Eye doctors are doing laser surgeries to correct eye-related problems. The types range from LASIK and even include surgical procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or radial keratotomy (RK). The types of laser eye surgery are done to correct vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Laser Eye Surgery.
Let’s get started.
The Laser Procedure
Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It works by using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, which helps focus more accurately on the retina. There are three types of laser eye surgery, namely LASIK, ReLEx SMILE, and surface laser treatments.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery work?
Laser eye surgery is an effective treatment in which a laser beam precisely sculpts the corneal tissue to reshape it into its corrected shape during the procedure. Then your surgeon places tiny stitches of air bubbles in specific locations on top of the cornea to maintain that particular curvature long-term while healing occurs underneath.
This process usually differs depending on whether you have Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or Photorefractive keratectomy(PRK).
What to Expect From Laser Surgery
Everyone has a different and unique experience when it comes to laser eye surgery. In addition, the types of laser eye surgery that are used will significantly affect this process. Some people recover too quickly, while others take longer than expected or feel pain after the procedure. You need to be fully aware of what can happen, so make sure to ask your doctor all questions before going through any laser treatment.
Before Laser Surgery
Your eye doctor will perform a complete eye exam before the surgery. The diagnosis includes checking eyesight, symptoms of infection, eye irritation, inflammation, excessive eye pressure, and wide eye pupils. In addition, because pre-existing issues like dry eye may occasionally worsen due to Laser, your eye specialist pays close attention to how laser treatment can influence your eyesight.
The extent of your refractive defect and if the surgery can fix your vision are also determined during this session.
During Surgery
Although, there are different types of laser eye surgery. Here is the procedure of eye laser surgery:
- You’ll be given some eye drops with a topical anesthetic.
- Your eyelids will be fixed in place to prevent you from blinking.
- A suction ring will be placed over your eye to prevent it from turning away.
- The ring will exert mild pressure on your finger.
- Your vision will begin to fade at this moment.
- Then, your surgeon creates a very thin flap within cornea cells, either with a microkeratome or even a laser.
- You must keep your eyes fixed on a target light, whereas a surgical laser performs its operation.
- The laser is a specialized device that has been configured with your eye’s readings.
- The physician next uses the laser to restructure your cornea.
- You would hear a clicking noise when your ophthalmologist is utilizing the laser.
- After repairing the retina, your eye surgeon smooths the margins and wraps the flap back into place.
- The flap adheres to the skin itself in 2–3 minutes and heals in place.
After Surgery
- You may have itching or blistering in your eyelids for a few hours following the procedure. Many patients, however, are given specific eye drops to aid with dryness and healing. To get the most remarkable effects, make sure you use eye drops correctly.
- Your eyes must feel strong after several days, and your eyesight should have improved.
Tips to Prepare for Laser Surgery
- Make arrangements for transportation to and from the health center.
- Leave the eye makeup at home.
- Remove your contact lenses from your face.
- To avoid any kind of eye surgery, take care of your eyes from childhood and go for regular eye checks at paediatric optometrist sydney or any local optometrist.
The Bottom Line
There are various types of laser eye surgery, and they are a quick and easy treatment for those who suffer from vision problems. With the help of your doctor, you can finally quit wearing glasses or contacts to see better.
