Albuquerque Services
Basics:
The eye focuses with 2 main lens systems:
- The Cornea: the cornea has a curvature to it that allows sight to enter and focus onto the retina for clarity of vision. In some cases the cornea is shaped irregularly creating what is called an astigmatism (similar to looking at the back of a spoon).
- The Lens: The lens is a clear structure behind the color part of your eye (iris). It focuses light rays onto the back of the retina for clarity of vision.
What happens to the lens with age?
- Around 40 years of age, one begins to lose their near vision and worse each year that requires reading glasses to see up close.
- Around 50 years of age, the lens begins to lose its clarity slightly and one an begin seeing abnormally whether at night or during the daytime.
- Around 60 years of age and above, the lens can become cloudy and worsens with age causing a significant cataract that is affected vision and limiting one’s ability to perform their daily activities such as reading, watching TV, playing sports, driving during the daytime or at night.
How to correct one’s vision?
Depending on your vision goals and the whether the issue is with your cornea or lens, Dr. Melendez will evaluate the entire visual system to determine what is your best option to correct your vision.
With all of the latest technology, we can help you become less dependent upon glasses if that is your goal. If you do not mind wearing glasses, then Dr. Melendez recommends then staying with your glasses after the surgery, the difference of course would be that your vision will be clearer, sharper, more vibrant, and better contrast after the surgery.
Some individuals desire to get rid of their glasses and in most instances, this can now be achieved with newer laser technology that is more precise and predictable.
Surgical Options:
| ZEISS SMILE | LASIK | ICL | PRK | RLE | |
| Full Name | Small Incision Lenticule Extraction | Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis | Implantable Contact/Collamer Lens | Photo-Refractive Keratectom | Refractive Lens Exchange |
| Ideal Age | 18-42 | 18-42 | 21-42 | 21-42 | 43-60 |
| Immediate Results | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Recovery Times | Quick | Quick | Quick | Up to 4 weeks | Quick |
| Removable/ Reversible | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Contraindications | Farsightedness | Active Lifestyle | Shallow Anterior Chamber | – | – |
| Treats Myopia (Nearsightedness) | Yes | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Severe | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Severe |
| Treats Hyperopia (Farsightedness) | No | Mild to Moderate | No | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Severe |
| Treats Astigmatism | Mild | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Moderate | Mild to Severe |
| Option for Patients with Keratoconus | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| More Information | – | – | Protects Against UV Rays | – | Protects Against UV Rays |
*Please understand your eyes can take up to 4 weeks to completely heal.
Cornea Based Options:
Lens Based Surgery Options:
Intraocular Lens Options for Cataract Surgery:
- Monofocal IOL (improves clarity, but likely still needs glasses)
- Toric IOL (Corrects vision and astigmatism to see at one distance)
- Trifocal IOL (PanOptix®) Focuses light at 3 different differences. More than 90% of patients can see near and far without glasses and some still may need glasses for very fine near work or night time driving.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the choices, but rather focus on where you would like to see and we can help you decide what is best for you and your vision. Every patient is different, and Dr. Melendez will customize the right treatment for your eyes.