How does laser eye surgery work?
1. What vision problems can be treated with the laser?
The visual disturbances due to a lack of focus the image on the
retina, or myopia (up to -10 diopters), hyperopia (up +4 diopters) and
astigmatism.
2. What techniques are used today?
LASIK is the most common method, and PRK (photorefractive
keratectomy). These two surgical techniques are performed using the
excimer laser to correct curvature of the cornea. Since 2001, there is a
laser known as the Wavefront, which is an advanced form and improved
treatment of LASIK, which allows doctors to correct more complex cases.
3. What differences between LASIK and PRK?
It is necessary to remove a portion of the cornea before activating
the laser. Where these two techniques differ is on how to remove the
protective layer or “skin” of the eye. With LASIK, the surgeon creates
what is called a corneal flap, he cuts and raises a thin layer of the
cornea, and then it puts it back in place once the laser treatment
ended.
This method works well except in some people whose cornea is too thin
(when there is not enough material to create a flap) or too" soft” (it
might be altered by the intervention) In such cases, doctors will
probably choose to use PRK. Here, no flap is created the surgeon gently
polishes the surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) before
using the laser. It then regenerates itself after three to five days,
during this period the eyes should be protected by contact lenses.
4. Is the restoration of vision is the same with the two techniques?
The period of recovery after an intervention by PRK is a little
longer (and this is normal) than as required by the LASIK, which will
preserve the protective layer of the cornea. That said, about two weeks
after surgery, visual acuity is the same, whatever the technique used.
5. At what age can a person be operated upon?
From 18 years of age or a little later, once the eye has finished
undergoing its major morphological changes it is then considered
suitable to use these methods and generally not before. |
