Ablation refers to the removal or destruction of tissue using various methods, commonly performed in medical fields, including ophthalmology. In eye care, ablation is a key component of refractive surgeries such as LASIK, where the corneal tissue is reshaped to correct refractive errors. By removing precise amounts of tissue from the cornea, ablation alters its curvature, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina and improve vision. Laser ablation is widely used because of its precision and minimal invasiveness.
Ablation can also be used in procedures beyond refractive surgery. For example, laser ablation is used to treat certain types of retinal disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal blood vessels can be sealed to prevent further leakage or damage. In glaucoma treatments, thermal ablation may be used to reduce intraocular pressure by destroying small areas of the ciliary body, which reduces fluid production in the eye.
The effectiveness of ablation depends on the technique used and the condition being treated. While laser ablation is the most common method in eye surgeries, cryoablation (cold ablation) or radiofrequency ablation (using heat) can also be used depending on the clinical scenario. Most ablation procedures are outpatient, meaning they involve a short recovery time, and many patients see improved outcomes in their vision or eye health.
