HOW IS MYOPIA CORRECTED
Myopia affects 25% of the population between the ages of 12 and 54. It is a vision defect which can be corrected by using the LASIK surgical technique, which is based on laser being applied.
What is myopia ?
It is a refractive defect of the eye which makes it difficult to focus on objects in the distance and for this reason patients who have this condition are referred to as ‘short-sighted’.
When does it occur ?
In a normal eye, images enter the eye and are focused on the retina by the cornea and crystalline lens, which in turn transmit these images to the brain. In a myopic eye, the images are projected in front of the retina , causing blurred vision.
How can it be prevented ?
Family inheritance is a determining factor in the appearance of myopia. But we should nevertheless control the lighting used when our children are reading and the posture they adopt, as well as avoiding the overuse of computers and video- consoles. They should try to use their far vision as much as possible.
How is myopia corrected ?
So that people who have a visual refractive defect can see clearly, it is necessary to focus images on the retina and this can be achieved by wearing glasses, contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
What does refractive surgery consist in ?
We can correct myopia surgically by using an Excimer laser, (LASIK or PRK). To do this, we use anesthetic eye drops, it takes only 10 minutes and within an hour the patient is able to return home. Alternatively, phakic intraocular lenses (Visian ICL) can be implanted, with which very good results can be obtained.
Who should carry out these procedures ?
The success of these interventions depends equally on the technology used and the experience and skill of the ophthalmological surgeon. To avoid running unnecessary risks, be sure to choose a center which has at its disposal a medical team with wide experience in laser application in refractive surgery and which has the most innovative technology.
