REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Refractive Surgery Options at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group
Achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts through refractive surgery. Discover LASIK, PRK, ICL, and the innovative EVO ICL procedure.
Refractive Surgery Expained
Refractive surgery is a safe and effective procedure designed to correct various vision problems, allowing you to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. By reshaping the cornea or replacing the eye’s natural lens, refractive surgery can correct common vision issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Similar to LASIK, but without the creation of a corneal flap, PRK is better suited for patients with thin corneas or those involved in contact sports.
PRK provides similar visual outcomes as LASIK, with the main difference being the initial recovery period. Since the epithelium needs time to regenerate after PRK, visual recovery may be slower compared to LASIK.
Overall, PRK aims to correct vision problems such as:
● Nearsightedness (myopia)
● Farsightedness (hyperopia)
● Astigmatism
LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A popular refractive surgery procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
During the LASIK procedure, the ophthalmologist uses a precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye. By reshaping the cornea, the laser allows light to properly focus on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
LASIK is used to correct common vision problems such as:
●Nearsightedness (myopia)
●Farsightedness (hyperopia)
●Astigmatism
It’s important to note that LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Factors such as age, stable vision, corneal thickness, and overall eye health play a significant role in determining candidacy for LASIK. A comprehensive evaluation and consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist are necessary to determine if LASIK is the right option for you.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
This procedure is a type of intraocular lens that is surgically implanted into the eye to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye, an ICL is placed inside the eye, specifically behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. ICL can provide a wide range of vision correction and is often chosen for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.
Evo ICL
The EVO ICL procedure involves the implantation of a lens through a small opening, which suggests a minimally invasive approach. This can result in a quicker procedure and recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. The EVO ICL is made of a biocompatible material called collamer, similar to other ICLs, and is intended to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness or astigmatism. With over 2,000,000 lenses distributed worldwide the EVO ICL procedure has gained popularity and acceptance among many individuals seeking vision correction.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Visual Freedom
Experience the freedom of clear vision without the constant reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
Convenience
Say goodbye to the hassle of cleaning, maintaining, and replacing glasses or contact lenses.
Enhanced Lifestyle
Enjoy activities such as swimming, playing sports, traveling without the restrictions of corrective eyewear.
Long-term Savings
Refractive surgery is a cost-effective alternative to ongoing expenses on glasses or contacts.
Short Video Overview of LASIK Surgery
Are You Ready?
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR Refractive SURGERY?
To determine if you're a suitable candidate for refractive surgery, our experienced ophthalmologists will evaluate various factors, including
● Age: Candidates should generally be over 18 years old, as vision stabilizes by this age.
● Stable Vision: Your prescription should have remained relatively unchanged for at least one year.
● Good Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal diseases.
● Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of refractive surgery is crucial
Our experienced ophthalmologists at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group will evaluate your eye health and vision to determine if cataract surgery is the right option for you.
Presbyopia: DLE is particularly beneficial for individuals who are experiencing presbyopia, which is the natural age-related loss of near vision. LASIK and PRK are primarily effective for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism but do not directly address presbyopia.
Extreme Refractive Errors: LASIK and PRK have certain limitations when it comes to correcting severe refractive errors. If you have an exceptionally high prescription or thin corneas that make you ineligible for LASIK or PRK, DLE can be a viable option.
Age-related Changes: As we age, the natural lens of the eye undergoes changes that can lead to the development of cataracts. In some cases, individuals may opt for DLE as a preventive measure.
Long-Term Solution: DLE provides a long-lasting solution for vision correction. While LASIK and PRK offer excellent results, they are typically performed on the cornea, which can be subject to age-related changes or future vision adjustments.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): This procedure is a type of intraocular lens that is surgically implanted into the eye to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye, an ICL is placed inside the eye, specifically behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
EXPERT REFRACTIVE SURGERY SERVICES IN SANTA MONICA, CA
Trust your vision to the experienced team at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our cataract surgery services. Rediscover a clear vision and enhance your quality of life with our comprehensive solutions.