PRK Eye Surgery for Hyperopia (Farsightedness) in Chicago, IL

What Is Hyperopia (Farsightedness)?

There are four types of refractive errors; Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Astigmatism, and Presbyopia. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that about 8.4% of Americans suffer from Hyperopia. Hyperopia, much like the other 3 types of refractive errors, causes people to be dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Frustrated with this dependency to see, people wonder if PRK surgery for farsightedness is a safe treatment option for them. For optimal vision, the light that passes through the eye must hit the retina which is the sensory tissue at the back of the eye. When someone is Hyperopic, their cornea is flatter which causes the light to hit behind the retina, not at the retina. LASER eye surgery farsightedness hyperopia is possible if a patient meets specific requirements.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperopia?

There are several symptoms that are common for people who suffer from Hyperopia. These symptoms include:

What Causes Hyperopia?

The exact cause of Hyperopia is unknown. Many people believe that poor vision is hereditary and that an individual is born already predisposed to see poorly. For some, a person may experience Hyperopia as a child and if treated the condition goes away as they age. For others, their dependency on glasses or contact lenses worsens as they continue to age. In rare cases, medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause an individual to develop Hyperopia later on in life.

How PRK Treats Farsightedness?

PRK is one eye surgery option for farsightedness. To understand eye surgery for Hyperopia you must first understand how this condition affects the eye. As mentioned, in order to see clearly and not rely on glasses or contact lenses, light that passes through the eye must focus correctly on the retina. When someone is Hyperopic, their cornea is flatter, causing the light to focus behind the retina, not on it. To correct for this, PRK uses a LASER to remove a microscopic amount of tissue from the cornea. Removing tissue, specifically from the out edges of the cornea, makes the cornea steeper. By changing the shape of the cornea and making it steeper, the light can now focus correctly on the retina.

PRK Farsightedness Process

Listed below is the step-by-step guide that you will follow when you’re ready to get rid of your glasses and see the best that life has to offer!

Step 1 - Consultation

PRK has been described as a “life changing procedure.” Although this safe and effective treatment has changed the lives of millions of people, not everyone meets the specific requirements to undergo surgery. The first step in determining whether surgery will be an option is to visit us for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Preliminary measurements will be done and you will meet with Dr. Kraff who will review your specific information and tell you whether you fall within treatment parameters.

Step 2 - Pre-op

If you are found to be a good candidate for PRK surgery, you will need to stay out of your contact lenses for a period of time leading up to a dilated preoperative exam. At this exam, a series of detailed and precise measurements will be conducted to customize your treatment to your exact visual specifications. Customization will be done utilizing iDesign 2.0 software. This is the most advanced method for performing PRK surgery. You will also be dilated at this exam so that Dr. Kraff can take a look at the internal structures of your eye and ensure that everything is healthy.

Step 3 - Surgery

PRK is a quick and painless procedure which is usually over in about 15 minutes. A patient will be given several sets of topical numbing drops to ensure that they are comfortable during the treatment. Dr. Kraff will use a small lid speculum which will gently hold the patient’s eyelids open during the procedure. Because the patient’s eyes are numb, they will not even realize that they aren’t blinking. Dr. Kraff will then use an instrument to gently brush off the surface layer of the cornea known as the epithelium. The epithelium is some of the quickest regenerative tissue that we have in our bodies. Once removed, the LASER will treat the exposed areas of the cornea. Once completed, a soft bandage contact lens will be placed on the eye and the same steps will be repeated on the 2nd eye.

Step 4 - Follow-Up and Recovery

Immediately following surgery, a patient will be encouraged to go home and rest. For the first two to three days a patient will need to avoid certain activities like working, using a computer, exercising, driving, and extensive reading. It is normal to experience some discomfort during the first couple of days, but oral pain medication will help to minimize that discomfort. After about three days, enough of the epithelium has regenerated that the bandage contact lenses can safely be removed. Once removed, a patient can return to most of their normal day-to-day activities. Throughout the first year, patients will be seen for several quick follow-up visits.

Am I a Candidate for PRK Laser Eye Surgery for Farsightedness?

Eye surgery for Hyperopia may be an option for you! The best way to determine if you fall within treatable parameters for corrective eye surgery for Hyperopia is to come in for a no-cost, no-obligation, consultation.