Laser Eye Surgery – An introduction
Laser vision correction, or laser eye surgery, is a surgical treatment for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. If you are dissatisfied wearing glasses or contact lenses, then laser vision correction could be for you.
The revolutionary procedure known as LASIK eye surgery has become one of the most popular and successful in the world today.
And now it is even better, thanks to the introduction of the IntraLase method, the 100% blade-free procedure that is especially suited to people who have previously been afraid to have anything done to their eyes!
Read on to learn more about the remakable advances in technology, and about what is involved in having laser vision correction.
What causes blurred vision?
What causes blurred visionMost of the eye’s optical focusing power is provided by the cornea. The cornea is the transparent “window” at the front of the eye, and it focuses light rays onto the retina, which is the nerve layer at the back of the eye. If the optical system of the eye works just right, then the image formed on the retina is sharp, and the eye should be able to see “20/20″ vision without the need for glasses.
On the other hand, if the optical system of the eye is imperfect, the image formed on the retina is not sharp, and the result is blurred vision. By far the most common conditions causing this are myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism. These are termed refractive errors of the eye, which simply means that the refracting (focusing) system of the eye is imperfect.
Refractive surgery is any surgical procedure aimed at correcting a refractive error. Laser vision correction is the most popular type of refractive surgery nowadays. Other types refractive surgery, that do not involve a laser, include radial keratotomy, lens implants, and conductive keratoplasty.
Refractive laser surgery works by altering the optical focusing properties of the eye, either by altering the curvature of the cornea, or by implanting a lens inside the eye.
Am I short-sighted or long sighted?
Blurred vision is most often caused by the eye having an imperfect focus, or refractive error, such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Check if any of those optical conditions applies to you:
| Optical condition | Cause | Treatment options |
| Short-sightedness (Myopia)
|
Eye is too elongated from front to rear, or the cornea has too much curvature.
Light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Degrees of severity: Mild (Low): |
Prescription glasses or contact lenses contoured to compensate for the curvature of the cornea, or refractive laser surgery to re-shape the cornea to reduce its curvature.
In some cases of severe or extreme (high or super high) myopia, a non-laser refractive eye surgery technique may be advised. |
| Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)
|
Eye is too short from front to rear, or the cornea has insufficient curvature.
Light focuses “behind” the retina, instead of directly on it. Degrees of severity: Mild (Low): |
Prescription glasses or contact lenses contoured to compensate for the curvature of the cornea, or laser refractive eye surgery to re-shape the cornea to increase its curvature. In some cases, a non-laser refractive surgery technique may be advised. |
ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation)
The ASLA technique is used when the LASIK procedure is considered unsuitable for a particular patient, for example, if the cornea is too thin or if the corneal topography is irregular or if the corneal surface layer (the epithelium) is unstable. ASLA can be used for correction of myopia or astigmatism, but it is not used for correcting hypermetropia.
Description of the procedure
The ASLA procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye:
- The cornea is anaesthetised.
- Anaesthetic drops are applied to the eye, and an eyelid holder is put in place to keep the eye from blinking. Additionally, anti-inflammation eyedrops are applied to the cornea in order to reduce the post-surgical reaction and discomfort.
- The corneal epithelium layer is removed.
- The front surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently lifted away from the rest of the cornea. This exposes the corneal ‘bed’ which is now ready to receive the energy from the laser beam.
- The cornea is re-shaped by the laser.
- The laser beam, consisting of UV energy, vapourises a pre-determined amount of tissue from the corneal bed, thus giving the cornea the new shape required to correct the eye’s optical prescription. Then, the loose epithelium tissue can be placed back over the corneal bed.
- A soft contact lens is applied.
- The eye is fitted with a “band-aid” soft contact lens for added protection while the surface of the eye heals. Antibiotic eyedrops are also applied.
- Anti-inflammation eyedrops are prescribed.
- About 4 days after surgery, the contact lens is removed, and a course of mild anti-inflammation eyedrops is commenced.
- The ASLA technique is similar to the PRK and LASEK techniques, but with some refinements to aid the recovery of the eye.
- It is possible to have both eyes treated on the same day.
Post-op Visual Recovery
It can take 4 days or more for patients to achieve useful vision.
Post-op Comfort
The eyes usually feel gritty and sore for about 2 days after surgery and, in some cases, they may even feel painful initially after the surgery.
Post-op Stabilisation of Prescription
Stabilisation takes about 1-2 months.
Post-op Corneal Haze
A mild haze may be present for a few weeks.
To read the continuation and other information about Lasik Eye Surgery, go to http://theeyeinstitute.com.au/how-does-it-work.html
