One of the most advanced techniques of eye surgery today is the so-called refractive surgery. This type of surgical procedure may decrease or even eliminate a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. This procedure is called refractive surgery since it affects the refractive state of the eye, which may cause common vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Currently, the most common type of refractive surgery utilizes laser to reshape the patient’s cornea and eliminate the subtle alterations that cause eye disorders. Surveys point that refractive surgery it’s becoming so widespread and results so successful that nearly 1 million of surgeries are expected to be performed in 2006, in the USA alone.

There are several different types of refractive surgery, each one with specifications, advantages and disadvantages. While some of the techniques use lens implants which are placed inside the patient’s eye, most today’s techniques use laser to remove tissue from the corneal area. First, a device called microkeratome is used to cut a flap of corneal tissue to allow the passage of the laser. This technique is commonly called LASIK.

While refractive surgery is becoming more and more common and affordable to patients, it can’t be considered a simple procedure. There are several co-existent conditions or characteristics that may classify a patient as ineligible to such procedure. Due to that reason, patients who want to apply for a refractive surgery have to be submitted to a full and detailed eye examination. People suffering with conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes are also not eligible for such procedure. Refractive surgery it’s not also recommended for children or even teenagers. Researches showed that the best results in this procedure are found among the group after the age of 40.

Today, on the internet we may find all the information we need to understand the real expectations of refractive surgery.

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