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 ‘Visual Aids’
How Laser Eye Surgery Works – Lasik and Photorefractive Eye Surgery
January 29th, 2010Forensic Eye Expert
September 3rd, 2009Ophthalmologists are often called on to render their expert opinion on matters related to the eye and vision. Their opinions may be important factors that juries consider when deliberating the facts of a case and coming up with a verdict. Since many of the concepts in eye cases can be complex and highly technical, the ophthalmologist can help a jury clearly understand important medical principles and how they relate to the case.
The language of ophthalmology can be a difficult for a layman to understand. This is partially because ophthalmologists utilize a unique system of medical abbreviations. For example, recording of vision can be done in several mathematical formats. Many concepts in ophthalmology that include optics and the structure of the eye can also be difficult for a layman to comprehend. The use of understandable language by an expert may be of great benefit to all parties in a legal case.
Fortunately, many technical and complex concepts in ophthalmology may be explained through the use of effective visual aids. Pictures, illustrations, video, and blow-ups and other forms of visual aids may help jurors understand and retain information that they can apply to the evidence being offered. Jurors are often very receptive to experts who use appropriate visual aids.
The use of visual aids also helps alleviate the drudgery of technical and longwinded testimony. It is desirable for visual aids presented at trial such as videos, computer-aided graphics, are pre-tested to confirm that they work properly. Diagrams and poster photos may be kept as a backup in case a technical problem prevents the use of electronic media.
Analogies can also be used to simplify complex concepts into language that is clear and understandable. For example, a cornea with astigmatic shape may be described as a surface that is similar to a football as opposed to a baseball. The use of language that is understandable by the average juror without being overly simplistic or patronizing is a desirable attribute for a forensic eye witnesses who provide testimony at deposition or trial.
Forensic ophthalmology cases often involve technical concepts involving the eye and vision. The appropriate use of language and visual aids can be helpful in communicating unfamiliar concepts in the litigation process.
Copyright © Michael Reynard, M.D., 2009
By: Michael Reynard, M.D.
