Excimer laser
Excimer Laser Techniques
All forms of refractive error can be treated using an excimer laser.
The 3 techniques are LASIK, LASEK & PRK.
The excimer laser was invented 30 years ago and allows the surgeon to remove corneal tissue with precision of 0.25 microns ( or 0.00004 of an inch) without damaging surrounding tissue. The process is known as ablation.
The laser beam removes corneal tissue, which changes the curvature and therefore the refractive power of the cornea. The process can be carried out for myopia, where the cornea is flattened, for hyperopia, where tissue is removed at the periphery, effectively steepening the centre or a combination of both ( which is the case in those with astigmatism)
The aim is to correct the error and eliminate the need for spectacles.
The Advantages of Laser treatment ( LASIK, LASEK, PRK)
Unlike major surgical techniques, no instrument enters the eye. This reduces the risk of damage or infection.
Developments in this area have resulted in precision surgery and excellent outcomes in the vast majority of cases.
Patients who have had laser treatment have a wealth of comments and observations ranging from' feeling younger' without specs to ' have you ever tried running a marathon, with specs on'? The postive comments are too numerous to list.
A significant proportion of the population will require cataract surgery in later life. To ensure the correct lens power is chosen for this operation, should you need it, it is helpful to keep a record of your corneal measurements before refractive surgery is undertaken.
Disadvantages of laser treatment
Laser procedures on the cornea are irreversible.
Night vision can produce haloes round lights. The risk of this occuring, can be minimised by taking pupil measurements in dim light, before embarking on surgery.
No operation is risk free and as with any operation, the risks should be balanced with the advantages.
Surrey Eye Clinic
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