Corneal Surgery
Alternate Names : Nearsightedness Surgery, Radial Keratotomy, Refractive Surgery
DefinitionCorneal surgery corrects mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia). Newer procedures are also available for farsightedness and astigmatism.
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Overview & Description
Topical anesthesia (numbing eye drops) is used. The ophthalmic surgeon may use an instrument called a keratome to lift a flap of tissue from the surface of the cornea. Then a laser is used to re-shape the surface of the cornea and the flap is replaced into the original position.
The procedure is usually painless and the improvement in unaided vision is usually immediate. The patient can quickly return to most activities, but must avoid bumping the eye or submerging in water (swimming, for example) to avoid dislodging the flap.
This method of refractive surgery offers fewer side effects compared to radial keratotomy, which was common in the 1980's. Usually both eyes are done in the same session.
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