DR TC BOTHA OPHTHALMOLOGIST

WHAT IS REFRACTIVE SURGERY?

Refractive surgery is the surgical manipulation of the focus point of the eye.

This aims to reduce the dependence on spectacle or contact lens wear. 

Options generally include: LASIK, TransPRK, ICL, or lens-based surgeries.

WHAT IS LASIK SURGERY?

Laser in-situ keratomileusis.

This is a type of refractive surgery where a thin flap is created and laser is applied to the front of the eye. 

This gives a shape change in micron to the front surface of the eye; creating a change in refraction.

WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY?

Cataract is the clouding of the human lens. Usually this is associated with ageing.

It can also be secondary to other pathologies of the eye at any age.

Surgery entails removing of the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear new artificial lens.

WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC CORNEAL LASER?

Frosted glass is not transparent because of the irregularity of the surface of the glass.

In the same way the surface of the cornea needs to be smooth and regular.

Therapeutic corneal laser attempts to smooth the surface of the cornea; improving the visual potential.

WHAT IS PRESBYOPIA?

Presbyopia is the inability of the ageing human lens to change its focus to near objects.

It is caused by a decrease in flexibility of the lens within the eye.

Treatment options include corrective lenses (reading glasses or contact lenses) and refractive surgery.