There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which myopia surgery is the best, as the optimal choice depends on various factors. Here are the main types of myopia surgeries and their features:
- Laser in - situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
- How it works: A flap is cut into the cornea, lifted, and then a laser reshapes the inner layers of the cornea so that incoming light focuses correctly on the retina. After that, the flap is repositioned.
- Advantages: It has a relatively short recovery time, usually about 1 week. The visual results are often stable. It is a well - known and widely used procedure.
- Disadvantages: Since it involves cutting a corneal flap, there are risks such as postoperative dry eyes and a small chance of corneal infection.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
- How it works: Instead of cutting a flap, the outer epithelial layer of the cornea is removed, and the laser energy is applied directly to the superficial cornea to reshape it.
- Advantages: It is among the least expensive refractive surgery procedures. As it doesn't involve creating a flap, the risk of some flap - related complications like flap displacement is eliminated, and the risk of postoperative dry eyes and corneal infection is relatively small.
- Disadvantages: The recovery time is longer, at least 1 month. And it takes some time for the vision to fully stabilize after the surgery.
- Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE - full - femtosecond laser)
- How it works: A special laser cuts a disk of corneal tissue (lenticule) from the eye, and then a surgeon creates a small incision to remove the lenticule.
- Advantages: It is more precise as it doesn't require making a large corneal flap as in LASIK. It has a relatively fast recovery time, usually within a few days to a week. The small incision also reduces the risk of some complications.
- Disadvantages: It may not be suitable for patients with very high myopia or certain corneal conditions. The cost is often relatively high.
- Intracorneal ring (Intacs)
- How it works: Clear plastic rings are surgically implanted in the cornea to help flatten and center any bulges.
- Advantages: It can be used for people with both myopia and keratoconus. It is a less invasive option compared to some other procedures in terms of not removing or reshaping large amounts of corneal tissue.
- Disadvantages: It is mainly applicable to a specific group of patients with certain corneal irregularities. The improvement in vision may be more limited compared to some laser - based procedures for high myopia.
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
- How it works: The eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant.
- Advantages: It can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including high myopia. It may be a good option for patients with presbyopia or early cataract development along with myopia.
- Disadvantages: It is an intra - ocular surgery, so there are relatively higher risks compared to corneal surgeries, such as the risk of infection, cataract formation in the implanted lens over time, and problems with the lens position.
- Phakic intraocular lens (PIOL or ICL - Implantable Collamer Lens)
- How it works: In this procedure, an artificial lens is implanted in the eye while retaining the natural lens.
- Advantages: It can correct high myopia and is suitable for patients with thin corneas who are not eligible for corneal refractive surgeries. It has a fast recovery time, and the visual results are often very good.
- Disadvantages: As it is an intra - ocular surgery, there are risks associated with implanting a foreign object in the eye, such as the risk of infection, glaucoma, and lens - related complications. It also requires very precise measurements and surgical skills.
In conclusion, the best myopia surgery for an individual depends on their specific eye condition (such as corneal thickness, degree of myopia, presence of other eye diseases), lifestyle, and personal preferences. It is crucial to have a comprehensive eye examination and in - depth discussion with an ophthalmologist to determine the most appropriate surgical option.