Eye surgery, also known as ocular surgery, encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at correcting vision problems, treating eye diseases, or addressing injuries to the eye.
- Refractive Surgery: This type of surgery corrects common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are well-known refractive surgeries that reshape the cornea to improve focus and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Cataract Surgery: Aims to remove clouded lenses caused by cataracts and replace them with artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs). Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries and has a high success rate in restoring clear vision.
- Glaucoma Surgery: Treats glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. Common glaucoma surgeries include trabeculectomy and laser treatments like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to lower eye pressure.
- Retinal Surgery: Involves procedures to repair issues with the retina, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation are common retinal surgeries.
- Strabismus Surgery: Aims to correct misalignment of the eyes, commonly known as "crossed eyes" or "lazy eye." This surgery adjusts the muscles that control eye movement to improve alignment and coordination.
- Corneal Surgery: Addresses problems with the cornea, such as corneal ulcers, scarring, or damage. Corneal transplants, also known as keratoplasty, replace damaged corneal tissue with donor tissue.
- Oculoplastic Surgery: Focuses on reconstructing or repairing structures around the eye, including eyelids, tear ducts, and the orbit. It can be used for medical reasons or cosmetic enhancements.
Eye surgery is performed by ophthalmologists and can range from minimally invasive procedures to complex surgeries. It aims to improve vision, treat eye diseases, and enhance the quality of life for patients with various ocular conditions.