Different Types of Specs Removal Surgery for Permanent Vision Correction

Did you know that as per the World Health Organization, uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide? Shockingly, only 36% of individuals with distance vision impairment due to refractive errors have access to corrective measures like spectacles. This contributes to a staggering 2.2 billion people globally suffering from vision impairment—nearly 1 billion of whom could have been prevented or treated with proper eye care.

This gap forces many to choose refractive specs removal surgery types. Lasik surgery to remove glasses gives clearer vision. There is no need to further wear glasses or contact lenses. Spectacle removal surgeries, known as refractive surgeries, correct vision issues. Eye surgery to remove glasses, performed at Best Eye Hospital, primarily has two categories: laser-based surgeries and implant-based surgeries.

Laser-Based Surgeries:

Laser-based eye surgery to remove glasses reshapes the cornea (the eye’s clear front surface). This improves your eyesight vision. Key types are LASIK, PRK, and SMILE.

• Each surgery for better vision uses precise lasers. These correct refractive errors – nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
• Clear vision surgery often gets completed within minutes and has high success rates.
• Studies show that LASIK and other laser-based vision correction surgeries have a 96% success rate, with most patients achieving 20/25 vision or better.
• Permanent vision correction takes a little time and recovery times vary.
• You need to have stable prescriptions and healthy corneas.
• Consulting with an eye specialist is strongly recommended to find out which eyeglass-free vision surgery will suit you.

Now let’s dig deeper into how these three are different from each other:

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):

During this glasses removal surgery procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface. Next it is lifted and an excimer laser precisely removes corneal tissue to correct refractive errors. The flap is then placed back.

• LASIK effectively treats near-sightedness (Hypermetropia), farsightedness (Myopia) and astigmatism.
• Most patients get rapid visual improvement, often within 24 hours.
• Serious complications during laser surgery for specs removal are rare.
• Serious complications during laser surgery for specs removal are rare. Approximately 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with around 99% achieving at least 20/40 vision.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):

This specs removal surgery corrects mild to moderate vision problems. Unlike LASIK, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) removes the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) entirely before reshaping the underlying tissue via a laser. The epithelium regenerates over a few days after the eye surgery to remove specs.

• PRK is suitable for patients with thinner corneas
• It is also for those who cannot be treated via LASIK.
• Recovery is longer than LASIK; it takes several days to weeks.
• During recovery you may face discomfort during healing and potential haze, if you do not follow what your eye expert tells you.
• PRK has a slightly longer recovery period, but studies show that after six months, 95% of PRK patients achieve 20/25 vision or better.

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):

During this laser surgery for specs removal we correct nearsightedness. A femtosecond laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea of your eye. Later it is removed through a tiny cut. This reshapes the cornea and corrects your eyesight.

• SMILE eye surgery to remove specs involves a smaller incision than LASIK.
• Preserves corneal strength and reduces dry eye symptoms.
• Recovery is swift, with many patients resuming normal activities within a day or two.
• Studies show that 98% of SMILE patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, and 88% achieve 20/20 vision or better.
• Risks during this laser surgery for specs removal are minimal. But you may face temporary visual disturbances, if you don’t take proper care of your eyes.

2. Implant-Based Surgeries:

Implant-based glasses removal surgery involves placing artificial lenses inside the eye to correct vision. These surgeries add or replace lenses to achieve the required refractive outcome.

• Typically recommended for individuals unsuitable for LASIK surgery to remove glasses due to high prescriptions or thin corneas.
• Recovery times vary and as with any surgical procedure.

1. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens):

This is a specific type of Phakic Intraocular Lens, During this eye surgery to remove glasses, a custom-made lens is implanted between the iris and the eye’s natural lens. This procedure corrects high degrees of nearsightedness. The implanted lens works with the eye’s natural lens to refocus light accurately onto the retina.

• Suitable for patients who may not be ideal candidates for laser Eye Surgery.
• Recovery is typically quick, with many patients experiencing improved vision within a day.
• ICL has a 99% satisfaction rate, with 93% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
• USP – This eye surgery to remove glasses is reversible, offering flexibility for future treatments.

2. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange):

This glasses removal surgery is similar to cataract surgery. Here, the affected eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens to fix the refractive errors.

• Suitable for individuals with presbyopia or high hyperopia. Here laser surgeries aren’t suitable.
• The procedure reduces your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It may or may not be permanent vision correction.
• RLE has a 95% success rate in reducing dependency on glasses, with most patients achieving clear vision at multiple distances.
• Recovery varies per individual, with many resuming normal activities within a week.
• As with any surgery, there are risks. If you don’t take proper care, then an infection or lens displacement can occur. But this is rare.

Overall Caution: A thorough consultation with the best nearby eye care professional is essential to determine the most appropriate option. This would be based on individual vision needs and eye health.

Risks and Complications in Specs Removal Surgery:

Specs removal surgery, including LASIK and SMILE, is highly effective, with a 96% success rate. But risks do exist in every glass removal surgery.

• Common side effects – dry eyes, glare, halos and temporary vision fluctuations.
• Rare long-term risks – corneal weakening (ectasia), night vision disturbances or rare infections.
• Some patients need retreatment due to under or over-correction after eye surgery to remove glasses.
• In very rare cases, scarring or improper healing can affect vision.
• Less than 1% of patients require a second enhancement procedure to refine vision correction.
• The risk of severe complications is less than 0.1%.

That is why we always advise that a thorough eye evaluation and expert eye surgeon near you, or a reputed Spectacle Store, is essential to minimize risks. Proper post-surgery care is key. Your vision is precious—choose the best eye expert wisely!

Eyeglass-Free Vision: Post-Surgery Care and Recovery Process

Recovery Timelines vary from person to person and case to case. But normally…

• LASIK & PRK – Initial recovery: 1–2 days, full vision: 2–3 months
• SMILE – Initial recovery: 1 day, full vision: 4–6 weeks
• ICL – Initial recovery: 2–3 days, full vision: 1–2 months

Do’s Post Specs Removal Surgery:

• Use prescribed eye drops as instructed.
• Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
• Sleep with an eye shield for a week.
• Stay hydrated for faster healing.

Don’ts Post Specs Removal Surgery:

• No eye rubbing for a month.
• Avoid swimming, dust, and makeup for 2 weeks.
• No strenuous workouts or heavy lifting for 4 weeks.

Choosing the Right Glass Removal Surgery:

• LASIK – Best for mild to moderate refractive errors; quick recovery (1–2 days).
• PRK – Ideal for thin corneas; longer healing (2–3 months).
• SMILE – Suitable for myopia; flapless, faster healing (4–6 weeks).
• ICL – Great for high prescriptions; reversible, longer recovery (1–2 months).

Consult an ophthalmologist for a personalized recommendation based on corneal thickness, lifestyle, and vision goals.

Conclusion:

Take control of your sight with specs removal surgery options for a brighter future. Experience the freedom of eyeglass-free vision and enjoy life with clarity—because your eyes deserve the best care! Contact us today for more details or further queries.

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