Eye Procedures

There are many ways to address vision problems. Surgery can correct problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Other procedures can improve poor vision so you can see well without glasses or contacts.

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Here's a list of common eye procedures, why you may need them, and what to expect when you have them.

 

1. LASIK

LASIK is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It's a procedure for people who want better vision without having to wear contact lenses or glasses. LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery. That's surgery that fixes problems with the way your eyes focus. The procedure uses a laser to remove tissue under the surface of your cornea. This reshapes the cornea. LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

 

2. PRK

The full name for this procedure is photorefractive keratectomy. It's another type of refractive surgery. PRK also corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism so you won't need contact lenses or glasses. Your doctor will use a laser to remove cells on the surface of the cornea.

In contrast to LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a “flap” in the cornea before reshaping the surface. Some ophthalmologists prefer PRK to LASIK, and the corneas of certain patients are better suited for PRK than LASIK.

 

3. Cataract Surgery

Cataracts develop over the lens of your eye, making it cloudy. This makes your vision blurry and dull. Cataracts are common as people age. Surgery can correct the problem, usually in less than an hour. Your eye surgeon replaces your cloudy lens with an artificial one.

This operation is also an outpatient procedure. Your vision will be blurry at first but improve in a couple of days. Your eyes may feel uncomfortable and itchy while they heal.

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4. Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve in your eye. A buildup of pressure in the eye is the usual cause. Glaucoma can cause blindness. Two types of surgery can treat glaucoma. Both aim to reduce pressure in your eye.

Laser surgery for glaucoma is an outpatient procedure so you can go home once it's done. You might feel some discomfort or notice blurry vision afterwards. But, you can go back to your regular activities the next day.

 

5. Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

Diabetic retinopathy can develop if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not under control. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, including the ones in your eyes. This causes the blood vessels to leak fluid and blood into the retina. Your vision can change. You may see "floaters," which are spots that seem to float through your vision.

 

One procedure for this is done in your doctor's office. The eye surgeon may use a laser to reduce swelling in your eye and encourage new blood vessel growth. The surgery also helps prevent future blood vessel leaks. However, you may still have blurry vision and need more laser surgery in the future.