LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive eye surgery used to correct vision in people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. This helps to redirect the light entering the eye, improving vision. LASIK is a very common procedure and is generally considered safe and effective.
TransPRK
TransPRK is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision. It is a surface ablation procedure that uses an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. The procedure is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is similar to LASIK, but does not require the creation of a corneal flap. The procedure is relatively quick and painless, and patients typically experience a rapid recovery.
PRK
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision. It is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea with a special laser to improve the way the eye focuses light.
During PRK, a thin layer of the outermost part of the cornea (called the epithelium) is removed. This is done with a special instrument or a laser. The laser is then used to reshape the cornea. This reshaping helps the eye to focus light more accurately, resulting in improved vision.
After the procedure, the eye is covered with a bandage contact lens to protect the cornea and help it heal. The bandage contact lens is typically removed after a few days. Vision may be blurry for the first few days after the procedure, but should improve within a few weeks.
PRK is a safe and effective way to correct vision. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor before deciding if it is right for you.
LASEK
Lasek, or Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy, is a type of refractive eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, using an excimer laser. During the procedure, a thin layer of the cornea is removed and replaced with a solution that holds the new shape. This allows light to be focused correctly on the retina, resulting in improved vision. Lasek is a less invasive procedure than LASIK, and is often used for people with thinner corneas.
SMILE
Smile refractive procedure is a form of laser eye surgery that is used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea and a femtosecond laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct the refractive error. The procedure is typically completed in 15 minutes or less and can provide patients with improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects. It is caused by a decrease in the flexibility of the lens of the eye, which reduces the ability of the eye to change focus. Symptoms of presbyopia include difficulty focusing on close objects and needing to hold objects at arm's length to focus on them. Treatment options include corrective lenses such as bifocals and reading glasses.
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs naturally with age, and is characterized by difficulty focusing on close objects. Treatment options include corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) and refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK and customized lens exchange). Non-surgical treatments include reading glasses, bifocal lenses, and progressive lenses.
Presbyopic LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that can correct presbyopia, a common age-related condition that causes difficulty focusing on objects close up. Unlike traditional LASIK, which focuses on correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness, presbyopic LASIK is designed to treat presbyopia. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to improve the eye's ability to focus on near objects. The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes, and most patients experience improved vision within a few days.
Cataract
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, causing vision loss. It is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and it is usually due to aging. Cataracts can be removed surgically with excellent results.
How do we treat a cataract?
Cataract treatment typically involves surgically removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour. The surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, so you are awake but don't feel any pain. After the surgery, you will need to wear an eye patch or shield for a few days and use eye drops for several weeks. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days after the surgery.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is usually not painful. Most patients report feeling no pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience a slight pressure sensation during the procedure, but this is usually not uncomfortable.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes, cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world and has a high success rate. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients experience improved vision after the surgery.
Who is the best in cataract surgery?
A refractive surgeon, such as Dr TC Botha, usually has the best results with cataract surgery, because they can target and hit specific focus points as desired by the patient. They also use specialized lenses to individualize the procedure for the patient.
Comparison
LASIK: LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery in the world.
TRANSPRK: TransPRK (Trans-epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser eye surgery that is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a newer, less invasive alternative to LASIK that does not require the creation of a corneal flap.
SMILE: SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness. It is a newer, less invasive alternative to LASIK and TransPRK that does not require the creation of a corneal flap.
Other refractive surgeons
Dr Juan Deseta at Eye and Laser in Port Elizabeth
Dr Dylan Joseph at Advanced Health Surgical Centre in Knysna
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye health and vision care. They diagnose and treat various eye conditions, diseases, and disorders.
How many years do an ophthalmologist study before qualification?
Most ophthalmologists complete six years of medical school at a university, two years of internship, one year of community service, 3 years of medical officer training, and four years of specialization under a professor. In total, it takes 15 years of study to become an ophthalmologist.
What is an optometrist?
Optometrists are trained to identify and treat certain eye diseases, prescribe corrective lenses, including spectacles, contact lenses, multifocal contact lenses, scleral lenses, and other forms of non-surgical visual optimization interventions.
How do you become an optometrist?
An optometrist studies at a university for four years.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases, conditions, and injuries. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat more serious conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, and can perform eye surgery.
An optometrist is not a doctor. Optometrists specialize in the management of vision problems using non-surgical interventions. Optometrists can diagnose and treat common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and can prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They cannot perform eye surgery.