Refractive Surgeries

Tired of dealing with eyeglasses or contacts to see clearly? Refractive surgery in Littleton or Castle Rock, CO may be a life-changing option. At Visionaire Eye Consultants, we are pleased to help patients find the vision correction options they need.

What Are Refractive Errors?

Refractive errors are eye disorders that change how the eye focuses on images. These errors are the result of corneal changes that alter how light enters the eye, which can result in seeing things as blurry when they shouldn’t be.

There are actually several types of refractive errors, including:

• Myopia (also known as nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (also known as farsightedness)
• Astigmatism (Abnormal corneal curvature)
• Presbyopia (a form of farsightedness)

Who is the Best Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is an option for most patients, especially those who are primarily looking to reduce their reliance on corrective lenses. However, the eye doctor will discuss several other areas of concern to make sure you are a good candidate, such as:

• If you have been diagnosed with or are at high risk for certain eye diseases
• If you understand the potential risks or side effects that can be associated with refractive surgery
• If you have a refractive error that could be corrected adequately with a procedure

It is also important to note that refractive surgery may not completely eliminate your vision issues. The goal is always to maximize visual acuity as much as possible, but this doesn’t mean that every patient will no longer need corrective lenses at all.

What Happens During Refractive Surgery?

There are several types of refractive surgery and techniques that may be used during the procedure depending on the type of error being corrected. One example of refractive surgery is LASIK, which is a laser-assisted procedure that involves using a laser to gently change the shape of the cornea. For someone who is farsighted, this may mean enhancing the corneal curve, while people who are nearsighted benefit from reducing the corneal curvature.

For the most part, refractive surgeries are performed with the patient fully conscious. However, numbing medication is used to prevent the patient from feeling anything during the procedure. The actual procedure can take just a few minutes in some cases, and recovery is relatively painless. Most people simply take it easy for a few days after the procedure due to slight blurriness or eye discomfort. The eye slowly heals, and your vision will stabilize over the course of a few weeks.

Talk to an Optometrist in Littleton or Castle Rock About Refractive Surgery

For patients who could benefit, refractive surgery can be a life-changing procedure. If you believe you would be a good candidate for refractive surgery, reach out to Visionaire Eye Consultants to schedule a consultation at either our Castle Rock or Littleton, CO locations.