by Malouf Eye | Jun 23, 2023 | Blog, LASIK, Refractive Surgery
LASIK is a popular eye surgery that allows for excellent vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, there are many people who wish to have this procedure but are not candidates for LASIK. Fortunately, there are other procedures that can also provide freedom from glasses and maybe a better fit. Depending on the reason that LASIK is not a viable option, other procedures such as PRK, implantable collamer lens (ICL), or clear lens exchange may be a better option.
Why is LASIK the Most Popular Option?
LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery in the United States due to its high success rate, ease of recovery, quick results, and relatively inexpensive cost.
These factors have allowed LASIK to become very well known and have given it a well-deserved reputation for success.
When is LASIK Not an Option
While LASIK is a great option for many, there are cases in which LASIK is not an option.
If the prescription for glasses is too high or too large, LASIK may not be able to correct the prescription adequately.
Another concern that can prohibit LASIK from being safely performed is if the cornea is too thin to allow surgery on the eye.
Additionally, LASIK does not correct for reading and distance vision like a pair of bifocals, and anyone over the age of forty is likely to need reading glasses if LASIK is performed.
PRK in Place of LASIK
The most similar procedure to LASIK is PRK. PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is an older procedure that involves removing the corneal epithelium and lasering the underlying tissue.
LASIK uses a similar approach but instead of actually removing the corneal epithelium, it opens a flap that is then replaced on the cornea after the laser is complete.
PRK can be done on more prescriptions – both higher amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism – than LASIK.
Additionally, PRK can be done safely when there is a particularly thin or irregular cornea whereas LASIK is not recommended.
Implantable Collamer Lens
When the prescription is too high for both LASIK and PRK, another option is an ICL (implantable collamer lens).
This is a lens that is placed in the eye in front of the natural lens and acts like a contact on the eye to provide clear vision and move when the eyes move.
An ICL is a great option for those who are very nearsighted and want to alleviate their dependence on contact lenses or glasses.
Lens Exchange Surgery
For individuals over forty or having issues with near vision, LASIK is usually not recommended.
In place of LASIK, it is often recommended that these individuals pursue a clear lens exchange surgery.
This surgery is the same procedure as cataract surgery but the lens is not cloudy with a cataract.
The natural lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a lens that can correct vision in the distance, up close, and at a computer distance range.
Choosing the Best Option Beyond LASIK
For most individuals, LASIK is the preferred choice of refractive surgery. However, if there are reasons that preclude you from having LASIK, there are many other options available.
Discussing what options you may have with your eye doctor and potential surgeon is a good way to find out what procedure is the best fit for you.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes, and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about refractive procedures including (but not limited to) LASIK. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
by Malouf Eye | Jun 6, 2023 | Retina
The thought of receiving eye injections can be daunting. However, in certain situations, receiving one or more eye injections is necessary. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and optic neuritis can be treated by an injection into the eye. Injections into the eye may be required once or multiple times. There are potential benefits of receiving an injection into the eyes over other methods of treatment delivery.
Why Other Medications Do Not Work
When medications need to reach the inside of the eye, there are limited options. Oral medications are transported through the bloodstream to reach the eye. However, it can be difficult to achieve the required dose in the eye without causing unwanted secondary effects. Topical eye drop medications may also have limited transmission from the front of the eye to the back of the eye. An injection into the eye allows the medication to reach the retina and the rest of the back of the eye. A higher dose is also able to reach this area compared to oral medication or topical eye drop medications.
Surgery vs. Injections
Surgery to the retina is another treatment option for certain conditions that are treated with an injection into the eye. However, surgery is a much more invasive procedure with significant risks. Thus, an injection into the eye is a less risky and invasive treatment option.
Types of Medications Injected into the Eye
There are three main categories of medications that can be injected into the eye. Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) medications are among the most commonly injected into the eye. These medications prevent new blood vessel growth that may occur after damage has occurred to a blood vessel or when a clot is blocking blood flow to the retina. The three medications in this class are Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea. Steroids, typically triamcinolone, are another medication injected into the eyes. They are anti-inflammatory medications that aim to reduce swelling in the retina or other parts of the eye. The third class of medications that can be injected into the eye is antibiotics. Though they are commonly available in both oral and topical forms, if an infection that warrants antibiotic use is severe and situated in the back of the eye, a mix of antibiotics can be injected directly into the eye.
Why Eye Injections Are Needed
Certain conditions necessitate eye injections. Neovascularization, or new blood vessel growth, often requires the injection of anti-VEGF medication. These conditions include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, stroke in the eye, and Best’s Disease. Swelling or inflammation in the back of the eye is another condition that can require an injection of a steroid. Diabetic retinopathy and optic neuritis are conditions that can be treated with a steroid injection into the eye.
Receiving an injection into the eye can be necessary to treat certain eye diseases. Though it may be scary to consider, there are benefits to using this method of delivery over others. Injection into the eye allows for medication to reach the inside of the eye at a higher concentration than oral or topical medication. With multiple medications available for injection, treatment is catered to the individual’s specific condition. For patients with neovascularization or swelling in the eye, injections may be a necessary and successful treatment option.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about the various types of eye injections. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
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