At Clínica Nivaria, we specialize in correcting refractive errors. We have the most advanced technology for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using excimer laser or intraocular lens implantation.
Myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism are the most common refractive errors of the eye . In the case of a myopic eye, it is longer than normal. Images of distant objects are focused on a plane in front of the retina, causing blurred vision.
Hyperopia , or farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. It makes it difficult to see near objects because the lens cannot correct the refractive error. This condition can also be congenital or hereditary.
Astigmatism , caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea, makes objects appear distorted and blurry. It is a refractive condition in which the eye's optical system is unable to focus light onto the retina from a point source. This occurs because the meridians of the eye's optical system do not refract light at the same point, as happens in other refractive errors. It is important to note that these vision defects can occur independently or in combination in the same person, and in either case, once confirmed by an ophthalmologist, these refractive errors can be corrected surgically with either an excimer laser or an intraocular lens.
Intraocular lens surgery
Intraocular lens implants that respect the natural lens have become an increasingly popular alternative when the correction of myopia or hyperopia cannot be achieved through laser corneal surgery.
Laser refractive surgery
The development of the Excimer Laser technique allows the correction of Myopia, Hyperopia or Astigmatism, offering the possibility of not depending on glasses or contact lenses permanently.
What symptoms are characteristic of myopia?
In myopia, the most prominent symptom is poor distance vision. This condition also influences the individual's psychological outlook, potentially leading to a more withdrawn personality focused on activities within their immediate surroundings. Eye discomfort and fatigue may also occur. Symptoms worsen at night due to several factors:
- Pupil dilation.
- Refraction in the peripheral zone of the lens is more myopic.
- Wavelengths closer to blue are refracted more.
- In high myopia, the function of the photoreceptors is altered.
Are farsightedness and astigmatism hereditary?
The hereditary nature of farsightedness and astigmatism has been demonstrated by numerous studies in families.
What are the signs that people with myopia and hyperopia exhibit?
Eyes with simple myopia appear completely normal. In high myopia, the eyes tend to be large and prominent.
The hyperopic eye is typically small, its anteroposterior axis is usually shorter, the cornea is small, and the sclera has a more pronounced curve than in the emmetropic eye. The lens, however, varies little in size, and therefore these eyes may have a narrow anterior chamber.
In what cases is refractive surgery performed?
For people with refractive errors who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, the ophthalmologist will determine if the patient is a candidate for refractive surgery, whether with laser or intraocular lens implantation, and if so, select the most appropriate technique, taking into account factors such as eye characteristics, age, personal preferences, and occupation.
What does laser refractive surgery involve?
The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to change its refractive power and its influence on the eye's overall prescription. This is achieved either by applying a laser directly (PRK) or by carefully removing a thin layer of corneal tissue, followed by the application of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct the desired refractive error. Finally, the treated area is covered without stitches to restore the normal ocular surface (LASIK).
This treatment is completely painless. The patient will only feel a beam of light applied to their eye. The treatment lasts approximately 10 minutes per eye. It is an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to leave the center just half an hour after the procedure, without the need for hospitalization.
Instructions after laser refractive surgery
The procedure lasts about five minutes and is generally performed with topical anesthesia (eye drops), so it's not necessary to cover the eye after the operation, and the patient can see with it when leaving the operating room, although vision may be blurry at first. However, it's advisable to rest that day and keep your eyes closed as much as possible in a dimly lit environment, in addition to applying any topical medications prescribed by the ophthalmologist.
