3 Types of Refractive Eye Surgery

Celebrating Global Vision Correction Month

Did you know that there are many ways to permanently correct your vision? Global Vision Awareness Month is in full swing, and far too many people are unaware that there is the possibility of eliminating glasses or contact lens use — for the rest of their lives — with refractive eye surgery. Refractive surgery is a method for correcting or improving your vision and includes various different procedures.

Whether you are suffering from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or another vision issue, DLV Vision offers a wide range of refractive eye surgery procedures to ensure you receive the most appropriate, individualized care possible.

Let’s take a look at some of the different refractive surgery options available at DLV Vision:

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular elective surgical procedures in the United States. LASIK stands for “Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis.” It is a bladeless, surgical procedure that utilizes a beam of laser light to reshape the cornea. It only takes around 4 minutes per eye and involves little to no discomfort for most patients. Those that undergo LASIK typically heal within 4-6 hours and are able to return to work the next day.

• A small protective flap of corneal tissue is created with a laser. It is lifted and folded back
• The laser is then used to apply a beam of light that reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision.
• The flap is repositioned and the healing process begins.

LASIK was approved by the Food and Drug Administration 20 years ago this month. Over the years, the technology has improved dramatically, with several different types of LASIK surgery available. At DLV Vision, Dr. Dougherty is highly experienced in the use of different laser and keratome technologies available to perform different LASIK procedures.

ReLEx SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE eye surgery is one of the newer refractive surgery options available to treat myopia, and stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.” Like LASIK, a laser is used to change the shape of your cornea, which improves the way in which light rays focus on the retina. It is another quick procedure that only takes around 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients resume normal activities in a day or two following surgery.

Unlike LASIK, ReLEx SMILE eye surgery does not require the creation of a corneal flap. This makes SMILE a less invasive procedure than LASIK. With SMILE eye surgery, there is also less risk of dry eye symptoms.

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK is a great alternative for those who are not great candidates for LASIK or SMILE eye surgeries. This treatment option is safe, effective, and an excellent option to treat myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

• Surface cells are gently removed on the surface of the cornea.
• A cool excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea and correct your vision.

In most cases, PRK patients attain 20/20 vision following their procedure, but healing is a slower process, and the final results can take up to three months. After PRK surgery, there is the potential for some blurry vision and discomfort, but the results are worth it.

Share Your Story for a Chance to Win Refractive Eye Surgery at DLV Vision

This July, DLV Vision is offering free refractive eye surgery to two individuals in need. Simply submit a video describing your experience with vision problems and how refractive surgery will help you. Contest ends July 31, 2019.

Dr. Dougherty is a trusted and experienced eye surgeon located in Southern California. He has treated thousands of patients, including celebrities and doctors, who have experienced refractive errors. As part of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, he is dedicated to helping spread awareness about the benefits of the various types of refractive eye surgery and improving the quality of life for people in the U.S. and all over the world.