Vision Correction Flashcards
Refractive keratoplasty
includes all surgical procedures on the cornea to improve vision by changing the shape, and thus the refractive index, of the corneal surface.
Radial keratotomy (RK)
Uses a microscope, micro-incisions are placed on the surface of the cornea in a pattern much like the spokes of a wheel.
The incisions flatten the central cornea, reducing the convexity of the cornea, which produces an improvement in vision.
used to treat myopia
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Laser vision correction that is appropriate for patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.
A laser removes parts of the outside of the cornea, reshaping the eye to correct refractive errors.
PRK recovery
PRK is gradual and takes days, weeks or even months. But many surgeons prefer PRK in circumstances such as when patients have thin corneas.
Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
most common eye surgery.
Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit.
With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the convex cornea; with farsighted people, a convex cornea is desired.
can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
Postop LASIK complications
complications can include infection or night glare (starbursts or halos that are most noticeable when viewing lights at night, such as while driving).
Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)
used for treating hyperopia.
there is no laser involved.
In this procedure a “cap” of corneal tissue is removed and a refractive cut is made with a microkeratome in the stromal bed of the cornea.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
used for hyperopia or presbyopia
non-surgical vision correction procedure which uses low energy radio frequency light to increase the curvature of the cornea.
very safe and effective treatment, but the results are not always permanent, treatment may have to be repeated in three to five years.
Crystalens
alternative for hyperopia or presbyopia.
The natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a plastic lens.
works with the eye muscles to focus naturally.
eliminates the chance of developing cataracts.
Orthokeratology
Non-surgical procedure with special contact lenses worn at nighttime that slowly reshape the cornea over time to correct myopia.
When the lenses are removed, the cornea temporarily retains the new shape, so patients can see clearly without the lenses.
appealing to adolescents and teens, who are not eligible for LASIK.
