Describing a Laser Eye Surgery

The trending news in the Ophthalmology sector still remains the laser surgical approach of correcting visual disorders. Also known as LASIK the surgery involves the utilization of a laser light to correct vision by cutting through the cornea.

The cornea is a transparent and clear frontal part of the eye and with the help of the lens, the refraction of the incoming light is possible as well as focusing it on the retina in the back of the eye.

The laser surgery aims at reshaping the cornea in order to restore vision clarity. As the light enters the eyes, the images produced are upside down, but with the help of the brain, the images are interpreted cleary for proper vision.

Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are the commonest forms of visual disorders (refractive error) diagnosed in young individuals. Other visual issues include Glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy among others as we age. The refractive errors initially trigger blurred vision, and in case overlooked, have the capacity of leading to blindness.

How Does the Laser Surgery Work?

Contemplating about undergoing a laser eye surgery? You are absolutely not alone. At least 80% of laser eye surgery candidates express fear and anxiety before the surgery, with a mere imagination of a laser’s effect on the eye.

Ideally, there are various types of lasers with different wavelengths recommended in the medical sector. The laser surgery is generally safe with 98% efficacy when performed by an experienced eye surgeon.

During the procedure, the focused laser releases light that heats and evaporates the corneal cells. The manipulation of the cornea to its lens has positive effects that enable vision correction.

SMILE, laser instruments, and LASIK are basically the commonest types of laser surgeries performed worldwide;

• SMILE

Fully described as “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction” is a minimally invasive laser surgery where a tiny hole is created and eventually heals by itself. The laser pulses from an excimer laser are used to make bubbles with a width less than that of the human hair follicle. Tiny connecting channels between the bubbles are made with the help of a laser in order for the doctor to extract unwanted tissue, thereby improving vision.

• LASIK

Fully known as “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis” this approach utilizes two laser types in which one is used to create a small flap in the cornea, whereas the other is used to reshape the cornea. The created flap is put back in its exact place and left to heal naturally. An excimer laser (an ultraviolet laser) is used during the procedure.

• Surface Laser Instruments

These encompass LASEK, PRK, and TransPRK. These approaches utilize the excimer laser to scrap off the corneal outermost lining in order to be reshaped. The cornea is left to heal naturally, however, these approaches are characterized by a longer recovery period.

Advantages of Laser Eye Surgeries

Laser eye surgeries are considered to be the last resort in case other traditional eye surgeries or non-surgical eye treatments fail to deliver the desired results.

The precise treatments are associated with greater efficacy, especially with the PRK, LASEK, surgeries. At least 96% of patients report better results after the procedure .