Public Health Initiatives

Ophthalmology is a rapidly advancing area of medicine and in recent years, important medical innovations have come to the fore, changing the shape of modern ophthalmic practise and enabling more people to see.

The most influential innovations are outlined below:

Cataract surgery

Cataracts are cloudy patches, which develop on the surface of the iris, making it difficult to see; cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and they may cause blurred and double vision. Cataracts cause blurred vision because light is not able to enter the eye through the lens. Cataracts are most common amongst older people but they can affect children very rarely; around 3 in 10,000 children are affected by cataracts.

Cataract surgery has enabled thousands of people to see clearly; the procedure is usually carried out via keyhole surgery. Keyhole surgery is very accurate and eliminates the need for large incisions. The most common type of cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification; during this procedure, a very tiny incision is made in the cornea and the cataract is broken up by a small probe, which generates ultrasound waves. Once the cataract has been broken down, another probe will be inserted to remove the cataract.

Cataract surgery can now be performed in just 45 minutes and the patient can go home shortly afterwards.

Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery involves using laser technology to correct problems with the eyes; usually, laser surgery is used to reshape the cornea but there are other types of procedure. The most common types of laser surgery include:

• LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis): this technique involves cutting the cornea and elevating a flap of tissue; the exposed area is then re-shaped and the flap of tissue is replaced. This technique can be used for most patients with refractive errors.
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): this technique involves re-shaping the cornea without having to make an incision and lift a flap of tissue. This method is usually recommended only for people with low prescriptions.
• LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis: LASEK is essentially very similar to PRK but the epithelium of the cornea is kept in place; this is thought to facilitate recovery.

Laser surgery is still a relatively new treatment and the long-term effects are largely unknown; however, initial feedback from the treatment has been very positive and many people are delighted with the results of their surgery and can now see perfectly without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses.

Contact lenses

Contact lenses have made a huge difference to many people, as they are much less discreet and often more comfortable than wearing glasses. Many people, especially young people, also worry about their appearance when they wear glasses, so contact lenses have also had an impact on people’s self-esteem and confidence. Contact lenses are small, thin lenses, which are placed over the cornea of the eye; they are adapted to fit the prescription of the individual so that they can see clearly when they out the lenses in their eyes. There are now many different types of contact lens, including disposable contact lenses and monthly lenses.