Intacs (Corneal Implants)

Intacs, or corneal implants, are used as a method for overcoming mild cases of myopia. Two plastic ring segments are implanted in the outer layer of the cornea. These rings exert pressure on corneal tissue, altering the shape of the cornea and improving vision in some kinds of visual impairment. Unlike irreversible laser surgery, Intacs are removable.

Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure for correcting myopia and astigmatism, and improving vision. A flap on the surface cornea is cut and rolled aside, so the surgeon can use a laser to remove tissue from inside the cornea. The surface flap is then reattached. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

An alternative type of laser eye surgery in which vision improvement can be achieved, photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is used to correct hyperopia and astigmatism, as well as myopia. With PRK surgeries, the laser is used to alter the curve of the cornea over the pupil to change the lens characteristics and improve vision.

Hyperopia Correction

In hyperopia, or farsightedness, the cornea is too flat . The light rays come together at a theoretical point behind the retina, and are therefore out of focus on the retinal surface, causing nearby objects to appear blurry, while distant objects are clearer. Very farsighted patients will report that even distant objects appear blurry. To correct this problem, the laser flattens the peripheral area of the cornea in order to make the cornea more curved. In turn, this allows light rays to focus directly onto the retina for clear vision.