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Laser Eye Surgery Information |
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Written by Webmaster
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By Dennis Tavies
 Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure which uses a laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea. This is done to improve myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (long sightedness) or astigmatism. The first information on laser eye surgery dates back over twenty years, with vast improvemnets since.
The laser eye surgery procedure uses an excimer controlled by a computer. It is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The purpose is to restore normal vision, relieving the patient from wearing glasses or contacts.
In a procedure called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the outer layer of the cornea, also called epithelium, is removed and the excimer laser is used to reshape the tissue underneath.
In a newer procedure, a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the corneal tissue. This is then lifted and the excimer laser is used to reshape underlying tissue. When finished, the flap is put back into place. This type of laser eye surgery is called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). This is more commonly used than PRK.
Information on Laser Eye Surgery Procedure
The excimer laser
is a special type of laser that does not burn the corneal tissue, but vaporizes a small quantity of the cornea each time a beam is pulsed onto the surface of the eye. The number of pulses and diameter of the beam are carefully controlled by a computer to enhance accuracy.
Local anesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye. The actual time when the laser is used for reshaping the corneal tissue is generally less than a minute.
Different eye conditions require different types of treatment:
Myopia - the central peak of the cornea has to be flattened in order to reduce short-sightedness and improve vision.
Hypermetropia - the central peak of the cornea has to be made steeper in order to improve vision. The laser is applied to the edges of the cornea.
Astigmatism this is a condition where the cornea is not evenly curved. The laser is applied in a more linear fashion to improve vision.
Post Surgery
You should expect some minor discomfort after laser eye surgery. However, you should be able to see, albeit not very clearly. You won't be able to drive on your own, so you will need to have someone drive you home or hail a cab.
Possible Side Effects
As with any operation, laser eye surgery involves a few risks. You should have some information on laser eye surgery and its possible complications and side effects before deciding you want to have this type of surgery.
Treatment not successful this may be the result of either under treatment and over treatment. You may need another surgery to enhance vision.
Dry eyes - you might have to use eye drops.
Delayed healing the flap or the outer layer of the cornea might not heal properly and require follow-up treatment.
Infection in case of an infection, you may need to follow an antibiotic treatment.
Superficial scarring a second procedure might be needed to repair scarred tissue.
Excessive thinning of the cornea vision problems may return and you might need to use contacts or have another surgery.
Sensitive eyes - some patients experience excessive sensitivity to glare, which makes driving more difficult.
Blurred vision 'halos' might result from the surgical procedure, but usually will fade over time.
Before deciding on a certain type of laser eye surgery, you should consult a doctor to examine your eye condition thoroughly. He/she will provide you with information on laser eye surgery risks and benefits and give you some advice on which procedure is best for your specific problems.
Dennis Tavies interviews patients after eye surgery and publishes his findings through a series of articles. Read more at Info 4 Eye Surgery. |
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