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 ‘Microkeratome’
How Laser Eye Surgery Works – Lasik and Photorefractive Eye Surgery
January 29th, 2010Laser Vision Correction Surgery
January 21st, 2010If you are considering Laser vision correction surgery or Lasik you should find a good, reputable surgeon. They will examine your eyes to determine if you need the surgery and how much laser ablation would be required.
Laser vision surgery is done on an outpatient basis meaning you will be in and out of the hospital or clinic the same day. A computer is used to adjust the laser and you will be instructed to gaze at a target. The laser will then reshape your cornea and you will not feel any pain. The procedure usually takes no more than 5 minutes but the results will last a lifetime.
As an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser correction surgery is being chooses by many people now that did not have the option just a few years ago. Advances in laser technology are now helping people that have myopia and hyperopic.
Myopia or nearsightedness is when objects nearby are clear and faraway objects are blurry. Hyperopic is when objects nearby are blurry and far away objects are seen clearly. Astigmatism is when the objects are distorted due to an irregular shape of the eye. These conditions previously required glasses or contact lenses but now can be treated with laser vision correction surgery.
Everyone that wants this procedure done may not be good candidates for it. Laser vision correction surgery may not be available for people with certain diseases, both medical and ocular and patients with seriously high refractive errors that the laser cannot correct. Potential candidates also must be at least 18 years old. » Read more: Laser Vision Correction Surgery
