Surgical Reduction of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an optical refractive error in which vision is blurred due to the difference in degree of curvature of the cornea. If an eye is astigmatic, the surface of the cornea is shaped like an egg rather than a spherical ball, and as a result, the eye does not have one point of focus. Astigmatism can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. A variety of considerations including optical health, refractive status, and lifestyle frequently determine whether one option may be better than another.
Surgical reduction of astigmatism is a simple procedure that Dr. Ben Mackey performs in his office. In this operation, incisions made in the outer part of the cornea cause the central part to flatten. After the procedure, most patients no longer need eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Conventionally, presbyopia, caused by the natural course of aging, has always meant reading glasses. It’s a condition not even correctable by laser vision correction. Fortunately, there is a new alternative: Refractive Lens Exchange. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery. In RLE surgery, the eye's natural crystalline lens is removed and replaced with an artificial, intraocular lens to achieve sharper focus.
There are several advantages of RLE over other forms of refractive surgery. The most obvious ones are that the surgery has years of successful history and the cornea is relatively untouched. For patients with a thin cornea, dry eyes, or other minor cornea problems, RLE may be the best alternative and for people with high refractive error, it might be the only option.
Dr. Mackey performs the RLE procedure at the Cumberland Valley Surgical Center. If you are looking for a healthcare provider that delivers consistently superior results, backed up by research and rigorous attention to detail, you should open your eyes to Mackey Vision Center.
For more information on refractive surgery at Mackey Vision Center please contact us.
