Refractive surgery

Refractive surgery includes procedures that correct your vision. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we offer a full range of refractive surgeries to improve your vision and increase your quality of life.

What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery is the term for any eye surgery that reduces your need for corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts. People who could benefit from refractive surgery have what’s called a refractive error in their eye. Refractive errors make it difficult to see clearly.

Types of refractive surgery

There are several types of refractive surgeries:

• Implantable collamer lens (ICL): ICL surgery involves implanting a small, artificial lens in front of your eye’s natural lens.
• Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): LASIK is the most popular type of refractive surgery. During the procedure, your doctor makes a small flap on the front of your eye, then uses cool laser energy to reshape the underlying tissue.
• Photoreactive keratectomy (PRK): PRK was the first laser-based refractive surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the outer layer of your cornea, then reshapes the tissue beneath it.
• Refractive lens exchange (RLE): RLE involves removing your natural lens and replacing it with one that improves your vision.

Conditions refractive surgery treats

Refractive surgery may treat any type of refractive error, including:

• Astigmatism: The eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape, which causes blurred vision.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness): People can see clearly farther away, but not up close.
• Myopia (nearsightedness): People can see clearly up close, but not far away.
• Presbyopia: This form of farsightedness develops as people age.

Refractive surgery side effects

Temporary side effects are common after refractive procedures. They may include:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Dry eyes
• Halos or glares in your vision
• Reduced night vision
• Sensitivity to light

These side effects typically improve as you recover from surgery. More severe complications, such as infections or nerve damage, are very rare.