Refractive surgery: an informative insight

In this article below, highly revered consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Sumith Perera, tells us all we need to know about refractive surgery, including what it is, the different types, and in what ways it can go wrong.

What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery is aimed to alter a patient’s refractive state by altering the anatomy of the eye. We can either change the curvature of the cornea, the overall power of your lens, or put an additional lens into the eye.

There are three types of refractive surgery: corneal refractive surgery, lens exchange surgery, and putting a new lens into the eye.

Who is suitable for the different types of refractive surgery?

If you are under the age of 40, then the best options for you would be corneal refractive surgery or a lens implant into your eye. If you are under 40, it is not ideal to take your natural lens out as this will result in the loss of the ability to see both near and far at the same time. If you are in your 60s and 70s, it is better to undergo a lens extraction surgery.

Can this surgery go wrong?

Sight-threatening conditions following refractive surgery are quite rare, but it can potentially occur. In the worst case scenario, the patient can end up worse off than they were before the surgery, or they can even lose their vision.

In terms of results and potential side effects, what can be expected?

The majority of the complications can be treated successfully. In a very small number of cases, the expected outcome is not achieved.

If you are considering undergoing refractive surgery, be sure to consult with Mr Sumith Perera today. You can do just that by visiting his Top Doctors profile.