Krisha Eye Hospital

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Types of eye surgery and the conditions they treat

Types of eye surgery and the conditions they treat

Modern surgical eye procedures have revolutionized how we manage a wide range of visual impairments and ocular diseases. With rapid advances in medical technology, these surgeries have become safer, less invasive, and more effective—enabling patients to preserve or regain their sight.

This comprehensive guide outlines 14 common eye surgeries, the conditions they treat, how each procedure works, and what to expect during recovery.

  1. Cataract surgery
  2. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
  3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
  4. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
  5. Glaucoma surgery
  6. Retinal surgery
  7. Corneal transplant (Keratoplasty)
  8. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
  9. Squint surgery (Strabismus surgery)
  10. Vitrectomy
  11. Oculoplastic surgery
  12. Nystagmus surgery
  13. Pterygium surgery
  14. Intravitreal injections

1. Cataract surgery

Overview: Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.

Conditions treated:

  • Age-related cataracts
  • Congenital cataracts
  • Cataracts from trauma or medications (e.g., steroids)

Procedure details: Performed under local anesthesia, this outpatient procedure takes around 15-30 minutes. The surgeon uses either:

  • Phacoemulsification: Ultrasonic device breaks up the lens for removal
  • Laser-assisted cataract surgery: Femtosecond laser creates incisions and softens the lens for easier extraction

Recovery: Visual clarity often improves within a few days, and full healing usually takes 4-6 weeks.

2. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

Overview: LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using a laser, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Conditions treated:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism

Procedure details: A corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser. An excimer laser then reshapes the corneal tissue to correct refractive errors. The flap is gently repositioned without stitches.

Recovery: Quick—vision improves within 1-2 days, and most patients resume work in under a week.

3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Overview: An alternative to LASIK, PRK does not involve a corneal flap and is ideal for patients with thin or irregular corneas.

Conditions treated:

  • Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism

Procedure details: The outermost layer (epithelium) of the cornea is removed, and an excimer laser reshapes the surface. The epithelium regenerates naturally over several days.

Recovery: Takes longer than LASIK—about 1 week for visual improvement and up to a month for full clarity.

4. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

Overview: A flapless, minimally invasive laser procedure that treats refractive errors with a high degree of precision.

Conditions treated:

  • Myopia
  • Astigmatism

Procedure details: A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule (tiny disc) inside the cornea, which is extracted via a small incision. No flap is created.

Recovery: Less dryness compared to LASIK and similar recovery time—most resume work in a few days.

5. Glaucoma surgery

Overview: A group of procedures to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent optic nerve damage.

Conditions treated:

  • Open-angle glaucoma
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Congenital glaucoma

Types of surgery:

  • Laser trabeculoplasty: Improves drainage through the trabecular meshwork.
  • Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage pathway.
  • Tube shunt implants: Diverts fluid to a reservoir under the eye surface.
  • MIGS: Less invasive options for early/moderate glaucoma.

Recovery: Varies by procedure; regular monitoring and eye drops are necessary post-op.

6. Retinal surgery

Overview: Delicate procedures aimed at repairing damage to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Conditions treated:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Macular degeneration
  • Macular holes or puckers.

Types of surgery:

  • Vitrectomy: Removes vitreous gel to access and repair the retina.
  • Laser photocoagulation: Seals leaking vessels.
  • Cryopexy: Freezes retinal tears.
  • Scleral buckling: Uses a silicone band to relieve retinal tension.

Recovery: May require face-down positioning for days and careful follow-up.

7. Corneal transplant (Keratoplasty)

Overview: Transplants healthy donor corneal tissue to restore vision or relieve pain.

Conditions treated:

  • Keratoconus
  • Fuchs’ dystrophy
  • Corneal scarring

Types:

  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): Full-thickness transplant.
  • DSEK/DMEK: Partial-thickness endothelial layer transplant.

Recovery: Vision gradually improves over weeks/months. Risk of graft rejection requires long-term use of medicated drops.

8. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Overview: A solution for people who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK, especially those with presbyopia.

Conditions treated:

  • Severe refractive errors.
  • Age-related loss of near vision. (presbyopia)

Procedure details: The natural lens is replaced with a multifocal or accommodating IOL.

Recovery: Similar to cataract surgery—quick and generally uneventful.

9. Squint surgery (Strabismus surgery)

Overview: Realigns the eye muscles to correct crossed, lazy, or misaligned eyes.

Conditions treated:

  • Strabismus
  • Diplopia (double vision)

Procedure details: Surgeons tighten or loosen muscles to adjust eye positioning. Often done in childhood, but also beneficial for adults.

Recovery: Redness and swelling may occur but resolve in days. Visual therapy may be needed post-op.

10. Vitrectomy

Overview: Removes vitreous humor to treat retinal disorders or remove blood/debris.

Conditions treated:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Macular hole
  • Vitreous hemorrhage

Procedure details: Involves microincisions and infusion of gas/silicone oil to maintain eye pressure post-surgery.

Recovery: Positioning protocols and activity restrictions are critical for healing.

11. Oculoplastic surgery

Overview: Combines cosmetic and reconstructive techniques around the eye area.

