A refractive error results from an imperfection in the shape of the eye, which hinders its ability to focus light onto the retina. As a result, you will experience issues focusing your vision in the affected eye. Fortunately, refractive eye surgeries encompass any number of procedures performed by an eye doctor to correct the eye's inability to focus. Here’s more about common refractive errors and surgical treatments.

Types of Refractive Errors

At their most basic level, refractive errors simply mean that the eye cannot bend light correctly, which creates a blurred image. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly; hyperopia, or farsightedness, makes it challenging to see close objects; astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the cornea that distorts vision; and presbyopia is a type of age-related farsightedness where the eye's lens loses elasticity and blurs nearby objects.

Types of Refractive Eye Surgery

If you have one of the conditions mentioned above, an eye doctor will help you determine what kind of refractive eye surgery is most appropriate. LASIK® treatment corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea and helping the eye focus light, resulting in clearer vision.

Photorefractive keratectomy utilizes a method similar to LASIK and is usually performed for mild to moderate myopia. Radial keratotomy also corrects myopia but does so through tiny incisions that alter the shape of the cornea; a similar procedure, called astigmatic keratotomy, can improve astigmatism.

During automated lamellar keratoplasty, which is usually recommended for hyperopia or extreme myopia, the eye doctor cuts a small flap from the cornea, folds it to the side, and removes tissue from the corneal surface before replacing the flap. This reshapes it and makes vision clearer.

These are just a few of the possible refractive surgeries an eye doctor can perform. To see which is right for you, contact Griebenow Eyecare. Since 1979, they have been serving patients throughout Outagamie and Waupaca counties, WI. They offer a range of family eye care services, including exams, glasses, contact lenses, and eye disease testing and diagnosis. Call (800) 427-9585 to schedule an appointment, and explore their services online.