Introduction
Laser eye surgery has proven to help treat different eye conditions and boost vision quality. The outcomes of laser eye surgery are consistently remarkable when performed in the right hands, facility, and environment and with the correct technology.
Laser eye surgery is, in most cases, a go-to-option for patients who want to avoid wearing contact lenses or glasses, as well as those who have had issues with either. People choose laser eye surgery for varying reasons, the main one being career choice.
Laser Eye Surgery: What does it Involve?
Laser eye surgery is a procedure used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), presbyopia (the need for reading lenses/glasses), and hypermetropia (long-sightedness). The procedure involves cornea reshaping. Cornea is simply the transparent delicate layer at the front of your eye.
Surgeons use the excimer laser to reshape this layer, allowing the eyes to focus, and boosting natural vision. The reshaping process occurs under a micro-thin flap styled using a special laser known as a femtosecond laser.
During the treatment process, surgeons apply anesthetic eye drops to minimize any pain, and a small clip is used to keep the eyelid open. Whether in IntraLasik or Lasik, surgeons first use the Intralase femtosecond to create a thinner flap. After that, the excimer laser utilizes iris registration technology to diagnose and track the eye. The surgeon lifts the flap, and reshaping occurs.
While the process is painless, patients experience little pressure, especially when the Intralase laser creates the flap. After the procedure, which takes a maximum of seven minutes per eye, some patients will experience a stinging sensation for some hours. Different laser eye surgery procedures are used depending on your vision issue, including Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, Photorefractive Keratectomy, and Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis.
Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
This is the most popular laser eye surgery procedure, which can be performed on astigmatic, long-sighted, and short-sighted patients as well as those who need reading glasses. Patients with higher prescriptions (over +5.00 or -8.00) mayn’t be ideal candidates, and alternatives such as Implantable Contact Lenses are a perfect solution.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Photorefractive Keratectomy is the predecessor to Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis and is currently used to correct the eyesight of patients with weak prescriptions. The recovery time for PRK is slightly longer since it takes some time for epithelial tissues to regenerate on the eye’s surface.
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis – LASEK eye surgery uses a mixture of methods utilized in Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis treatment and Photorefractive Keratectomy procedures. It’s ideal for correcting between mild and moderate astigmatism and short sight. After reshaping, the surgeon repositions the epithelial tissue and places a contact lens bandage on the eye to keep the epithelium in position as it heals.
Are there any Health Risks?
Problems or complications are rare during and after the laser eye surgery procedure, reported in less than 1.0% of cases. Before undergoing this procedure, ensure you’re the right candidate by asking your surgeon to evaluate you and explain the benefits, risks, and what you should expect. Common side effects include dry eyes, infection, regression, under-correction or overcorrection, and initial halos around lights.
