Myopia / Hypermetropia / Astigmatism

En Nivaria Clinic We are specialists in correcting ocular refractive defects. We have the most advanced technology for the correction of myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism by means of excimer laser or the implantation of intraocular lenses. Myopia, farsightedness and / or astigmatism are the most common ocular refraction defects. In the case of the myopic eye it is longer than normal. The images of distant objects are focused in a plane in front of the retina and this causes the effect of blurred vision. Hyperopia, on the other hand, is the opposite defect to myopia, makes it difficult to see the nearest objects because the convergence of the lens cannot compensate for the defect. This disease can also be congenital or hereditary. And astigmatism, due to an irregular curvature in the cornea, causes us to see the objects "deformed" and blurred. This is the refractive condition in which the eye's optical system is not able to form a point of light in the retina, from a specific object. This is because the meridians of the optical system of the eye do not refract light at the same point, as in other ametropias. It is convenient to point out that these vision defects can occur independently or in combination in the same person , and in one case as in the other, these refractive defects once confirmed by the ophthalmologist can be corrected through an intervention either with the excimer laser or with an intraocular lens.

Intraocular lens surgery

Intraocular lens implants respecting the natural lens have become an increasingly used alternative when the correction of myopia or farsightedness cannot be achieved by laser corneal surgery.

Laser refractive surgery

The development of the Excimer Laser technique allows the correction of Myopia, Hypermetropia or Astigmatism, offering the possibility of not depending on glasses or lenses permanently.

What symptoms are characteristic of myopia?

In myopia the most relevant symptom is poor vision from afar. This circumstance, in addition, influences the psychological perspective of the individual who can develop a more withdrawn character and focused on activities in his immediate environment. Discomfort and eyestrain may also appear. At night, the symptoms get worse due to several factors:
• Pupillary dilation.
• Refraction in the peripheral area of the lens is more myopic.
• Wavelengths close to blue are more refracted.
• In myopia magna, the function of photoreceptors is altered.

Is farsightedness and astigmatism hereditary?

The hereditary character of farsightedness and astigmatism has been demonstrated by numerous investigations in families.

What are the signs manifested by people suffering from myopia and farsightedness?

Eyes with simple myopia have a completely normal appearance. In high myopia, the eyes tend to be large and prominent.

The hypermetropic eye is typically small, its anteroposterior axis is usually shorter, the cornea small and the curve of the sclera more pronounced than in the emmetropic eye. The lens, however, varies little in size and, therefore, these eyes may have the narrow anterior chamber.

In which cases is refractive surgery performed?

In people with refractive defects who want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The ophthalmologist will be in charge of determining if the patient is a candidate or not to undergo refractive surgery with either laser or intraocular lens and in this case select the most appropriate technique, taking into account aspects such as eye characteristics, age , personal preferences or profession

What is laser refractive surgery?

La operación it consists in the modification of the shape of the cornea to change the refractive power of the cornea and its influence on the total graduation of the eye. For this, laser is applied directly (PRK) or a thin layer of corneal tissue is carefully separated, to subsequently apply the excimer laser that models the cornea to correct the desired diopters. Finally, the treated area is covered without the need for points, to restore the normal ocular surface (LASIK).

This treatment is completely painless. The patient will only notice the application of a beam of light in his eye. The duration of treatment for each eye is approximately 10 minutes. It is an outpatient technique, which allows the patient to leave the Center just half an hour after having performed the intervention, without the need for hospitalization.

Indications after laser refractive surgery

The intervention lasts about five minutes and, in general, it is performed with topical anesthesia (drops), so it is not necessary to cover the eye at the end of the operation and the patient can see with him when he leaves the operating room although with lack of sharpness to the beginning. However, that day it is convenient that you rest and stay as long as possible with your eyes closed, in a low-light environment, in addition to applying the topical medications indicated by the ophthalmologist.