Corneal surgeries

Corneal surgery: a comprehensive review

What are corneal surgeries?

Corneal surgeries are medical procedures performed to improve the shape of the cornea, which is the transparent window at the front of the eye. The cornea is responsible for bending the light entering the eye and focusing it on the retina, which allows us to see clearly. Corneal surgeries are used to treat a variety of conditions that affect the shape of the cornea and vision, such as:

Keratoconus: This condition causes the cornea to narrow and taper in a cone shape, which causes blurred vision, distortions in vision and sensitivity to light.
Astigmatism: This condition causes the cornea to be unevenly rounded, which causes blurred vision, distortions in vision and the frequent need to change glasses or contact lenses.
Cataract: Cloudiness in the lens of the eye, which can affect the shape of the cornea and vision.
Injuries to the cornea: Injuries as a result of accidents, bruises or infections can damage the shape of the cornea and vision.

Types of corneal surgeries:

There are several types of corneal surgery, including:

Keratotomy surgery: This surgery is done through tiny cuts in the cornea in order to change its shape.
PRK surgery (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This surgery is done using a special laser beam to refine the shape of the cornea.
LASIK surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This surgery is similar to PRK surgery, but is done by creating a tiny shuffle in the cornea before using a laser to refine its shape.
Corneal transplant: this surgery is done in difficult cases, when the cornea is significantly damaged, in which a healthy cornea is transplanted from a donor.

Choice of corneal surgery:

Choosing an appropriate corneal surgery depends on several factors, including:

Severity of the condition: The type and degree of severity of the ocular condition will determine the appropriate type of surgery.
Eye health: The state of general eye health, including the presence of other eye diseases, will affect the patient’s suitability for surgery.
Age: Corneal surgeries are not suitable for children under the age of 18.
Patient expectations: It is important that the patient understands the benefits and risks involved in the surgery and has realistic expectations about the results.

Corneal surgery procedure:

The corneal surgery procedure varies depending on the type of surgery. In general, corneal surgeries are performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but the operated area is numb. PRK and LASIK surgeries usually take a few minutes. A corneal transplant is a more complex operation that can take several hours.

Recovery from corneal surgery:

The recovery time from corneal surgery varies depending on the type of surgery. After PRK and LASIK surgery, the patient may experience eye discomfort, dryness and sensitivity to light for several days. Normal vision may return within a few days to weeks. After a corneal transplant, the recovery time is longer and the patient may need to use eye medications for several months or years.