There are a number of different types of eye surgeries. When one thinks of eye surgery it is common for laser eye surgery to spring to mind. This is the most common elective surgery found anywhere in the world, but it is not the only surgery available for the eye. Sight problems can be very problematic. There are naturally occurring refractive errors that can hinder vision and there are several eye diseases that can lead to partial or even complete blindness when no treatment is received. There are also some cosmetic problems that can occur with eyes. Although they may not seriously hamper vision, they can be unsightly and can eat away at a person's self confidence. This article acts as a guide to some of the different eye surgeries available.

Common cosmetic eye problems that can be corrected with surgery include:

Watering Eye

This can be caused by either foreign items in the eye or a serious case of conjunctivitis. It can also be caused when the drainage canal in the eye becomes blocked up. In the case of a blocked drainage canal, surgery known as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) will be performed which will create a new tear duct for more effective drainage.

Eyelid Ptosis

The more common name for this condition is hooded eyelids. These can become so severe that part of the pupil gets covered and eyesight is impaired. By undertaking surgery to shorten the muscle that is used to raise the lid and then tightening up the skin crease, the hooded lid can be treated effectively.

Eyelid Ectropian

This is the sagging of the lower eyelid. It can be a totally naturally occurring condition or it can be caused following a trauma to the eye. Surgery can correct this unsightly condition and return the eye to a more natural state. During the surgery the eyelid is shortened and tightened and some small stitches are made in the corner of the eye which are removed a couple of weeks later.

Eyelid Entropion

This is a little like the condition described above except instead of the lower lid turning outwards, it starts to turn inwards. This also can either be a natural consequence of aging or it can result from a trauma. The method required to fix this condition is similar to the one described above.

As well as eye surgeries available to correct cosmetic conditions as described above, there is also laser eye surgery available. This can be used to either correct refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia, but it can also be undertaken to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. There are several types of laser eye surgery. LASIK surgery is the most common type. It is quick to carry out and recovery is just a couple of days. LASEK eye surgery takes a little longer to recover from so it is not carried out generally unless absolutely necessary. It is suitable for people with thin corneas.

As well as laser eye treatments such as these, there is another type of eye surgery available known as a refractive lens exchange. This is a good alternative to laser eye treatment and is designed for the over 50's. Instead of making an incision and lifting back the front flap of the eye to get at the cornea with a laser, ultrasound technology is used to break up the lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial one. This can correct refractive errors easily and because the lens is the part of the eye where cataracts develop, the secondary benefit is cataracts can never form. This is very beneficial considering the vast majority of people in their 70's suffer from cataracts.

Laser eye treatment is available for many refractive problems and diseases of the eye. It is an effective dry and wet macular degeneration treatment as well as glaucoma surgery. Laser vision correction surgery is not the only surgery available for the eyes however as there is also a refractive lens exchange for replacing the lens of the eye and a host of cosmetic procedures to treat conditions such as watery eyes or hooded eyelids. If you would like to find out more about one or more eye treatments available, contact your nearest eye hospital for further information.