Say goodbye to your glasses with laser or intraocular lenses

As an alternative to glasses or contact lenses, there are many different effective refractive surgery techniques to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, and to deal with presbyopia or “eyestrain”. Whether opting for laser procedures or the implantation of different types of intraocular lenses, Miranza specialists seek the best combination of effectiveness, safety and satisfaction of our patient’s visual needs.

According to Dr Rebeca Atienza, a specialist at Miranza Clínica Begoña, in Bilbao, “whenever we consider surgery to correct refractive errors, there are different options we can offer which must be personalised”. Along these lines, the ophthalmologist at Miranza Clínica Begoña adds that “the data collected from the diagnostic tests for precise information on the characteristics of each eye is key, although the success of the results undoubtedly also involves speaking to the patient and spending time on finding out about their expectations and lifestyle (profession, hobbies, etc.)”.

Laser or intraocular lenses?

Many patients come to our consultations to ask about laser refractive surgery techniques, which are perhaps the most well-known and widely used, and which continue to evolve along with ultra-precise, state-of-the-art equipment. The aim of these techniques is to “mould” the cornea, modifying its curvature so that the light rays that fall on it can focus correctly on the retina, thus achieving clear vision.

“We often recommend laser refractive surgery when the patient’s prescription is not very high and their cornea is in good condition. However, if the person has high dioptres or their cornea is in poor condition, relatively thin or affected, this does not mean they should rule out the operation but weigh up other alternatives, such as intraocular lenses, which provide exceptional safety and quality of vision”, explains Dr Atienza.   

These lenses are made of biocompatible materials that avoid any risk of rejection and their implantation does not involve altering the structure of the cornea or the crystalline lens (the eye’s natural lens), making it a completely reversible and relatively non-invasive procedure.  

In short, for those wanting to say goodbye to their glasses or contact lenses, our specialists are clear of one thing: “refractive surgery is no better with laser or with lenses, as there is a suitable technique for each individual”.