Do I Need Further Corneal Procedures After Laser Eye Surgery?
Following laser eye surgery, processes such as biomechanics can readjust the shape of an individual’s cornea to help improve their vision further. These procedures are designed to solve issues such as thinning and uneven cornea curvature. They also help resolve conditions that arise after an initial eye surgery, such as irregular astigmatism. Here are some reasons individuals may need further corneal procedures after laser eye surgery:
Resolve Undercorrections
Undercorrection, where the initial laser eye surgery does not fully correct the refractive error, is one reason individuals look into further corneal procedures. When a surgical procedure readjusts the eye’s corneal tissue, it may fail to achieve the desired vision outcomes. An enhancement or touch-up laser procedure makes additional adjustments to correct these cases. This can help patients gain a clearer vision.
Implanting a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye after initial surgery facilitates the repair of the cornea. The lens provides an additional method of refractive correction without removing the natural lens. By implanting a phakic IOL, it is possible to enhance the overall refractive correction and achieve the desired level of visual acuity.
Resolve Overcorrections
Overcorrection occurs when too much corneal tissue gets removed from the eye during laser surgery, potentially causing nearsightedness or blurry vision. If the symptoms significantly impact daily life or cause discomfort, further procedures may be recommended. An ophthalmologist resolves overcorrection after initial surgery by reassessing refractive errors and modifying the cornea’s treatment zone depending on the patient’s visual requirements.
Correct Induced Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. If astigmatism is induced or exacerbated after laser eye surgery, individuals may experience visual disturbances. These possible disturbances include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty focusing, or discomfort related to the induced astigmatism.
The vision can be corrected through procedures like corneal enhancement and LASIK adjustments. Before contemplating further procedures, eye care professionals typically monitor the stability of the refraction. If the induced astigmatism is stable, it may be more appropriate to address it through additional surgery. The health and thickness of the cornea play a key role in determining the feasibility of further corneal procedures. Procedures such as enhancements or adjustments must make sure that sufficient corneal tissue is available for reshaping.
Conduct Photorefractive Keratectomy
Photorefractive kerectomy (PRK) can be used to address various issues that may arise post-surgery or to achieve further vision correction. It is used as an enhancement or touch-up procedure, correcting residual refractive errors after the initial laser eye surgery. It also prevents challenges such as nearsightedness and farsightedness by transforming the shape of the cornea to correct refractive problems.
Over time, some individuals experience a regression of the initially corrected vision. This can happen due to factors like changes in the cornea or the natural aging process. Ophthalmologists may recommend PRK to address the regression and bring the vision back to the desired level.
Address Changes in Prescription or Lifestyle
Age, hormonal changes, and other physiological variations can impact the eyes. As a result, an individual may experience shifts in their prescription, necessitating further correction with corneal procedures. Changes in lifestyle or visual demands may also result in a shift in prescription. Individuals who spend significant time working on digital devices can experience changes in their vision that weren’t initially addressed by laser surgery. Additional procedures can be recommended to adapt to these lifestyle-related changes.
Conduct Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a laser eye procedure that helps treat astigmatism and other vision concerns. The SMILE surgical procedure can be appropriate after uneven tissue removal in the cornea. During the process, the surgeon creates a small incision through which a lenticule is extracted from the cornea, reshaping the cornea and improving vision. The lenticule is a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue in the cornea, and removing it enables the cornea’s shape to be adjusted. The surgeon then makes the necessary adjustments to address issues like dry eye or high myopia.
Ask About Corneal Procedures After Laser Eye Surgery
After an initial eye surgery, individuals may require a second enhancement procedure to obtain optimal results. Corneal procedures can be recommended to improve vision further or address complications like myopia and astigmatism. Contact an experienced ophthalmologist today to learn more about possible corneal procedures after laser eye surgery.