Blurred vision, double vision, inability to see object details clearly, along with headaches and increasing eye fatigue the more you stare, these symptoms indicate that you may have Refractive Errors such as myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia, which are the most common eye problems. Generally, most people solve these problems by wearing glasses or using contact lenses, but there are limitations, such as having different prescriptions in each eye or having significant differences in myopia or astigmatism.
Problems with Wearing Glasses
Wearing thick and heavy glasses can cause pressure on the nose leading to pain, squeezing the temples causing headaches, dizziness, discomfort, or distorted images when the eyes lose focus from the lenses. Some may experience impacts on daily life activities such as driving or walking up and down stairs.
Problems with Wearing Contact Lenses
Using contact lenses is another option that helps reduce problems from wearing glasses, but cleanliness must be carefully maintained, especially with PM2.5 dust causing dry eyes and irritation. Poor care can easily lead to infections, and prolonged continuous use increases the risk of eye inflammation and even vision loss.
Therefore, anyone who has limitations or problems wearing glasses and contact lenses, eye surgery is a good option or solution to correct these abnormal vision problems.
How Many Methods Are There for Eye Surgery?
Generally, eye surgery is divided into two main methods: corneal surgery and lens surgery.
Corneal Surgery
Corneal surgery or surgery on the cornea is a correction of the corneal curvature to change the refraction of light in the desired direction, including LASIK, Femtosecond Laser, and ReLex Clear.
Limitations: Those with too much or too little corneal curvature, insufficient corneal thickness, keratoconus, chronic eyelid inflammation, severe dry eyes, or corneal wounds may not be suitable for LASIK surgery.
Lens Surgery
There are two types of lens surgery:
1. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery
This surgery involves implanting a special soft and flexible polymer lens. The doctor places the lens behind the iris, in front of the natural lens.
- Limitations: Narrow anterior chamber, risk of glaucoma, cataracts, corneal degeneration—doctors avoid implanting lenses in these cases as it may worsen the condition. In some cases, patients with posterior iris cysts may experience lens displacement, resulting in suboptimal vision.
- Comparing the advantages and limitations of various vision correction methods, if LASIK or ICL surgery is not possible, replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens to treat the eye structure is a permanent solution that effectively corrects refractive errors.
2. Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS)
Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS) involves removing the natural lens, which is the source of the refractive error, and replacing it with a new artificial lens. This is done using computer technology to precisely calculate the prescription, closely matching the average normal vision, to produce a personalized artificial lens that corrects myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia simultaneously.
After lens replacement surgery, vision clarity improves to the best possible level, and the prescription remains stable permanently, unlike other surgeries where the prescription may change over time.
Who Is Suitable for Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS)?
- Those with thin corneas, insufficient corneal curvature, narrow anterior chamber, risk of glaucoma, or cataracts can undergo Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS).
- Those with corneal degeneration, if treated before cataract symptoms worsen, have a reduced risk of corneal degeneration progression.
- Those with cataracts, RLS treatment can enhance the effectiveness of cataract surgery.
- Those who want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Limitations of Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS)
Loss of accommodation ability occurs because the natural lens can focus by changing shape, allowing us to see near after looking far. This is controlled by the brain instructing the natural lens to stretch and contract, changing light refraction. Glasses can help correct this issue, with lenses thinner than before surgery.
Another way to restore focusing ability is by using multifocal intraocular lenses (Multifocal IOLs) along with lens replacement surgery.
How Long Does Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS) Take?
The surgery takes about 10-15 minutes. Cells recover quickly after surgery, so just one day after lens replacement surgery, you can return to normal life, but must maintain cleanliness during the first week.
Risks After Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS)
The risks or side effects are similar or less than cataract surgery because less energy is used to break down the lens compared to cataract surgery.
Refractive Lens Surgery (RLS) is another option to restore eye vision quality with a stable prescription, clear vision, comfort, and convenience in daily life activities such as walking, running, exercising, and driving. It reduces problems from glasses and contact lenses, alleviating worries and increasing confidence in life.
Currently, there are various technologies for treating refractive errors, but not all methods suit everyone. Besides studying the advantages and limitations of each technique, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist in advance for a detailed eye health examination. This provides information for making treatment decisions and preparation. If you choose to undergo vision correction surgery, the result will improve your quality of life with clearer vision.
Col. (Pharm.) Asst. Prof. Dr. Theerathep Tantayakom
Specialist Ophthalmologist in Cornea and Refractive Surgery
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
