Refractive Surgery
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Refractive surgery is an umbrella term covering several types of procedures aimed at improving vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina. The most common types of refractive surgery include LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). Each procedure has its unique method of reshaping the cornea but achieves similar results in vision correction.
LASIK is one of the most well-known refractive procedures. During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is repositioned. The entire procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is known for its quick recovery time.
PRK is another type of refractive surgery that predates LASIK. Instead of creating a corneal flap, PRK involves removing the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) to expose the underlying tissue. The cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser, just like in LASIK. The epithelium grows back naturally over a few days, though recovery is longer compared to LASIK.
SMILE is a more recent advancement in refractive surgery. In this procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to create a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap and may result in less postoperative dryness and faster recovery for some patients.
Refractive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eyes, and the procedure itself is typically painless. However, patients may feel slight pressure during the procedure.
Procedure Duration
Refractive surgery procedures are known for being relatively quick. On average, the surgery itself takes between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of refractive procedure being performed and whether one or both eyes are being treated at the same time.
In LASIK, the actual laser reshaping takes only a few seconds per eye, though the preparation time and creation of the corneal flap extend the total time to around 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision almost immediately after the surgery, with significant improvement within 24 to 48 hours. However, it can take several weeks for the vision to stabilize completely.
PRK takes slightly longer, as the epithelium is removed before the laser reshapes the cornea. While the surgery time itself is comparable to LASIK, recovery is longer—typically taking a few days to a week—since the epithelium must regenerate. Vision may take several weeks to stabilize.
SMILE offers one of the shortest recovery times among refractive surgeries. The procedure lasts around 15-20 minutes, with the laser component being only a few seconds. Patients can expect functional vision within one to two days, and the risk of dry eye symptoms is often lower than with LASIK.
Recovery Time: In general, patients are advised to rest for a few hours following their surgery. While initial recovery for LASIK and SMILE is rapid, it can take a few weeks for vision to fully stabilize. PRK patients experience longer recovery, with some discomfort for a few days as the epithelium regenerates. Most patients can resume normal activities, including driving and working, within a few days of surgery, though it’s advised to avoid strenuous activities or eye strain for at least a week.
Benefits
Refractive surgery offers a range of benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking vision correction:
- Permanent Vision Correction: The reshaping of the cornea provides long-term correction of vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Reduced Dependence on Eyewear: Most patients can significantly reduce or even eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
- Quick Procedure: The surgery itself is quick, typically lasting less than 30 minutes for both eyes.
- Fast Recovery: Procedures like LASIK and SMILE offer rapid recovery times, with many patients experiencing improved vision within 24-48 hours.
- Proven Safety and Efficacy: Refractive surgery has been performed for over two decades and has a high success rate with minimal complications.
Potential Destinations
Refractive surgery is widely available worldwide, but some destinations stand out for their advanced medical technology, expertise, and cost-effectiveness:
- Mexico: Known for its proximity to the U.S. and affordability, Mexico offers high-quality refractive surgery at a fraction of the cost. Medical tourism facilities are well-regulated, and many surgeons have been trained in leading global institutions.
- Thailand: A hub for medical tourism, Thailand is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and experienced surgeons. Refractive surgery here is often paired with luxury recovery services, making it a top destination for medical tourists.
- Turkey: Turkey has emerged as a leading destination for refractive surgery, with modern clinics offering the latest techniques like SMILE and LASIK. The country is known for combining affordability with top-tier medical care.
- India: India’s medical tourism industry is well-established, with a reputation for cutting-edge ophthalmological procedures at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Patients can expect world-class care from experienced surgeons.
- Spain: For those seeking a European destination, Spain offers high-quality refractive surgery at competitive prices. The country is known for its advanced healthcare system and experienced ophthalmologists.
Risks & Considerations
Like all medical procedures, refractive surgery carries potential risks and considerations that patients should be aware of:
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness is common after LASIK, though it typically resolves within a few weeks or months.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: In some cases, the laser may remove too much or too little corneal tissue, requiring enhancement surgery.
- Night Vision Issues: Some patients experience glare, halos, or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions after surgery.
- Corneal Infection or Inflammation: While rare, there is a small risk of infection or inflammation following the procedure.
- Flap Complications (for LASIK): The corneal flap created during LASIK can lead to complications if it does not heal properly.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting a qualified and experienced doctor and hospital for refractive surgery is critical to ensuring a successful outcome. Patients should consider the following:
- Experience and Specialization: Look for a surgeon who specializes in refractive surgery and has performed a high volume of procedures. An experienced surgeon is more likely to deliver optimal results and handle any potential complications.
- Accreditation and Technology: Choose a hospital or clinic that is accredited by recognized health organizations and is equipped with the latest refractive surgery technology. Facilities with advanced lasers and diagnostic tools offer a higher standard of care.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
