Refractive surgery is a method of modifying the refractive state of the eye at the time of surgery. If the patient, due to genetics or other factors, has a predisposition to increased refraction, it may be the case that it increases over the years and indeed, after an evaluation, it could be operated again.
Refractive surgery includes several elective procedures. Procedures involving alteration of the cornea are collectively referred to as keratorefractive surgery, refractive keratoplasty, or corneal refractive surgery. They also include placing a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implant in front of the lens or replacing the lens by exchanging refractive lenses.
LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures used today. With this procedure, vision is corrected by reshaping the corneal tissue below the surface of the eye. A "flap" is created on the surface of the cornea, which is then flipped back while the surgeon uses a laser to treat or reshape the deeper layers of the cornea. The flap is then folded back into place where it joins without the need for stitches.
Because LASIK is performed under a protective layer of tissue, there is less surface area to heal, less risk of corneal clouding, less postoperative discomfort, and less need for postoperative medication than with other procedures. Vision returns quickly, often within a day or two.
Refractive surgery may be considered when a patient wishes to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, or when there are professional or cosmetic reasons for not wearing glasses.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños, medical director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, explains in this video if a patient who has undergone refractive surgery can undergo the intervention again if his prescription is increased.