The 411 on Refractive Eye Surgery
Whether you are tired of spending money on contact lenses or through with being self-conscious about your eyewear at social functions, don’t let vision issues stand in the way of becoming your best self. Refractive eye surgery can help correct your vision problems so you can wake up each morning with 20/20 vision that confidently empowers you to take on your day. Curious to learn more? Dr. Feinberg from Georgia Eye Partners sat down with us to talk all about these game-changing surgeries.
What is Refractive Eye Surgery?
Refractive eye surgery refers to a group of procedures used to correct refractive errors (or vision impairments) and eliminate reliance on glasses or contacts. There are four different types based on your needs and eligibility.
What Are My Refractive Eye Surgery Options?
PRK: Both PRK and LASIK permanently reshape the cornea to change the way light is bent or refracted as it passes through the cornea so that it can focus properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly. PRK is the precursor to Lasik. During the procedure surgeons reshape the corneal surface, creating something similar to a corneal abrasion. This means the healing process will take longer and will be a little uncomfortable.
LASIK: LASIK is the most commonly known refractive eye surgery and is an innovation on PRK. During this surgery, we create a flap in the cornea and do laser reshaping under the flap, so you don’t have to deal with the abrasion and can expect a quicker vision change and recovery.
ICL: Commonly known as an implantable contact lens, ICL corrects refractive errors without altering the human lens, instead placing a contact lens behind the iris. ICL can be the ideal approach for people with higher prescriptions and can sometimes be a better choice than LASIK, even with low prescriptions.
Refractive Lens Exchange: During refractive lens exchange, the surgeon removes the human lens and replaces it with a new refractive lens. This method is similar to cataract surgery and typically only done with patients over 50. The best way to determine the right option for you is to talk with your doctor. Your eye doctor should consider your history and concerns before recommending the best method for you.
How long does the surgery and recovery take?
How long do the results last?
For procedures like LASIK and ICL, you are in and out of surgery in an hour or less and can typically resume your normal activities that evening or the next day. Plus, once your vision is corrected with surgery, the results last a lifetime!
Why should I choose Georgia Eye Partners?
Patient-doctor relationships are paramount at Georgia Eye Partners. Unlike high-volume bargain centers, where you are treated as a number, you always meet with a dedicated doctor at Georgia Eye Partners. Each provider takes the time and effort to learn about your visual and personal goals so that they can recommend the right method with the best outcome for you.
Georgia Eye Partners has been a trusted member of the Atlanta community for over 20 years. At each of their six locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, Georgia Eye Partners’ ophthalmologists and optometrists are dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality medical and surgical specialty eye care.
Georgia Eye Partners • www.gaeyepartners.com • 404.531.9988
