Lasik (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a popular procedure used to correct refractive errors which includes myopia (short sightedness), hyperopia (long sightedness) and astigmatism. It is the most common form of laser eye treatment at present due to its rather long history of success as well as the relatively quick recovery time in comparison with other forms of refractive surgical treatment.
Lasik is frequently called the "flap and zap" process. A suitable nickname since the surgical treatment comprises of creating and lifting a flap on the cornea, as well as excimer laser treatment (the "zap") to resurface the underlying cornea.
Prior to when any laser eye treatment is applied, standard assessment tests need to be passed by the patient. Patients who commonly wear soft disposable lenses must discontinue use at least fourteen days before surgery. Hard contact lens wearers (RGP - rigid gas permeable) should discontinue wear at least six weeks prior to refractive surgery.
The screening vision exam consists of two principal measurements.
The corneal thickness is measured by using a pachymeter. Since the excimer laser used in lasik removes a portion of your cornea, ample corneal thickness needs to be considered. The minimum amount corneal thickness for safety will be based upon the prescription which needs to be changed.
Corneal topography is utilized to map the front as well as back surface curvatures of the cornea. This allows for irregularities in the cornea to be taken into account when continuing with lasik, ensuring the very best chances of best visual acuity postoperatively. Corneal astigmatism may also be detected at this stage.
The operation involves the creation of the flap and laser remodelling. Just before these steps, the patient is administered a local anaesthetic.
A corneal suction ring is put on the eye to minimize mobility while the laser eye treatment happens. With this in place, the flap is created with either a microkeratome or fermatosecond laser (intralase). A hinge is kept in place and the flap is folded back. The underlying corneal stroma is now revealed, completely ready for laser remodelling.
Laser remodelling of the cornea entails the use of an excimer laser. The laser ablates or vaporises the stroma in a controlled manner. The range and also location of the laser pulses is usually calculated from the corneal topography as well as the pre-surgical refraction (spectacle prescription). Modern excimer lasers incorporate eye following solutions which will improves the reliability and also helps with the estimated outcome of the surgery. This part of the laser eye treatment normally takes fewer than 10 seconds.
The flap is then meticulously repositioned over the ablated cornea. The ophthalmologist involved takes care not to trap air bubbles or debris within the flap and stitches are not necessary. The rapidly growing epithelium of the cornea grows over the edges of the flap in just hours and bonding of the flap to the underlying cornea strengthens over the subsequent weeks.
Post operatively, patients need to instil antibiotics and anti inflammatory eye drops at regular intervals.
Lasik is frequently called the "flap and zap" process. A suitable nickname since the surgical treatment comprises of creating and lifting a flap on the cornea, as well as excimer laser treatment (the "zap") to resurface the underlying cornea.
Prior to when any laser eye treatment is applied, standard assessment tests need to be passed by the patient. Patients who commonly wear soft disposable lenses must discontinue use at least fourteen days before surgery. Hard contact lens wearers (RGP - rigid gas permeable) should discontinue wear at least six weeks prior to refractive surgery.
The screening vision exam consists of two principal measurements.
The corneal thickness is measured by using a pachymeter. Since the excimer laser used in lasik removes a portion of your cornea, ample corneal thickness needs to be considered. The minimum amount corneal thickness for safety will be based upon the prescription which needs to be changed.
Corneal topography is utilized to map the front as well as back surface curvatures of the cornea. This allows for irregularities in the cornea to be taken into account when continuing with lasik, ensuring the very best chances of best visual acuity postoperatively. Corneal astigmatism may also be detected at this stage.
The operation involves the creation of the flap and laser remodelling. Just before these steps, the patient is administered a local anaesthetic.
A corneal suction ring is put on the eye to minimize mobility while the laser eye treatment happens. With this in place, the flap is created with either a microkeratome or fermatosecond laser (intralase). A hinge is kept in place and the flap is folded back. The underlying corneal stroma is now revealed, completely ready for laser remodelling.
Laser remodelling of the cornea entails the use of an excimer laser. The laser ablates or vaporises the stroma in a controlled manner. The range and also location of the laser pulses is usually calculated from the corneal topography as well as the pre-surgical refraction (spectacle prescription). Modern excimer lasers incorporate eye following solutions which will improves the reliability and also helps with the estimated outcome of the surgery. This part of the laser eye treatment normally takes fewer than 10 seconds.
The flap is then meticulously repositioned over the ablated cornea. The ophthalmologist involved takes care not to trap air bubbles or debris within the flap and stitches are not necessary. The rapidly growing epithelium of the cornea grows over the edges of the flap in just hours and bonding of the flap to the underlying cornea strengthens over the subsequent weeks.
Post operatively, patients need to instil antibiotics and anti inflammatory eye drops at regular intervals.