Common Eye Surgeries

There are many different types of eye surgery. The most common eye surgeries depend on the age range of the person. Overall, cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery. However, in young patients like adolescents and children, strabismus surgery is also very common. Let’s take a look at some of the most common eye surgeries.

Common Eye Surgeries

Cataract Surgery

Everyone in the world, if they live long enough, will develop a cataract. As people age, the natural lens in the eye becomes progressively cloudy, leading to vision impairment. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss and visual impairment worldwide. As a result, there is a high demand for cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is highly effective in restoring vision and improving quality of life. It can enhance visual clarity, increase independence, and enable individuals to engage in daily activities more comfortably.

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. The surgery itself is relatively quick, often taking less than 30 minutes. Complications are rare, and the risk of serious complications is low. This combination of efficiency, safety, and a high success rate has contributed to the popularity of cataract surgery.

The global population is aging, and the prevalence of cataracts is expected to rise. As the elderly population grows, there is an increasing need for cataract surgeries to address age-related vision problems and improve overall eye health.

Vision Correction Surgery

There are several types of vision correction eye surgeries. The most popular are LASIK and PRK. Other procedures include SMILE eye surgery and ICL surgery.

These surgeries are generally aimed at helping a patient become glasses or contact lens free. They are fairly quick procedures and are usually done as an outpatient. Because vision correction surgery is not covered by insurance, it is less commonly done overall.

Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus, also known as crossed or misaligned eyes, can affect individuals of all ages, including children. The prevalence of strabismus in children can vary based on various factors such as geographic location, population demographics, and diagnostic criteria.

According to estimates provided by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), approximately 2-4% of children are affected by strabismus. This means that between 2 to 4 out of every 100 children may experience this condition.

It’s worth noting that the prevalence can differ depending on the specific type of strabismus. Some types, such as esotropia (inward deviation of the eyes) or exotropia (outward deviation of the eyes), may be more common than others.

Strabismus surgery may be needed to help align a patient’s eyes. This is more common eye surgery done in children. 

Glaucoma Surgery

There are several different types of glaucoma surgeries. A type of surgery called MIGS, which stands for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery is becoming more and more popular. MIGS are often done in conjunction with cataract surgery. Other types of glaucoma surgeries include trabeculectomies and tubes. 

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the eyelids or address functional issues related to the eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, muscle, and/or fat from the eyelids to improve their appearance or correct functional problems.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. With age, the skin of the eyelids can become loose and saggy, leading to a tired or aged appearance. Blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin, creating a more youthful appearance.

Sometimes, the eyelids can develop puffiness due to the accumulation of fat. Blepharoplasty can involve the removal or repositioning of this excess fat to reduce the puffiness.

In older individuals, sagging upper eyelid skin can block vision. Blepharoplasty can address functional problems by improving the field of vision and relieving any discomfort or heaviness caused by drooping eyelids.

Depending on if the issue is cosmetic of functional, it may or may not be covered by insurance.

Retina Surgery

Retina surgery is likely the least common of all the eye surgeries. Retina surgery is usually done when there is an unexpected eye problem, like a retinal detachment. 

Retinal detachment is a relatively rare but serious eye condition that requires prompt medical attention. The exact prevalence of retinal detachment can vary depending on factors such as age, underlying eye conditions, and the specific population being studied.

Estimates suggest that the overall incidence of retinal detachment is approximately 6.3 to 17.9 cases per 100,000 people per year. It is generally more common in older individuals, with the incidence increasing with age. The condition is also more prevalent in individuals with certain risk factors, such as high myopia (severe nearsightedness), previous eye surgeries, trauma to the eye, and certain genetic or hereditary factors.

Corneal Transplant Surgery

A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy cornea from a donor. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye that helps focus incoming light onto the retina, enabling clear vision.

Corneal transplants are typically performed to address conditions that affect the clarity or shape of the cornea. 

Scarring of the cornea can occur due to injury, infection, or certain eye conditions. Severe scarring can impair vision and may require a corneal transplant.

Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward, resulting in distorted vision. In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Severe corneal ulcers or infections that do not respond to other treatments may require a corneal transplant to remove the infected tissue and restore vision.

During a corneal transplant procedure, the damaged or diseased cornea is surgically removed, and a clear donor cornea is carefully placed in its position. The donor cornea is obtained from a deceased individual who has donated their eyes for transplantation purposes. Sutures are used to secure the new cornea in place.

Corneal transplants are less common than some of the other surgeries mentioned above. 

Common Eye Surgeries: Summary

The most common eye surgery is cataract surgery. This is because developing a cataract is a normal aging change, and it will happen to every person at some point in their life. Other common eye surgeries are eyelid surgery, glaucoma surgery, and laser vision correction surgery. Less common eye surgeries are strabismus surgery, corneal transplant surgery and retinal surgery.