Refractive Surgery
What is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery refers to a group of advanced surgical procedures designed to correct common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism. The goal of these procedures is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses, helping patients enjoy greater visual freedom in their daily lives.
At Haute Vision, our refractive surgeons evaluate each patient’s unique needs—prescription strength, corneal thickness, eye health, and lifestyle—to recommend the safest and most effective solution. Using the latest diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art technology, we tailor each surgery for precision and long-lasting results.
Types of Refractive Surgery
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and PRK)
Laser vision correction uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, improving how light focuses on the retina. LASIK and PRK are the most established techniques for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors.
How it works:
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying cornea with the laser, and repositioning the flap.
PRK removes the surface epithelial layer, then reshapes the cornea directly. The epithelium regenerates naturally within a few days.
When to consider it:
Laser vision correction is typically recommended for patients aged 18–40 with stable prescriptions, healthy corneas, and no significant eye disease.
Advantages:
- Rapid recovery, especially with LASIK (most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours).
- Decades of proven safety and efficacy worldwide.
- Excellent option for patients seeking independence from glasses or contact lenses.
- PRK is particularly useful for patients with thinner corneas or certain corneal shapes.
Private Cataract Surgery
While cataract surgery is usually covered by public health care when vision is significantly reduced, private cataract surgery allows patients to choose advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) and a more personalized approach—even before cataracts severely impair vision. Unlike the public hospitals, femtosecond laser technology is used to make reliable precise surgical cuts and fraction the natural lens.
How it works:
The natural lens is removed and replaced with a premium IOL. Options include monofocal, multifocal, toric (for astigmatism), and extended depth-of-focus lenses, chosen according to your lifestyle and visual goals.
When to consider it:
Private cataract surgery is appropriate for patients who:
- Want to correct cataracts early.
- Prefer premium lens options for greater independence from glasses.
- Have visual needs not fully addressed by standard IOLs
Advantages:
- Clearer vision and improved quality of life.
- Opportunity to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia) at the same time.
- Customized care and access to the latest technology including femtosecond laser.
Clear Lens Extraction / Refractive Lens Exchange (CLE / RLE)
CLE/RLE is a procedure where the natural lens of the eye is replaced with a premium intraocular lens—even in the absence of cataracts.
How it works:
Similar to cataract surgery, but performed primarily for refractive purposes. Advanced lens options allow for correction of presbyopia, astigmatism, or high refractive errors.
When to consider it:
- Patients over 40 with presbyopia who are not good candidates for laser vision correction.
- Individuals with very high prescriptions or thin corneas.
- Patients who want a permanent solution with minimal risk of regression.
Advantages:
- Permanent correction of refractive errors.
- Addresses presbyopia, providing clear vision at multiple distances.
- Eliminates the risk of developing cataracts in the future.
- Access to femtosecond technology for surgical precision.
Phakic IOL (EVO ICL)
The EVO Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL) is an advanced, reversible solution for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue or the natural lens.
How it works:
A thin, biocompatible lens made of Collamer is implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens in a quick outpatient procedure (20–30 minutes). The additive nature of this surgery preserves the eye’s natural structure.
When to consider it:
EVO ICL is suitable for patients aged 21–60 with moderate to severe myopia (−3D to −18D), or high hyperopes ( +3 to +10) with or without astigmatism, and who may not be candidates for laser surgery.
Advantages:
- Sharp, clear vision day and night.
- Does not induce dry eye syndrome—ideal for patients with ocular surface issues.
- Built-in UV protection.
- Removable or upgradable, offering long-term flexibility.
- Extremely high satisfaction rate—over 3 million procedures worldwide, with 99.4% of patients saying they would choose EVO ICL again.
Excimer Laser & Crosslinking for Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea that distorts vision. For suitable patients, combining excimer laser treatment with corneal crosslinking can both improve vision and halt progression.
How it works:
Crosslinking (CXL): The cornea is strengthened using riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops activated by UV light.
Excimer laser: Used in select cases to smooth the corneal surface and optimize vision.
When to consider it:
Patients diagnosed with early to moderate keratoconus who still have adequate corneal thickness are most suitable for this combined approach.
Advantages:
- Stabilizes corneal structure and prevents further progression.
- Improves vision and reduces irregular astigmatism in some cases.
- May reduce the need for corneal transplantation in the future.
Why choose Haute Vision
for Refractive Surgery?
Choosing refractive surgery is a major decision, and the experience of your surgical team matters.
At Haute Vision, we bring together advanced expertise, leading-edge technology, and a personalized approach that places your vision goals at the center of every decision.
Expertise You Can Trust
Our fellowship-trained ophthalmologists are leaders in advanced refractive and corneal surgery.
Technology that sets new standards
We use the most sophisticated diagnostic imaging and laser platforms to ensure precision and safety.
Care tailored to you
Every procedure is planned around your unique anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle needs.
Patient-Centered Approach
From initial consultation to long-term follow-up, our team provides guidance, reassurance, and continuous support.
A focus on meaningful outcomes
Our goal is not only clearer vision but a lasting improvement in quality of life.
At Haute Vision, refractive surgery means more than correcting vision — it means offering advanced solutions, delivered with expertise and care, so you can see the world at its very best.
