What are the types of eye surgery? - Check Operation Types List

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Nikita Tyagi, last updated on 16 January 2023
What are the types of eye surgery? - Check Operation Types List

If you're experiencing a clouded vision, nighttime blindness, astigmatism, or Sudden loss of vision, you might be experiencing some eye problem for which you'll need to undergo eye surgery.

Eye surgery is typically performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery centre and may be done under local or general anaesthesia. The risks and benefits of eye surgery should be carefully discussed with a qualified healthcare professional before proceeding.

Keep reading the following blog to learn more about eye surgery types, types of laser eye surgery, indications, procedure steps, and the cost of different types of procedures!

What is Eye Surgery?

Eye surgery is a medical procedure in which a surgeon performs a procedure on the eye to treat a specific condition or problem. Eye surgery may be performed to correct vision problems, remove a cataract, repair a detached retina, or treat glaucoma, among other diseases. 

There are several eye surgery types , including laser surgery, traditional surgery, and minimally invasive procedures. The specific type of eye surgery appropriate for a person will depend on their particular condition and the recommendations of their ophthalmologist.

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What are the different types of eye surgery?

Several types of eye surgery may be performed to treat various conditions or problems with the eye. Some common eye surgery types include:

  1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK surgery is one of the types of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.LASIK is typically an outpatient procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia.
  2. Cataract surgery: Cataract eye surgery is a surgical procedure in which a cloudy lens (cataract) is replaced with an artificial lens to improve vision. The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia and takes about an hour. The artificial lens is then implanted in the eye.
  3. Glaucoma surgery/Trabeculectomy: Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when there is too much pressure in the eye, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve. Several types of surgery can be used to reduce the stress in the eye and prevent damage to the optic nerve. These may include laser surgery, traditional surgery, or medication.
  4. Retinal detachment surgery: A retinal detachment occurs when the retina seperates from the back of the eye. This can cause vision loss. Retinal detachment is a type of surgery is used to repair a detachment or tear in the retina. The specific type of surgery used will depend on the size and location of the detachment. Options may include laser surgery, freezing the retina, or attaching a silicone band to the eye to push the retina back into place.
  5. Strabismus surgery: Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and do not point in the same direction. Strabismus surgery is used to correct misalignment and improve the ability to see clearly. The specific type of surgery used will depend on the particular type of strabismus and the underlying cause. Options may include adjusting the muscles in the eye or removing excess skin.
  6. Pterygium surgery: A pterygium is a growth in the eye that can interfere with vision. Pterygium surgery is used to remove the growth. The pterygium is cut away during the procedure, and the area is closed.
  7. Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is a procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids to improve the appearance of the eyes. During the procedure, an incision is made in the eyelid, and excess tissue is removed.
  8. Corneal transplant: A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. During the procedure, an incision is made in the eye, and the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with the healthy donor cornea.
  9. Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the vitreous gel from the eye and repair or remove problems affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous.
  10. Photorefractive Keratectomy: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser surgery used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Indications of different eye surgery types

Here are some specific situations in which it may be appropriate to see a doctor for different eye surgery types. You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Type of Eye Surgery Indications
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses,
Cataract surgery Cloudy or blurry vision, glare or halos around lights, or changes in the way you see colours
Glaucoma surgery Vision loss
Retinal detachment surgery Floaters, flashes of light, or a sudden loss of vision
Corneal transplant surgery Diseased or damaged cornea and experiencing vision problems
Strabismus surgery Misaligned eye, double vision or other vision problems
Ptosis surgery Drooping eyelids affecting your vision
Blepharoplasty Excess skin, fat, or muscle in your eyelids that is causing vision problems

How are different types of eye surgery performed?

Here is a table outlining some common eye surgery types and the steps involved in each procedure:

Type of Eye Surgery

Steps

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

  1. The eye is numbed with local anaesthesia
  2. A solution is applied to loosen the corneal epithelium
  3. A section of the corneal epithelium is removed
  4. The underlying tissue of the cornea is reshaped with a laser
  5. The epithelium is put back in place to heal.

Cataract surgery

  1. The patient will be given local anaesthesia to numb the eye and a sedative to help them relax.
  2.  A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, usually using a laser.
  3. A device called a phacoemulsification probe is used to break up the cloudy lens and suction it out.
  4. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the incision and positioned in the eye.
  5. The incision is closed with self-sealing sutures or left to heal on its own.

Glaucoma surgery

  1. The eye is numbed with local anaesthesia
  2. A small incision is made in the eye
  3. The surgeon performs the specific type of glaucoma surgery being used (such as trabeculectomy, laser trabeculoplasty, or implanting a glaucoma drainage device).
  4. The incision is closed with sutures or an adhesive.

Retinal detachment surgery

  1. Eye is numbed with Local Anesthesia
  2. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eye.
  3. Specific type of retinal detachment surgery (such as scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, or vitrectomy) is performed
  4. The incision is closed with sutures or an adhesive. 

