Vision Correction Surgeries
Types of Vision Correction Procedures
LASIK
LASIK is a surgical procedure to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and other refractive errors like astigmatism (visual distortion). The main steps involved in LASIK are:
1- Creating a thin layer of the cornea (flap) by separating it from the rest of the cornea using a precise corneal blade (microkeratome).
2- Lifting this thin layer to access the inner layer of the cornea (stroma).
3- Correcting the visual defect by using an excimer laser to sculpt and reshape the stroma according to the desired correction.
4- Replacing the lifted thin surface layer back to its original position.
Femto-LASIK
Femto-LASIK is a surgical procedure to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and other refractive errors like astigmatism (visual distortion). The main steps involved in Femto-LASIK are:
1- Creating a thin layer of the cornea (flap) by separating it from the rest of the cornea using femtosecond laser beams.
2- Lifting this thin layer to access the inner layer of the cornea (stroma).
3- Correcting the visual defect by using an excimer laser to sculpt and reshape the stroma according to the desired correction.
4- Replacing the lifted thin surface layer back to its original position.
Femto-Smile
Femto-Smile is a surgical procedure to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and other refractive errors like astigmatism (visual distortion). The main steps involved in Femto-Smile are:
1- Creating a thin layer in the middle of the cornea using femtosecond laser beams (lenticule).
2- Removing the thin layer from the eye.
There is no flap creation, and the excimer laser is not used in this procedure. It is suitable for cases with high myopia and relatively thin corneas.
Custom LASIK (Femto-LASIK)
It follows the same steps as traditional LASIK, where the flap is lifted, and the excimer laser is applied to the cornea. However, before the procedure, the details of the cornea surface are measured using a more accurate device connected directly to the laser system. This allows for the precise application of the laser in specific areas to achieve the best possible accuracy. It is usually used in cases of severe astigmatism, especially when the cornea is relatively thin.
Surface PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
In this procedure, the excimer laser is directly applied to the surface of the cornea without creating a flap, leaving the cornea as a single unit after the surgery. Surface PRK is typically used when the cornea is relatively thin or when there is a low risk of developing keratoconus. One drawback of surface PRK is the pain experienced by the patient during the first night after the procedure and the delayed visual improvement, which can take up to two weeks.
Corneal Ring Implants
This procedure involves implanting support rings within the layers of the cornea to strengthen it and prevent the development of keratoconus. It is also used to improve vision in cases of irregular astigmatism. The femtosecond laser is used to precisely determine the depth and extension of these rings within the cornea to achieve the best possible results.
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) for Vision Correction
This method is used when the degree of myopia is severe, and the cornea thickness does not allow for LASIK surgery. Instead of altering the cornea, an extremely thin lens, similar to a contact lens, is implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye. The procedure is straightforward when performed by a skilled surgeon, and complications are rare, while the results are remarkable.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
This procedure is performed similarly to cataract surgery. The natural lens of the eye is removed using ultrasonic waves (phacoemulsification), and a transparent artificial lens is implanted in its place, accurately measured to fit within the original lens capsule through a very small incision in the eye, not exceeding 3 millimeters. RLE is performed in cases of severe myopia or hyperopia or when there is some opacity in the natural lens. It is also possible to implant a type of lens to correct astigmatism up to 3 degrees.
One drawback of RLE is the need for reading glasses after the procedure to see objects up close. However, it is also possible to implant multifocal lenses that eliminate the need for reading glasses after the surgery.