Eye Vision Correction

The latest technology in vision correction using lasers has benefited millions, but there are many more people who can not undergo that procedure for one reason or another. Alternative means of correcting vision which do not involve lasers are available and can be used.

One non-laser technique for vision correction is the use of implantable lenses. An alternative name for them is phakic intraocular lenses, or IOLs. In this vision correction procedure, lenses are placed inside the eye, behind the cornea but in front of the iris. Research is continuing for extending the usage of implantable lenses to include the treatment of farsightedness; currently, such lenses only work for nearsightedness.

The implantable lens is implanted behind the cornea through a small incision cut into the eye. The incision is sealed with sutures, following which the patient is advised to go home and rest for the rest of the day; and normal activities may be resumed the next day. The surgery and recovery are quite fast and involve little pain, and side effects with implantable lenses seldom occur.

One type of vision correction technique for farsightedness is known as conductive keratoplasty. The treatment for farsightedness involves either increasing the length of an eye that is too short, or increasing the curvature of a cornea that is too flat. Conductive keratoplasty makes use of radio wave generated heat to reshape the eye.

To be suitable for conductive keratoplasty, the patient has to meet certain characteristics. In order to be considered for treatment, patients must be a minimum of 40 years old, and must have a certain degree of refractive errors.

Refractive lens exchange is the name of an additional kind of non-laser vision correction. In this vision correction technique, the natural lens of the eye is replaced by an artificial one. The result is a lens that can clearly focus. The procedure can remedy refractive errors as well as treat both late and early stage cataracts.

There are also temporary methods of correcting vision. Orthokeratology is one such method. In this procedure, special contacts are created to modify the shape of the cornea as they are worn. The patient uses these contact lenses for a number of days, eight hours a day. Once this has produced the desired shape of the cornea, the patient only has to wear the contact lenses for a few hours every second or third day to keep the new shape intact.

The cornea will eventually revert to its original shape with a corresponding reversal in visual acuity should the use of these contacts be stopped. Some potential issues with this type of vision correction include time periods as long as six months required for clear vision, varying visual acuity during the day, and discomfort resulting from wearing the contacts.

People who cannot or do not wish to undergo laser vision correction should consult an eye care professional on the many non-laser vision correction alternatives available.

By: Joe Palerma

A Practical Guide to Laser Vision Correction

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Alternatives to Lasik Eye Surgery

Conductive keratoplasty is a non-laser procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to produce shrinking of corneal tissues by heat, which changes the corneal shape.

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