Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery is a type of eye surgery aimed at treating refractive errors. These are concerns related to how the eye bends or refracts light. These errors produce fuzzy vision and difficulty seeing clearly. It can be caused by a range of disorders, such as:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism

Overall, this surgery is considered a safe medical operation. Vision alteration is effectively taken care of and the patient gets a better quality of life after the procedure. However, it is critical to examine the risks and benefits of each operation with an eye surgeon. This will enable you to decide the best treatment option for your specific situation. 

Who is Eligible for this Surgery?

The below criteria are some considerations that should meet before the medical process:

• Visible prescription that is stable.
• They should be above 18 years of age.
• The overall eye condition should be good.
• Individuals should know the merits and demerits of this procedure. Also, they should be ready for any negative outcomes.

Benefits

Some of the advantages one gets after this medical surgery include:

• Nearsightedness: Often known as myopia, causes distant items to look fuzzy while nearby objects remain distinct.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): It is a condition where near objects appear blurry while far objects are clear.
• Astigmatism: This is a condition in which both nearby and distant things appear blurred or distorted.
• Presbyopia: This is a condition in which the capacity to focus on nearby objects decreases with age.

Risks Factors

Like other surgeries this medical procedure has side effects and complications that include:

• Vision Loss: Even with corrected lenses, you may still have worse eyesight than before surgery. 
• Blindness: In rare situations, this procedure can result in blindness. 
• Dry Eyes: Your eyes may produce insufficient tears, which can cause irritation and poor vision. Dry eyes can become permanent at times.
• Infection: Your eye may become infected, which can cause poor vision.

Procedure of Refractive Surgery

Most refractive operations follow a few general steps and these include:

• The patient will consult an eye surgeon before the procedure. The medical history, current eye health, and visual goals will be discussed upon. The surgeon will also perform an out-and-out eye examination. It will determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate for this procedure. 
• Local anesthesia is the preferred mode for making the area numb in most cases. This involves making the eye numb with the help of eye drops or injections. In rare circumstances, a little tranquilizing agent may be used to help the patient rest.
• In order to reshape the cornea, the surgeon and his team will use a special tool microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to generate a thin flap. Later the medical expert will use a laser to sculpt the cornea. This removes just the right amount of tissue to fix the refractive problem. The laser utilized in the technique could be an excimer laser. It emits a cold ultraviolet light beam, or a femtosecond laser, which generates ultra fast laser pulses.
• Once the cornea reshaping is complete, the surgeon will carefully reposition the corneal flap. The surgeon and his team will ensure that it will attach naturally without the need for stitches.
• After surgery, the patient must follow precise recommendations. It will promote optimal healing and rehabilitation. This may include proper use of eye drops. Regular visit to the doctor will monitor the progress and address any issues.

Cost Factors of Refractive Surgery

The cost of this medical procedure depends on different considerations. In India, this surgery can cost one from INR 20,000 to 1.5 lakhs or USD 230 to 1,700.

Factors Affecting the Cost:

Here are some considerations that are to be taken before going ahead with this surgery:

• Type of Surgery: The cost of LASIK surgery varies depending on whether it is basic, bladeless, bespoke, or Contoura Vision. 
• Patient Condition: The patient’s health condition and age can influence the cost. 
• Doctor: The doctor’s expertise can influence the cost. 
• Technology: The technology employed in the procedure can influence the cost. 
• Hospital: The hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed can influence the cost. 
• Location: The location or region where the procedure is performed can influence the cost.

You should plan ahead with the surgery and take some days off before proceeding with this medical procedure.