Corneal transplant surgery

  1. The patient will be given local anaesthesia to numb the eye and a sedative to help them relax.
  2. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea.
  3. The damaged cornea is removed, and the healthy donor cornea is placed in its place.
  4. The incision is closed with self-sealing sutures or left to heal on its own.

Strabismus surgery

  1. Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the eyes
  2. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eye.
  3. The muscles that control the movement of the eye to correct misalignment is adjusted
  4. The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or an adhesive.

Pterygium surgery

  1. The patient will be given local anaesthesia to numb the eye and a sedative to help them relax.
  2. The surgeon will remove the pterygium by cutting it away from the healthy tissue.
  3. The surgeon may use a tissue from the patient's own body or a donor tissue to repair the area where the pterygium was removed.
  4. This step is called a conjunctival autograft or a conjunctival allograft.
  5. The incision is closed with self-sealing sutures or left to heal on its own.
Blepharoplasty
  1. The surgeon numbs the eye with anaesthetic eye drops.
  2. The surgeon makes small incisions in the eyelid.
  3. The surgeon removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelid.
  4. The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or an adhesive.

When to see a doctor?

Eye surgery is generally safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Here are some possible risks and complications that may occur for which you'll need to see a doctor:

  1. Infection: The disease risk after eye surgery is low but can occur. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
  2. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after eye surgery. In most cases, the bleeding will stop on its own, but in some cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
  3. Dry eye: Dry eye is a common side effect of eye surgery and can cause discomfort, irritation, and vision problems.
  4. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to medications or other substances used during eye surgery are rare but can occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include redness, itching, and swelling.
  5. Vision loss: In rare cases, eye surgery may cause vision loss. This can be temporary or permanent, depending on the specific situation.
  6. Need for additional surgery: In some cases, further surgery may be necessary to correct a problem or address a complication after the initial surgery.

Cost of different types of Eye Surgery

The cost of eye surgery in India can vary widely depending on the specific eye surgery types , the location, and the surgeon performing the procedure. Here are some general ranges for the cost of some common eye surgery types in India:

Type of Eye Surgery

Cost Range (in INR)

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

₹45,000-₹1,35,000 per eye

Cataract surgery

₹30,000-₹1,40,000 per eye
Glaucoma surgery ₹26,000-₹45,000 per eye

Retinal detachment surgery

₹,50,000-₹1,20,000 per eye

Corneal transplant surgery

₹90,000-₹1,70,000 per eye

Strabismus surgery

₹9,000-₹1,30,000 per eye

Ptosis surgery

₹15,000-₹30,000 per eye
Blepharoplasty ₹80,000-₹1,60,000 per eye

Conclusion

The above blog discusses the different eye surgery types , types of laser eye surgery, their cost and procedure. The specific procedure used will depend on the patient's specific condition and the patient's preference. It's essential to consult with an eye specialist to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

You can contact the experts at HexaHealth for their best advice on different types of eye surgery and which one is the best for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different eye surgery types?

Different types of eye surgery include cataract surgery, which removes the cloudy lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens; glaucoma surgery, which reduces pressure in the eye to prevent vision loss; retinal surgery, which treats conditions such as retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy, corneal surgery, which treats conditions such as corneal ulcers and keratoconus, and eyelid surgery, which treats droopy eyelids and other eyelid conditions.

What are the types of eye surgery to correct vision?

Types of eye surgery to correct vision include LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy), and SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) are all laser eye surgery to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

What are the types of Lasik eye surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular eye surgery used to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. There are several types of LASIK surgery including traditional, custom, wavefront-guided, Epi-LASIK, PRK and LASEK. Each type of LASIK has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and the best option depends on the individual's specific needs and the recommendations of their eye surgeon.

What are some minor eye surgeries?

Some minor eye surgeries include removing foreign objects, stye removal, and pterygium removal. These surgeries are usually quick, outpatient procedures that can be done with local anaesthesia.

What is Common eye surgery for older adults?

Common eye surgery for older adults includes cataract surgery and age-related macular degeneration surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. In contrast, age-related macular degeneration surgery involves injecting medication into the eye to slow down or stop the progression of the disease.

What are common eye problems with the elderly?

Common eye problems with the elderly include cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye. These conditions can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

What is the safest eye surgery?

The safety of eye surgery varies depending on the procedure and the patient's circumstances. It is essential to consult with an eye surgeon to determine the safety and suitability of a particular surgery for you.

Who is not suitable for eye surgery?

People with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may not be suitable for eye surgery. It is essential to consult with an eye surgeon to determine if you are a right candidate for surgery.

Can eyesight be corrected without surgery?

Many eye problems can be corrected without surgery by wearing glasses or contact lenses or using non-surgical treatments such as eye drops or medications. However, in some cases, surgery may be the only option for certain conditions or for more severe vision problems.

Updated on : 16 January 2023

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Nikita Tyagi

Nikita Tyagi

BPharm (Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad)

2 Years Experience

An enthusiastic writer with an eye for details and medical correctness. An avid reviewer and publisher. She emphasises authentic information and creates value for the readers. Earlier, she was involved in making ...View More

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