Refractive surgery has brought a revolution in myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism correction. We are already in the third decade of laser use and we can really observe that precision and safety are already here.

Dr. Chronopoulos, is refractive surgery safe today?

Refractive surgery has brought a revolution in myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism correction. We are already in the third decade of laser use and we can really observe that precision and safety are already here. With the use of this remarkable technology, we can eliminate our dependence on corrective glasses or contact lenses for good. There are two methods of effective correction of low or high degrees of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism: PRK and LASIK. The difference between these two methods lies on the fact that, in the first, the correction occurs on the surface of the cornea, while in the second in its interior. In PRK there is some minor discomfort the first 2-3 days, while in LASIK the discomfort is insignificant and eyesight restoration happens almost immediately, on the very first day. The final result is the same in both cases.

What should someone who wishes to undergo such a procedure know, Dr. Chronopoulos?

“We are in a position to say with absolute certainty that the chances of infection from contact lenses are more than the possible complications of refractive surgery.”, the reputable scientist points out.

First of all, we are dealing with a procedure performed not only for aesthetic reasons, but therapeutic as well, with which there is a definite change in the way of life. An important role in the patient's decision to do away with glasses and contact lenses plays the trust and relationship between doctor and patient. Equally important is to have thorough preoperative tests, which will tell us if the patient is eligible for a certain procedure. Detailed and thorough preoperative tests ensure the success of the procedure. Timewise, the procedure lasts only a few minutes and it is never longer than 5 or 6 minutes for both eyes. The doctor uses local anesthesia and the patient feels no pain. It is important to note that the correction is permanent and in the very few cases where some degrees of the condition remain, then an additional laser procedure can be done to achieve full correction. An important role in the patient's decision to do away with glasses and contact lenses has the trust and relationship between doctor and patient. The 25 years of laser use allow us to say that the possibility of serious complications is negligible. Even those rare complications can be treated. We are in a position to say with absolute certainty that the chances of infection from contact lenses are more than the possible complications of refractive surgery.

The difference between these two methods lies on the fact that, in the first, the correction occurs on the surface of the cornea, while in the second in its interior.

Can presbyopia be corrected today?

Presbyopia today is outside the scope of refractive surgery and is the field where the ophthalmologists' interest is focused. The problem lies in the fact that, if we try to correct presbyopia, we unavoidably interfere with distant vision as well, which results in the patient's not having good eyesight in the distance; so we enter a cycle of procedures without end and with no effective result for the patient. Therefore, as things stand, we are not yet in a position to say that we have found a solution to correct presbyopia.


Published in the newspaper

To Paraskinio

on 1 April 2010