Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery is a set of surgical techniques which aims to correct ocular refractive defects in the eye such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

In a normal eye clear vision is obtained as a result of the correct projection of rays of light onto the retina. The image penetrates the eye through the cornea and the crystalline lens until it’s projected onto the retina through a process known as refraction. The image is then transmitted from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve.

Short-sightedness (myopia) occurs when the cornea is too curved or the transverse diameter of the eyeball is too long. This means the light is focused a short distance in front of the retina resulting in blurry vision particularly when looking at objects far away.

Long-sightedness (hyperopia) occurs when the cornea is too flat or the eye is shorter than normal. This means light is focused on a point behind the retina, causing blurry vision of objects that are close up and, depending on the extent of the hyperopia, objects that are far away too.

In astigmatism the cornea is not evenly curved. This means that rays of light are focused on several different points of the retina, which produces blurry and distorted vision of both near and far away objects.

Currently LASIK and PRK surgeries are the fastest and most accurate refractive techniques available to correct visual defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. In cases of advanced short-sightedness or long-sightedness, neither LASIK nor PRK surgical techniques can be used, and PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENSES must be used instead. Refractive procedures are characterised by how efficient, safe and reliable they are.

At Clínica Castilla patients can expect to receive treatment of the highest standard and professionalism that is tailored to their individual needs. Not only do we have an unrivalled amount of experience within the Community of Madrid when it comes to refractive eye surgery, but we also offer a wide range of other treatments and therapies to choose from.

Refractive Surgery