Laser eye surgery
WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?
Laser eye surgery refers to a group of procedures that correct vision. They use laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors, such as:
- Vision loss
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery aims to reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops, glasses or contact lenses and improve your vision.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are several types of eye surgery, but the most common are:
- LASIK (Laser Intracranial Intraocular Skeleton): LASIK eye surgery is the best-known and most widely performed laser eye surgery. In this procedure, a thin corneal flap is created, lifted, and the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. The flap then falls back into place and naturally attaches to the underlying corneal tissue.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is an older procedure than LASIK. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The epithelium regenerates over time, usually within a week. PRK has a longer recovery period compared to LASIK. However, it may be suitable for patients with thin corneas or certain other conditions.
- LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy): LASEK is a combination of LASIK and PRK. In this procedure, an alcohol solution is used to partially lift the epithelium, creating a thin flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. A bandage contact lens is then placed to reposition the epithelial flap and promote healing. LASEK may be recommended for patients with thin corneas or those who are not suitable for LASIK.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticle Extraction): SMILE is a relatively new refractive surgery technique. A femtosecond laser is used to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea. This tissue, called a lenticle, is removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error.
SMILE is less invasive than LASIK because it does not require the creation of a corneal flap. It is primarily used to treat myopia and astigmatism. Each laser eye surgery has its own benefits, recovery times, and suitability for certain refractive errors and corneal conditions. It is important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. This will determine the laser eye surgery technique that best suits your individual needs and desired results.
All to ensure you are in safe hands…
Who is a good candidate for laser eye surgery
Suitability for laser eye surgery depends on several factors related to an individual’s vision, eye health, and overall health. Specific requirements vary depending on the type of laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK, LASEK, SMILE, etc.). However, here are some general criteria for a suitable candidate:
Age requirements: Candidates must be 18 years of age or older. Ideally, patients should be 21 years of age or older to ensure that the patient’s vision is stable.
Stability of vision: The patient’s prescription should not have been changed for at least one year prior to surgery. This is because changes in vision can affect the success of the surgery. Candidates should be in good vision health. This includes healthy eyes and an absence of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eye syndrome, or corneal disease. These conditions can impair the outcome of the surgery.
Overall health: Maintaining good overall health is very important. Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or immune deficiency diseases can impede the healing process.
Practical Expectations: Candidates should fully understand the potential outcomes, side effects, and risks associated with laser eye surgery. They should have reasonable expectations regarding the outcome.
It is important to consult with a skilled ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. In the consultation, the surgeon will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for laser eye surgery. The surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your eyes and medical history to determine your suitability for the surgery.
Before and After Gallery
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FAQ
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
The cost of laser eye surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the location. In the United States, the average cost of LASIK surgery is about $2,000 to $3,000 per eye.
Who should not have laser eye surgery?
Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. People with certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts, or certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may not be able to have this surgery. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist or eye doctor to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.
Is laser eye surgery painful?
Laser eye surgery does not usually cause pain during the procedure. Patients are given anesthetic eye drops to minimize discomfort. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the procedure.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a type of vision correction surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the front, clear part of the eye. The most common laser eye surgeries are LASIK and PRK.
How is laser eye surgery done?
LASIK surgery involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, lifting it, and reshaping the corneal tissue underneath with a laser. PRK surgery involves completely removing the outer layer of the cornea and reshaping the cornea with a laser. Both surgeries are done using a computer-controlled laser.
How long do the effects of laser eye surgery last?
The effects of laser eye surgery are usually permanent, but some patients may need follow-up or revision surgeries to maintain optimal vision.
Is laser eye surgery safe?
Laser eye surgery is generally considered safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications. These can include dry eyes, infections, vision changes, and night vision problems.
What does laser eye surgery do?
Laser eye surgery can correct a variety of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgery can improve your overall vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, laser eye surgery can correct astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea to correct the irregular curvature that causes astigmatism.
How long does laser eye surgery take?
The actual surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes per eye, but the entire process, including preparation and recovery time, can take several hours.
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