Eye correction surgery has been a huge trend among people for several years. As people become more and more focused on their smartphones and their work, vision loss is inevitable, and people tend to have vision correction surgery to correct this loss of vision. This surgery is the process of repairing the curvature defect that causes deterioration of vision by cutting a very thin square flap with the outer layer of the cornea and reconstructing the lower layer.
The vision correction surgery that modern people are so enthusiastic about has a short history. The beginning of vision correction surgery can be found in the crude procedure for reshaping the cornea in the 1940s. In 1948, a Spanish ophthalmologist named Jose Barraquer Moner began cutting out small sections of his patients’ corneas to improve their eyesight.
Then, in the 1980s, a Russian ophthalmologist invented a technique called radial keratotomy. This technique can change the shape of the cornea and correct myopia. People who have had this procedure may notice a change in their vision 6 months to 10 years after the surgery. Now, laser technology has advanced further, allowing better control of the corneal flap, reducing the risk of complications and the need for follow-up procedures (WebMD, n.d.).
Types of vision correction surgery
Wearing contact lenses and glasses negatively affects activity for many people. Ophthalmologists have made significant advances in vision correction surgery in recent years. Vision correction surgery takes many forms.
- LASIK
This surgery focuses light on the eye and reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to reach the retina. This procedure is great for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The eye doctor creates a flap on the outer layer of the cornea to access the tissue inside the eye. Professionals can use computer imaging technology to create detailed corneal images and treat them.
- PRK
PRK can use a laser to reshape the cornea. Unlike LASIK, PRK is a process that only transforms the corneal surface. It is an ideal procedure for mild myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgery also works through computer imaging.
- LASEK
LASEK is a slightly modified version of PRK. During the procedure, the eye doctor applies an alcohol solution to create a flap that loosens the epithelial cells. A laser is then used to correct the shape of the cornea and fix the flap with soft contact lenses so it can heal. (Vistar Eye Center, 2015)
Status of global vision correction surgery
Vision correction is considered an essential part of modern society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, around 285 million people worldwide had a vision impairment, and there were 1.89 billion people with myopia, which nearly doubled by 2020. This increase in patients is driving the growth of the vision correction surgery market and will expand at a significant CAGR. India and China will have the fastest-growing markets for vision (Dataintelo, n.d.).
Side effects of vision correction surgery
All surgeries have some side effects. The side effects of vision correction surgery can be felt in both health and visual aspects. So, most ophthalmologists try several tests again after the procedure. These side effects include:
- Light sensitivity
Most patients who have had vision correction surgery are very sensitive to light immediately after the procedure. So, people wear sunglasses for several days. These light bleeds get better with time, but some people have persistent problems. - Itchy, scratchy eyes
Patients having this surgery have itchy or tingling eyes for several days, and most people feel a foreign body sensation. These sensations gradually improve, but people who use large amounts of artificial tears are at risk for dry eye syndrome. - Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be caused by uneven tissue removal during vision correction surgery. In these cases, people may need additional surgery or wear glasses and contact lenses again. (20/20 Institute, 2016)
How much progress does corrective vision surgery give people?
Modern people face a lot of trouble while wearing glasses or contact lenses every day. Sight is essential for daily activities. In these cases, vision correction surgery can be a way to improve people’s quality of life. First, people can save money on their contact lenses or glasses. In this case, although the eye correction surgery costs a lot at once, it can save money in the long run. It can also prevent seasonal allergies caused by contact lenses. Lenses can be quite uncomfortable in everyday life because they trap pollen and further irritate the eyes. But with vision correction surgery, people do not suffer from allergies. Finally, if people do not want to see themselves wearing glasses, their self-esteem may rise after vision correction surgery. They can feel comfortable and active through the procedure and can make an excellent impression on those around them. In addition, people can enjoy sports freely, which further develops people’s lives (focalpointvision.com, n.d.).
Conclusion
Vision correction surgery is now in the spotlight for many people and has made great progress. Businesses and governments need to invest in and care about corrective vision surgery and make it as harmless as possible. In addition, modern people must maintain eye health through adequate rest and management after surgery. This technology is getting better and better and can make people happy.
References
WebMD. (n.d.). A Brief History of LASIK Eye Surgery. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/lasik/brief-history-of-lasik-eye-surgery.
Vistar Eye Center. (2015). Types of Corrective Eye Surgery. [online] Available at: https://www.vistareye.com/types-of-corrective-eye-surgery/.
Dataintelo. (n.d.). LASIK Eye Surgery Market by Product Types (Wavefront Optimized, Wavefront-Guided, Topography Guided, And All Laser), By Vision Errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, And Others), By End-Users (Hospitals, Eye Care Clinic, LASIK Centers, And Others) And Regions (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, And Middle East & Africa) – Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, And Forecast 2021 – 2028. [online] Available at: https://dataintelo.com/report/lasik-eye-surgery-market/ [Accessed 25 Feb. 2022].
20/20 Institute. (2016). What are the side effects of LASIK eye surgery? [online] Available at: https://www.2020institute.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-lasik/ [Accessed 25 Feb. 2022].
focalpointvision.com. (n.d.). Top 6 Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery Top 6 Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery. [online] Available at: https://focalpointvision.com/blog/top-6-benefits-of-lasik-eye-surgery [Accessed 25 Feb. 2022].
