What is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery is defined as any elective surgery used to correct vision. People who are dependent on glasses or contact lenses to see typically have one of four refractive errors:
- Myopia - nearsightedness, difficulty to focus on distance
- Hyperopia - farsightedness, difficulty to focus near or distance
- Astigmatism - blurred vision due to irregularities in the front surface of the eye, hence objects at any distance can appear blurry and wavy. Usually combined with myopia and hyperopia.
- Presbyopia - difficulty to focus on near objects
Watch a Patient Testimonial
There are many options available for vision corrective surgery today. The most anterior or front part of the eye that covers your pupil is called the cornea, and it provides two thirds to three quarters of the focusing power in the eye. The lens behind the pupil does one third to one quarter. These focusing components can be surgically manipulated to correct for refractive errors of the eye. There are several refractive surgical procedures, both laser and non-laser technologies, that are available to you at the Moran Eye Center.
These include:
- LASIK - Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis; for myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism
- PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy; for myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism
- CK - Conductive Keratoplasty; for hyperopia and presbyopia
- Phakic Intraocular Lens - implantable lens; for higher myopia
- Clear Lens Exchange - lens extraction with placement of an intraocular lens; for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
Overview of Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is the most popular method today to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The objective of laser vision correction is to improve vision with great precision using the excimer laser. Renowned cornea surgeons and state of the art equipments have made the Moran Eye Center a facility in the forefront of laser corrective surgery. The Moran Eye Center is also a regional referral center for complications and complex cases in the field of refractive surgery.
Preoperative Assessment:
At the Moran Eye Center we strive to give every person the best possible visual outcomes from any surgery. As such, the screening process for refractive surgery can take as long as 3 hours. You will be dilated and given an extensive eye exam and tests to allow the surgeon to make an assessment of your eyes. The surgeon will determine if you are a good refractive candidate. A thorough discussion between you and your surgeon will include your options, expectations, and limitations of refractive surgery.
The screening exams are free of charge. You may register on line or by calling 801-585-3937 or 1-877-248-6374 for an appointment.