REFRACTIVE OPTIONS AFTER 40
Refractive surgery is no more a surgery for the young. Freedom from glasses is achievable at any age- whether you have undergone prior eye surgery or not. Once you approach the age of 40, the normal focusing mechanism of the lens (accommodation) begins to fail, resulting in something known as presbyopia. Traditionally presbyopia is treated with bifocals or progressive spectacles, each of which has their own limitations. While most people get accustomed to spectacles easily, a lot of individuals find it difficult to use them or they may not want to by choice. Refractive Options After 40 such as LASIK, Refractive lens exchange (RLE), Phakic IOLs or Piggyback IOL’s can help overcome these limitations. However, the choice of surgery needs to be tailored as per every individual based on the condition of the eye, one’s lifestyle, age and expectation.
LASIK (LASER VISION CORRECTION)
LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileuses, a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using a laser beam. We offer LASIK Treatment in Mumbai at an affordable cost. With more than 16000+ successful treatments at LASIK Treatment, we are one of the leading eye hospitals in Mumbai to offer Standard and Custom LASIK treatment options to our patients.
Presbyopic LASIK: Your LASIK surgeon designs the Laser treatment in a way to ensure you have clear vision for both, distance and near. However, the effect of this will wear off and is preferred in age group of 40-50 years.
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE (RLE)
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) also known as ‘lens replacement surgery’ or ‘clear lens extraction’ may be a better option than Presbyopic LASIK in older individuals and patients with dysfunctional lens syndrome, high myopia or high hyperopia or any corneal disease that may preclude Laser vision Correction. RLE replaces your eye’s clear natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure for RLE is virtually identical to cataract surgery. The difference is that in RLE, the lens being replaced is clear, rather than a cloudy lens due to a cataract. Based on the condition of your eye and lifestyle, your surgeon will help you choose a Multifocal, Trifocal or Toric IOL.
Lens replacement surgery usually takes about 15 minutes. Each eye is done separately, usually about a week apart. Numbing anaesthetic drops are used during RLE, so typically there is no discomfort, and most people report immediate vision improvement after surgery.
Initial recovery from refractive lens exchange – when you can resume normal everyday activities – usually takes about a week.
The artificial intraocular lens is a permanent replacement for your natural lens and is designed to last the rest of your life. Also, there is minimal risk of regression (loss of corrective effect or deterioration of vision) over time.
Whether you will need eyeglasses or contact lenses after refractive lens exchange depends on the type of intraocular lens used.
While RLE has been proven safe and effective, every surgery has some degree of risk, which you should discuss in detail with your eye surgeon.
PRESBYOPIC PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENSES (IOL’s)
Phakic IOL or ICL is a specially designed lens which is placed in the eye over the natural crystalline lens. This Phakic IOL is designed to correct the refractive error, be it myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia . This is a good option in individuals where Laser Vision Correction surgery cannot be performed safely. The advantage of this procedure is that it is reversible and the Phakic IOL can be easily removed later on at the time of Cataract Surgery.
PIGGYBACK INTRAOCULAR LENSES (IOL’s)
These lenses are used in special situations if you have a significant residual power after undergoing cataract surgery or for patients who want to get rid of glasses after having implanted standard monofocal IOL’s.
LASIK, IOL’s, and RLE each have advantages and constraints. As with any procedure, the better option is the one that is best tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Obtaining a clear understanding of each patient’s desires and then carefully explaining the options to that person are significant strides to accomplishing successful outcomes. All differences are explained to the patient before any co-management with a refractive surgeon is initiated.
MEET OUR EXPERIENCED SURGEON
The important thing is finding a LASIK surgeon that you are comfortable with and who you trust.
Dr. Shreya Shah performs Customized LASIK Surgery for her patients.
DR SHREYA J. SHAH
MBBS, DNB, FICO (UK), FPRS
Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Shreya J. Shah completed her basic medical education from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, and her Diplomate of National Board from H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune. She has done her fellowship in Cataract and Refractive Surgery from one of India’s premier Eye Institute, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru and has also acquired the Fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmology, UK. She performs all types of Cataract surgeries, Refractive surgeries including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and ICL – Implantable Collamer Lens surgery for a reduction in spectacle dependency and specializes in treating Keratoconus and Dry eye disease. She is actively involved in charitable work at Sharda Netralay, Dhule since 2008.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
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