LASIK, ICL and RLE – freedom from glasses, planned around your eyes.
Refractive correction refers to the process to adjust or correct vision impairments caused by the eye’s inability to properly focus light on the retina. This adjustment compensates for refractive errors—such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive eye surgery designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused onto the retina, leading to clearer vision.
LASIK is generally safe, but potential complications include dry eyes, glare, halos, or under-correction. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending follow-up visits can help minimize these risks.
The LASIK procedure involves
| Type of LASIK | Procedure | Advantage | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPI-LASIK | This technique involves creating a thin epithelial flap on the cornea's surface using a special device. Then a laser is used to remodel the underlying corneal tissue. | Minimal disruption to the corneal structure; often preferred for patients with thin corneas. | Typically involves a longer healing period compared to traditional LASIK. |
| SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) | SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule (a disc-shaped piece of tissue) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. The cornea is reshaped in this way to improve eyesight. | Less invasive without the need for a corneal flap, potentially reducing the risk of flap-related complications. | Usually involves a faster recovery time. |
| Femto-LASIK | This advanced form of LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, rather than a microkeratome. An excimer laser is then used to remodel the corneal tissue underneath. | Offers greater precision in flap creation and can improve safety and outcomes. | Generally provides a quick recovery and high visual outcomes, with reduced risk of flap complications. |
Suitable candidates generally have stable vision, are at least 18 years old, have healthy eyes, and have no contraindicating medical conditions. An eye care professional can determine your candidacy through a comprehensive eye exam.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
ICL involves implanting a special lens inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct vision. Unlike other refractive surgeries like LASIK, ICL is reversible and can be a suitable option for patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to high prescriptions or thin corneas.
Before undergoing ICL surgery, a thorough eye examination is required, including
ICL can be a highly effective solution for vision correction, especially for those not suited for LASIK. A thorough evaluation and discussion with an experienced ophthalmologist will help determine if ICL is the right choice for your visual needs and lifestyle.
Candidates for ICL surgery typically are over 21 years old, have stable vision for at least one year, have moderate to severe myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, and have healthy eyes with no underlying conditions that could affect the outcome. A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist will determine if ICL is suitable for you.
RLE
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Lens Replacement Surgery, is a procedure used to correct significant refractive errors by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is often recommended for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK, typically due to high refractive errors or presbyopia.
Candidates for RLE typically include individuals who are over 40 years old and are experiencing presbyopia, have significant refractive errors that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or contact lenses, are seeking a more permanent solution to vision correction, and have healthy eyes with no signs of eye disease other than refractive errors.
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