Conditions treated:

  • Ptosis
  • Eyelid malpositions (entropion/ectropion)
  • Tear duct blockages
  • Orbital fractures or tumors.

Types:

  • Blepharoplasty
  • DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy)
  • Tumor removal or orbital decompression.

Recovery: Varies—most patients resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

12. Nystagmus surgery

Overview: Aimed at reducing abnormal eye movement and improving visual stability.

Conditions treated:

  • Congenital or acquired nystagmus.

Procedure details: Repositions eye muscles to dampen involuntary movement and enhance visual acuity.

Recovery: Improvement in head posture and focus. Mild discomfort initially.

13. Pterygium surgery

Overview: Removes a benign growth from the conjunctiva that can distort the cornea.

Conditions treated:

  • Chronic irritation
  • Vision obstruction

Procedure details: Uses conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to prevent recurrence.

Recovery: Minimal discomfort; protective eye shield used for a few days.

14. Intravitreal injections

Overview: Delivers medication directly into the eye to treat retinal diseases.

Conditions treated:

  • Wet age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic macular edema
  • Retinal vein occlusion

Common medications:

  • Anti-VEGF agents (Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin)
  • Steroids (Triamcinolone)

Recovery: Quick outpatient procedure with little to no downtime.

When is eye surgery needed?

Understanding when surgical eye procedures become necessary can help you make informed decisions about your health. Here are key scenarios where eye surgery might be recommended:

1. Vision problems interfere with daily life

If your eyesight has deteriorated to the point where activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces become difficult—even with glasses or contact lenses—it may be time to consider an eye operation. Conditions like cataracts, advanced refractive errors, or corneal disorders often require surgical intervention to restore functional vision.

2. Non-invasive treatments are ineffective

Many eye conditions are initially treated with medications, eye drops, or corrective lenses. However, if these approaches fail to control the problem or provide sufficient relief (e.g., in glaucoma or retinal diseases), surgery of the eye might be the next logical step.

3. Condition poses a risk to permanent vision loss

Certain eye diseases, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible damage. For example:

  • Glaucoma can cause optic nerve damage.
  • Retinal detachment can lead to blindness.
  • Diabetic retinopathy can severely impact sight.

In such cases, prompt surgical intervention can preserve your vision and eye health.

4. Cosmetic or Functional restoration is desired

Some procedures aim to correct drooping eyelids (ptosis), remove growths, or repair eye injuries. These surgeries are not always vision-related but can significantly enhance appearance and improve overall eye function.

📌 Important: Only a certified ophthalmologist can assess your specific condition and determine whether eye surgery is required. A thorough eye exam, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging are often part of the evaluation process.

Conclusion

Need help choosing the right eye surgery? We are here for you.

Choosing eye surgery is an important decision—but you don’t have to make it alone. At Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad, our experienced ophthalmologists are here to evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment tailored to your eyes.

We offer a wide range of advanced eye care services, including:

Whether it’s managing glaucoma, treating retinal conditions, or providing urgent eye care—we’re committed to helping you see better and live better.

Book your appointment today or walk in for a complete eye check-up at Krisha Eye Hospital.

Author bio

Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.

Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.

Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.

FAQs

Most eye surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and are not painful. You may feel mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure, and slight soreness afterward, which usually subsides with prescribed medication.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Some, like LASIK, may have a 24–48 hour recovery period, while others like corneal transplants or retinal surgery may take weeks to months. Always follow your surgeon’s post-op care instructions.

In many cases, yes. Surgeries like LASIK, cataract removal, and RLE can offer long-lasting or even permanent results. However, age-related changes or other conditions may still affect vision over time.

As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, dry eyes, glare, halos, or under/over-correction. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following pre- and post-surgery guidelines helps minimize complications.

An ophthalmologist will assess your eye health, vision issues, overall medical condition, and lifestyle needs before recommending surgery. Some procedures may not be suitable for people with thin corneas, certain chronic illnesses, or unstable vision.

For many procedures like LASIK, both eyes are treated during the same session. For surgeries like cataract or retinal procedures, doctors often recommend operating on one eye at a time for better recovery and safety.

Some people achieve 20/20 vision after surgery and no longer need glasses. Others may still need reading glasses or corrective lenses for specific tasks. It depends on the type of surgery and your vision needs.

Depending on the procedure, some people return to work within a day or two (like after LASIK), while others may need up to a week or more (like after vitrectomy or corneal transplants). Your doctor will guide you.

Yes, in many cases, repeat procedures or enhancements can be performed if the initial results don’t fully correct your vision or if your vision changes over time.

While most refractive surgeries require patients to be 18 or older, there is no strict upper age limit. Elderly patients commonly undergo cataract surgery and other procedures based on overall eye health and medical fitness.

No, not all eye surgeries involve lasers. While procedures like LASIK use lasers, others like cataract removal or vitrectomy may involve traditional surgical instruments or a combination of techniques.

Coverage depends on the type of procedure and your insurance plan. Medically necessary surgeries like cataract removal or glaucoma treatment are often covered, while elective ones like LASIK may not be.

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