Laser Eye Surgery
Over the years, laser eye surgery has become a popular way of improving vision and getting rid of contact lenses or spectacles. Laser eye surgery involves reshaping the front part of the eye, known as the cornea, by using a laser. The procedure aims to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In this article, we will explore what laser eye surgery is, how it works, its benefits, the potential risks involved, and its overall effectiveness as a treatment option for vision correction.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a general category that includes retinal, glaucoma and refractive lasers. Lasers can also be used for eye lid plastic surgery and skin resurfacing. For this article we will concentrate on lasers used for vision correction. LASER Vision Correction is a medical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. The cornea is responsible for refracting light as it enters the eye, directing it towards the retina. A misshapen cornea can cause light to be improperly refracted, leading to blurry vision. By reshaping the cornea with a laser, the surgeon is able to correct refractive errors and improve visual acuity in patients.
Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
There are several types of laser eye surgery, including:
1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This is the most popular and widely-used form of laser eye surgery. The procedure involves creating a corneal flap using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, which is then lifted to expose the underlying cornea. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to remove tissue from the cornea, reshaping it to improve vision. After the reshaping is complete, the flap is put back in place to heal.
2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed to expose the underlying tissue. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea before the outer layer is allowed to grow back.
3. LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): LASEK is similar to PRK, but instead of completely removing the outer layer of the cornea, the surgeon loosens it and then uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The outer layer is then put back in place to heal.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?
The principle behind laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. During the procedure, the surgeon will use a laser to remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea in a carefully controlled manner. By removing tissue from specific areas of the cornea, the surgeon can change its shape and improve its ability to refract light.
The whole procedure takes around 5-10 minutes per eye and is done under local anesthesia. Patients are awake during the procedure, but may be given a mild sedative to help them relax.
Benefits Of Laser Eye Surgery
The most obvious benefit of laser eye surgery is improved vision. Patients who undergo the procedure are able to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses, or in some cases, eliminate them altogether. In addition, laser eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort both during and after the procedure. The recovery time is also relatively short, with most patients able to return to work or resume normal activities within a few days.
Risks Involved
As with any medical procedure, laser eye surgery carries some risks. Although rare, complications can occur during or after the procedure. The following are some of the potential risks and complications associated with laser eye surgery:
1. Undercorrection or Overcorrection: It’s possible that after the procedure, the patient may still require corrective lenses, or in some cases, the patient’s vision may be overcorrected, resulting in a need for reading glasses.
2. Dry Eyes: Some patients may experience dry eyes after the procedure, which can be treated with artificial tears.
3. Glare or Halos: The patient may see glare or halos around lights, particularly at night. These usually disappear after a few weeks, but in some cases, they may persist.
4. Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of developing an infection after laser eye surgery.
Effectiveness of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery has been found to be highly effective in correcting refractive errors. Studies have found that the procedure can correct vision to 20/20 or better in up to 95% of patients. However, it’s important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure, and the results may vary depending on the individual case.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure for correcting refractive errors and improving visual acuity. Although there are some risks involved, the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the potential drawbacks. If you are considering laser eye surgery, it’s important to do your research and speak to a qualified ophthalmologist to determine whether the procedure is right for you.