LASIK eye surgery is a popular way to fix vision problems such as not being able to see things far away (nearsightedness), not being able to see without glasses or contact lenses (farsightedness), or blurry vision (astigmatism).
During the surgery, two different types of lasers are used to change the shape of the cornea, which is the clear part of the eye. These lasers are called the femtosecond laser and the excimer laser.
LASIK is a highly effective treatment for mild myopia, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
However, the results of LASIK can vary depending on the individual. In general, the best results are seen in patients with mild to moderate myopia. Myopia happens because the eye’s cornea or lens is too curved, causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina. Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery like LASIK.
The degree of nearsightedness is measured in diopters and ranges from mild to severe.
For example
Patients with myopia ranges of 0 to -5.00 diopters are more likely to achieve 20/20 vision or better-using surgery. Eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.
The Femtosecond Laser
The femtosecond laser is used to create a small flap in the cornea. This flap is then lifted to reveal the underlying tissue, which is then reshaped using the excimer laser.
The femtosecond laser is extremely precise and offers several advantages over traditional methods of cutting the flap of the cornea with a blade.
One of the main advantages of the femtosecond laser is its ability to create a flap with a high degree of accuracy. Like a puzzle piece.
Unlike traditional methods, which rely on a blade to make incisions, the femtosecond laser uses a highly focused beam of light to make precise cuts. This means that the flap is more consistently sized and shaped, resulting in a more predictable outcome and a lower risk of complications.
In addition, the femtosecond laser causes minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Unlike a blade, which can cause more extensive trauma to the cornea, the femtosecond laser is able to make precise cuts without damaging surrounding tissue. This can lead to faster recovery times and less pain and discomfort after the procedure.
Treatments:
The femtosecond laser is used in LASIK eye surgery, PRK, and LASEK.
Advantages:
- High precision and accuracy
- Minimal damage to surrounding tissue
- Faster recovery time than traditional methods
- decreased rate of complications
Possible Complications:
- Dry eyes
- Flap complications
- Halos or glare around lights
The Excimer Laser
The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and improve vision. This laser uses ultraviolet light to remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea, changing its shape and correcting vision problems. The excimer laser is also highly precise and can be programmed to make specific changes to the cornea.
Advantages:
- High precision
- Minimal discomfort during the procedure
- Quick recovery time
In conclusion, LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective way to correct vision problems. The femtosecond laser and the excimer laser are both precise and effective tools that help reshape the cornea and improve vision.
The femtosecond laser offers the additional advantage of more accurate and less invasive flap creation, compared to traditional methods.
It’s important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. C Gouws to determine if LASIK is the right option for you and to discuss any potential risks or complications. At Ocumed we have both the Femtosecond laser and the Excimer laser to treat our patients.
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