Ophthalmologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. They are trained to perform a variety of procedures to correct vision problems and prevent further damage to the eyes. Here, we’ll take a look at the most common eye surgeries typically performed by ophthalmologists.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is a popular type of refractive eye surgery that is performed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, so that light entering the eye can be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in improved vision.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common procedure performed by ophthalmologists to remove a cloudy lens from the eye. This cloudy lens, known as a cataract, can cause blurry vision and may eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to restore clear vision.
There are two main types of cataract surgery: phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. Phacoemulsification is the most common type of cataract surgery and involves using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens, which is then removed through a small incision in the eye. Extracapsular surgery involves making a larger incision and removing the cloudy lens in one piece.
PRK Vision Correction Surgery
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy, which is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea using a laser to improve the way light enters the eye.
During PRK, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, using a special brush or laser. Then, a laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue.
EVO ICL Surgery
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a type of refractive surgery that involves implanting a small, soft, and flexible lens inside the eye to correct vision problems. This surgery is typically used for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness or myopia who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and inserts the lens, which is designed to stay in place permanently. The lens works by bending light rays as they enter the eye, correcting the patient's vision.
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery is a procedure performed by ophthalmologists to treat glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness. The goal of glaucoma surgery is to reduce the pressure inside the eye, which is the primary cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma.
There are several types of glaucoma surgery, including trabeculectomy, tube shunt surgery, and laser trabeculoplasty. Trabeculectomy involves creating a small hole in the eye to allow fluid to drain out, reducing pressure. Tube shunt surgery involves placing a small tube in the eye to bypass the blocked drainage channels and allow fluid to flow out. Finally, laser trabeculoplasty uses a laser to increase the drainage of fluid from the eye.
What Is the Takeaway?
At New York Laser Vision, our skilled ophthalmologists are equipped to handle a wide variety of eye surgeries and other procedures. If you’re looking to improve your vision or correct an eye condition, don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a consultation with one of our expert eye doctors.
