Many people suffer from blurry vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism without a single clue on how to permanently correct them. The consequences of this ignorance and sometimes careless neglect can be far-reaching. While these may not directly cause complete blindness, they can lead to complications that may eventually contribute to severe vision loss if left uncorrected or unmanaged.
So if you are currently experiencing any of the above vision-related challenges (blurry vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and you are asking to know if glasses are the only option, what the latest vision correction methods are or if laser surgery is both safe and corrective, then this blog content is for you.
In this blog post, we have put together the opinions of three of our well-respected Optometrists at Vision Planet. This simply means that you are sure to get an expert answer to all your vision correction-related questions and more.
If this sounds like a post you have always been eager to read, then you are welcome to journey with us as we walk you through the comprehensive and expert-based answer to vision correction.
What The Experts Say About Vision Correction Methods
Before we delve into our in-house experts’ opinions on the subject matter (Vision correction), let’s consider some very recent research works by renowned Ophthalmologists.
There have been several methods proposed for vision correction, and it would be a great privilege to outline as well as explain each of them in ways you can easily understand and apply too.
There are two vision correction methods which also double as options for anyone with the above-mentioned eye challenges. These methods are:
Non-Surgical Methods and Surgical Methods.
Non-Surgical Methods
As the name implies, these methods do not require any form of surgery or eye cuts; it is sometimes seen as a means to eyesight correction naturally. The choice to settle with this vision correction method largely depends on a variety of reasons, which can be discussed with your doctor. They include:
- The Use of Eyeglasses is the most common Non-surgical method.
- Contact Lenses, as a non-surgical method, on the other hand, provide a wider field of vision and come in soft, rigid, and hybrid types.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), as a non-surgical vision correction method, is a special gas-permeable contact lens worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily.
- Vision Therapy, as a non-surgical vision correction method, proposes the use of Exercises and treatments to improve eye function, and often, this method is used for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes).
Surgical Methods.
Again, as the name implies, this vision correction method factors in methods that involve the use of surgical types of equipment to correct your vision. Here are some popular examples backed up by detailed research and links to authority content for further reading.
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). While it may not necessarily do you any good, we just wish to give obeisance to the founder of this vision correction method. The LASIK Method was developed by Gholam A. Peyman, an Iranian-American ophthalmologist and retina surgeon. On his Wikipedia biography page, it was noted that Gbolam was inspired to develop this life-changing invention because of his interest in the effects of lasers on tissues in the eye. His method uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). This is another commonly applied vision correction surgical procedure. It is sometimes believed to be a good fit for people with thin corneas.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). This surgical method uses a minimally invasive laser procedure for myopia correction.
- LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy). This surgical method is closely related to the PRK as described above, but it differs slightly because it involves lifting the epithelium instead of removing it.
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens. This surgical method ensures that a permanent, implantable lens is placed inside the eye, especially for those who are not LASIK candidates.
- Cataract Surgery with Intraocular Lenses (IOLs). This surgical method is used to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one, often helping to improve vision.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). This surgical method is closely related to cataract surgery, but it is slightly different in that it replaces the natural lens with an artificial one for severe farsightedness or presbyopia.
- Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL). This surgical method is used to strengthen and stabilize the cornea, primarily for keratoconus patients
The Best Vision Correction Method
In the above paragraph, we took the time to outline and explain the various methods experts employ to correct vision. We classified them into the Non-Surgical and the surgical, and we went further by breaking them down into smaller methods.
Sticking with or choosing a specific vision correction method at the end of the day largely depends on some key factors, which will be explained below.
Cost of Treatment:
The cost of administrating the correction method is usually the first factor a lot of people consider before opting for an option. Some methods are far less expensive when placed side by side with others.
Severity of Case
Choosing a method as outlined above also depends on the severity of the case or the accompanying developed or developing complications. Some conditions require urgency, and surgery is usually the only way out, while others (Probably at the early stages) require management, in this case, a non-surgical approach.
Effectiveness and side effects
How effective (From past cases) a method is will determine its adoption by a new patient or doctor. Apart from this, the severity of the side effects will also play a huge role in the adoption of any vision correction method.
Vision correction lenses
Correction lenses work simply by bending light rays. Find below some types of corrective glasses:
Single Vision Lenses
Designed to correct one type of vision problem, like nearsightedness (myopia),
farsightedness (hyperopia) and even astigmatism. They typically contain one power from edge
to edge, hence “single-vision lenses”. These lenses are also Great for everyday activities like reading, working, or driving.
Bifocnses
Best for people with presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on objects).
Bifocals have two prescriptions in one lens (one at the top and another at the bottom) to offer
a transition of viewing between the distance and near.
Progressive Lenses(Varifocal lenses)
A modern upgrade to bifocals, providing a gradual change in prescription without visible
lines. It is essentially a bifocal lens without a visible line. This is also Ideal for those who need correction for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Bonus -Lens Enhancement option for your lenses
Photochromic or Transitions Lenses
These lenses adjust to light conditions, darkening in sunlight and clearing up indoors. Also Perfect for Nigerians who spend time outdoors and want the convenience of not carrying sunglasses
So far, we have tried to provide a comprehensive overview of Vision correction plus some of the ways by which experts try to profer solutions to them. Additionally, we have outlined all the various types of corrective lenses for different cases. Let us know in the comment section which of these resonates with you.
