People with eye-related problems are becoming more and more interested in laser eye surgery and its benefits because this is known to be the most exciting ophthalmologic procedure.
To be more precise, this is a refractive eye surgery that can correct all types of refractive errors such as: astigmatism (distorted vision), myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Even if the medicine offers various types of surgical techniques for correcting refractive errors, the laser eye surgery was labelled by the American Academy of Ophthalmology the most technically advanced and precise one.
The excimer laser was the first laser ever approved for eye surgery and it’s used to correct myopia. Now, this laser is used in two different procedures: Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
The surgeon maps and measures the patient’s eye before the procedure in order to analyse the problem. Then, he uses a few local anesthetic eye drops and reshapes the cornea eliminating tiny amounts of tissue from the outer surface.
Next, the doctor uses an ultra violet beam of light and cuts notches the size of human hair. Each pulse of light can remove a 39 millionth of an inch of cornel tissue in only 12 billionths of a second.
According to same studies, only 5% of the patients still use permanent glasses after the surgery while 15% need visual aids only when driving.
Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
The LASIK procedure is more complicated than PRK but it’s a solution for solving all types of myopia.
The surgeon uses the Microkeratome to cut a corneal tissue flap in order to replace it. Everything depends on the doctor because with LASIK he has to make a very precise incision.
The patient only feels a little discomfort and sometimes an irritation but those won’t last too long. In most cases, the patients returned to their normal life in only two or three days.
With LASIK there can be only one side effect and that is occasional glare at night.
Anyway, everyone should know that even if the results are said to be permanent, the age can influence the final results and in some cases the doctor may even suggested re-surgery.
By: Ricky Lim
Posts Tagged ‘Local Anesthetic’
How Laser Eye Surgery Works – Lasik and Photorefractive Eye Surgery
January 29th, 2010Laser Uses in Ophthalmology
January 5th, 2010In ophthalmology (the branch of medicine dealing with the eye) the laser has become one of the common tools used for procedures today. A laser, which is an acronym of “light amplified by stimulated emission of radiation,” is an electromagnetic radiation device used for surgical treatments, including but not limited to the eye. A Laser uses electromagnetic radiation waves called photons. The photons, unlike other radiation heat sources, work together in sync with each other in order to create a high energy, extreme power. Laser in modern ophthalmology have become widely used because of its ability to manage precise surgical procedures.
Common Procedures
Here are some common ophthalmology laser procedures:
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Macular Degeneration
• Glaucoma Trabeculoplasty
• Posterior Capsulotomy
• To help eliminate the need for glasses; and
• For cosmetic procedures of the eye/s
Method of Procedures
All laser ophthalmology procedures are preformed in pretty much the same manner—the patient is awake under a specialized microscope with an ophthalmology laser attached and the laser is focused on the intended area while a number of quick burst of laser energy is dispersed to perform the procedure.
Anesthesia is usually not needed; only in some cases will a local anesthetic be used. Laser ophthalmology procedures, including procedures done with the ND YAG laser, usually only take five to twenty minutes, and is usually painless. Shortly after the procedure, the patient is able to immediately perform everyday activities.
Complications
The use of lasers in ophthalmology is usually safe and painless; although, just as is the case with any surgery, complications may occur. Of the limited complications, the most common are tissue damage. In very rare cases, bleeding and vision loss can occur. Make sure to check the licensing and training of your ophthalmologist before you allow any procedures to be done on your eye in order to limit the complications than can occur.
By: Ryan Frank
