multifocals, some patients do require glasses for some activities.

Do you drive at night?

Multifocal lens can give rise to glare and halos which are mostly experienced with bright lights. This can be uncomfortable to some while driving at night. Hence discuss this with your ophthalmologist before opting for multifocal lens.

Do You Have Astigmatism or cylindrical number in spectacles?

Astigmatism can be corrected by Toric lenses which helps in greater clarity of vision post surgery. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the need for toric lenses if they find it suitable for you

Are you suffering from any other eye disease?

Multifocal and EDOF lenses are usually not ideal for patients with pre existing diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease), glaucoma, macular degeneration etc. They allow less light to pass, hence may increase difficulty for patients. Monovision as described above can be considered to reduce dependence on glasses.

I hope above information helps you to converse better with your ophthalmologist. The above mentioned information is just a point of view. Your ophthalmologist will be the best suited person to guide you with the lens choice

Lets understand what is cataract? what are different types of intraocular lenses? how the surgery is done?

 

What is a Cataract?

Inside your eye is a natural lens that helps focus light. The natural lens focuses images onto the back of our eye (called the retina) so you can see clearly. This is just like a camera lens focuses images onto film for a clear picture . As people age, the natural lens can become less clear, even cloudy. This cloudiness is called a cataract. Just as a dirty camera lens can spoil a picture, a cataract can prevent light from focusing clearly inside the eye.

Typical signs of cataracts are blurred vision and sensitivity to light. For example, you may have trouble reading, or driving at night or at dusk. Colors may seem less vivid. It may be difficult to thread a needle, shave, or put on make-up. A cataract can be removed only by surgery. You should consider surgery when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. This results in blurred distance and/or near vision. A normal eye has a round cornea, shaped like a baseball. Light rays entering the eye focus at a single point on the retina, forming a clear image. An eye with astigmatism has an oblong-shaped cornea, shaped like an American football. As a result, the light rays do not focus on a single point on the retina. This causes blurred or distorted vision. Ask your eye doctor if you have corneal astigmatism.

What is an Intraocular Lens (IOL)?

The most common treatment for cataract today is to remove the clouded natural lens. It is then replaced with an artificial lens. This artificial lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). 

What to Expect before Cataract Surgery

You will be evaluated before surgery. This includes checking for any eye diseases. It also includes measuring your eye to choose the correct lens power. If you wear contact lenses, your eye doctor may ask you to stop wearing them before being tested. Tell your eye doctor if you have any health conditions that may affect your surgery or vision.

Examples include high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Give your eye doctor a current list of your medications. Plan to have someone else drive you home after surgery

What to Expect during Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. You will be given anesthesia in the form of eye drops to numb your eye. Typically, you will be fully awake during the surgery. You will be comfortable and should feel little or no discomfort. Your eye doctor will use a microscope to have a magnified view of your eye. Your natural lens sits in a bag-like structure called the lens capsule. The lens capsule is located just behind the colored part of your eye (iris). A small incision is made in the outer surface of the eye. The eye doctor inserts a tiny probe through this opening to break up the cataract. Your eye doctor then uses a device like a small vacuum to remove the cataract pieces from your eye. Now there will be room for the IOL to be placed in your eye, to replace your natural lens that your eye doctor has just removed. Your doctor will insert the IOL through the same tiny incision. When the surgery is complete, your eye doctor may place a protective patch or shield over your eye.

Right after surgery, you should stay in the recovery area for a short time. Many patients may begin to see better within 1 to 2 days. Some are stable at 10 to 14 days. Some may take 4 to 6 weeks to recover from surgery. Improvements in vision are different for each person. Call your eye doctor right away if you experience any itching, pain, flashing lights, “floaters,” redness, severe headache, nausea/vomiting, light sensitivity, or watery eyes after surgery.

Different types of lens

Monofocal IOLs

Monofocal IOLs restore distance vision. This means that you should see well when you go to a ball game or read distant signs. You will probably need glasses for near vision tasks, such as reading a book, writing, or doing crafts. You may also need glasses for intermediate vision activities such as working on a computer, putting on make-up, or shaving.

Enchanced Monofocal

Primarily restore distance vision. This means that you should see well when you go to a ball game or read distant signs. You will probably need glasses for near vision tasks, such as reading a book, writing, or doing crafts. You may also need glasses for intermediate vision activities such as working on a computer, putting on make-up, or shaving

Multifocal IOLs

All IOLs are designed for distance vision. Multifocal IOLs are also designed to improve near vision compared to a monofocal lens. This means that you should see well whether you go to a cricket match or read a book. Overall, you may wear glasses less often for daily tasks.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs restore clear distance vision for patients with astigmatism. As mentioned above, astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL may be the right choice for you.

For better understanding watch the following video