Eye Surgery Types

At Great Plains Eye Specialists, your vision is our focus. When we have patients who are experiencing vision problems that include significant vision loss or necessary vision correction, we provide a comprehensive eye exam that includes testing, detailed medical history and discussing all signs and symptoms that are affecting eyesight. To help patients see better, the 3 most common eye surgery procedures are cataract removal, refractive surgery and corneal transplant. 

Cataract removal surgery is the removal of the natural lens of the eye that has become clouded and replacing it with an intraocular lens. The lens is removed either through phacoemulsification (sound waves are used to break the cataract up into pieces and then suctioned out), extracapsular extraction (a small tool is used to remove the whole lens in one piece using a larger incision) or by laser (the laser softens the cataract and then is removed the rest of the way the same as phacoemulsification). With a new clear lens, light is no longer blocked from entering the eye and vision is restored.  

The most common eye surgery types for refractive correction are LASIK, PRK and LASEK. LASIK, Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a corrective surgery to treat all types of refractive eye problems including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and blurred vision (astigmatism). When a patient undergoes a LASIK procedure, a tiny blade, called a microkeratome, creates a small, superficial flap in the cornea. The methodology of LASIK involves the precision and advancement in computer imaging technology to guide the laser treatment. PRK, Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, is the original laser eye surgery type created before LASIK. With PRK, an eye surgeon removes the epithelium (top layer of the cornea). A laser is then used to reshape the other layers of the cornea and repair the irregular curvature of the eye. PRK surgery is ideal for those with mild cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Despite the similar name, the procedure for LASEK eye surgery differs from LASIK but is just a slight variation from PRK. The surgeon will create a flap where epithelial cells are loosened by applying an alcohol solution. A laser then reshapes the cornea and the flap is set and secured with a soft contact lens so that it can heal. LASEK treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Corneal transplant surgery corrects several eye problems including cornea scarring due to an injury or infection, corneal bulging known as keratoconus, thinning, clouding or swelling of the cornea, inherited eye diseases or complications from a previous eye surgery. A cornea transplant, also called keratoplasty, can not only improve the appearance of a scarred cornea but can lessen pain and improve vision. 

To learn more about eye surgery types and if any of these options are right for you, Great Plains Eye Specialistswelcomes you to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Booking is easy by calling 605-718-5123 or filling out our online request form at WEBSITE.