Refractive Problems

Refraction is the phenomenon of light allowing an image to be captured by the eye. Three factors determine refraction :

1. Curvature of the cornea;
2. Strength of the crystalline lens;
3. Length of the eye.

If these three elements are perfectly structured, the image converges on the retina for precise vision. If one or more of the structures are not perfect, it results in a refractive problem.

How are refractive problems corrected?

1. Corrective glasses

Glasses are the simplest solution for refractive problems. They're affordable and easy to maintain. However, they alter your appearance, limit peripheral vision and are easily breakable.

2. Contact lenses

Contacts offer more precise vision and greater freedom in sports, without altering your appearance. However, they carry the risk of infection, are not easily tolerated by everyone, and don't solve all refractive problems such as high degrees of astigmatism.

3. Natural techniques

In recent years, non-surgical techniques have been introduced such as acupressure and orthokeratology. But despite providing temporary improvements, they don't offer complete and permanent correction of refractive problems.

4. Laser surgery

Standard Lasik surgery is in increasing demand because the eye’s recovery time after the surgery is very short, the procedure is practically painless, and it results in less need of corrective glasses. However, the technique can cause a halo effect around lights at night. This drawback occurs because the pupil dilates over both the treated and untreated part of the cornea allowing the light to pass through and reflect both treated and untreated refraction.

The latest technology is called Zyoptix. It is a surgical technique similar to Lasik but with several improvements. It reduces halos around lights at night and enhances the quality and precision of your vision. The procedure is customized to your eye and treats your eye's imperfections.

As of 2007 it is now possible to correct vision with a complete blade-less procedure called Intralase. This femtosecond technology deserved the Nobel prize in chemistry in 1999.

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