The different methods of eye surgery

Posted in Laser Eye Surgery on November 22, 2009

Methods of eye surgery are based around the manipulation of the shape and structure of the cornea in order to correct vision. Eye surgery can help to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

What is Radial keratotomy? The oldest method of eye surgery, radial keratotomy relies on a series of cuts being made to the corneal tissue in a radial manner, so that the eyeball flattens out and thus projecting the focal point onto the retina correctly.

ALK

Automated lamellar keratotomy is a method of eye surgery in which a microkeratome is utilised. A microkeratome is a device which is used in eye surgery for ensuring precision. This device makes a flap in the corneal tissue, then once the cornea is exposed, slices of the cornea are cut out in order to ensure that the entry of light is manipulated properly. Once the required amount of corneal tissue has been removed, the flap of the tissue is replaced.

However, eye surgery has developed massively over recent years, with laser surgery emerging as the procedure of choice for those who have problems with their vision.