Laser vision correction is one of the delicate operations that corrects vision problems caused by the worst refraction, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and aberration.
What is the principle of laser vision correction operations (LASIK)?
The eye has many refractive surfaces (cornea, crystal) that work together to refract the light beam coming into the eye appropriately to be placed on the retina in a specific area, which in turn transmits the light energy coming to it to the brain in the form of a nerve impulse to be analyzed and interpreted.
The fact that the imagination falls on the retina at a certain point is the most important thing to get a clear vision.
To correct vision defects (farsightedness and nearsightedness, astigmatism or astigmatism), contact lenses or medical glasses can be used, which in turn form additional refractory surfaces that contribute to placing the imagination on the retina. It is also possible to resort to a surgical solution using laser beams.
Vision problems are surgically corrected by changing the curvature (convexity) of the front surface of the cornea by means of a laser, thus changing the refractive power of the cornea. We resort to this method when the patient desires not to wear eyeglasses and contact lenses.
This operation is used to treat refractive defects such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.
The laser vision correction procedure takes about 15 minutes, and it is performed on both eyes at the same time.
What are the techniques used to correct laser vision problems?
Laser vision correction surgery has developed rapidly during the last fifty years, and today it has many types. Let us review together these techniques:
1. Superficial Keratotomy (RK):
It is considered the first technique in refractive surgery, in which the doctor uses special tools to manually change and reshape the surface of the cornea. This process has achieved an improvement in vision, but its side effects, such as seeing halos of light, may last for a long time.
In the eighties of the last century, lasers were used in the field of ophthalmology, which revolutionized vision correction operations.
2. Laser keratoplasty (or also called PRK refractive keratoplasty):
In this procedure, we use laser beams to scrape a thin layer of the surface of the cornea.
It is considered one of the first successful operations that were performed. It is no longer popular today, and its use is limited today to correct vision for those with a thin cornea and a little thickness.
The pain after the operation and the long time required for vision recovery compared to the LASIK operation, and similar results in between. All these factors have made LASIK a pioneering surgery in the field of laser vision correction.
3. LASIK:
LASIK is the most common vision correction procedure. In which an incision is made in the surface of the cornea by means of laser beams, after which the laser beam is shone directly on the inner corneal tissue in order to reshape it as required, and then the outer layer is returned to its previous position and fused on its own without stitches.
Little pain and immediate results This is the most important feature of LASIK vision correction and makes it one of the most common vision correction operations.
4. SMILE Technology:
With this technique, we use a laser to correct vision without creating cracks in the cornea, which reduces the appearance of annoying complications after the operation.
SMILE technology is a suitable option for myopic patients and patients with chronic dry eyes.
5. Corneal ring transplantation:
A superficial incision is made in the cornea, and rings made of a special material are implanted on both ends of the cornea Corneal ring implantation Limited to vision defects (astigmatism and farsightedness) caused by Keratoconus.
All laser vision correction surgeries aim to provide a permanent solution for patients, but with age a person who has had laser-assisted vision correction in their 30s or 20s may need reading glasses later in life.
What are the conditions for laser vision correction procedure?
For laser vision correction to be an appropriate option for you, the following conditions must be met:
- Stable vision for two years or more.
- Age is over 21 years old.
What are the contraindications of laser vision correction?
- The presence of an external ocular disease (recurrent conjunctivitis, inflammation of the edges of the eyelids).
- LASIK is not performed in patients with chronic dry eyes.
- Keratoconus and pregnancy are contraindications for laser vision correction.
- Having an eye disease such as glaucoma or cataract;
- Laser vision correction surgery is not performed in patients with diabetic retinopathy and lupus erythematosus.
What are the risks of laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction surgery is considered a safe procedure, but like any other surgical procedure, this procedure has few risks.
Temporary dry eyes after surgery, blurred vision and photosensitivity when seeing strong glare like car headlights when driving at night, redness in the eyes, these symptoms recede after 6 months of the procedure.
And if you have any concerns, contact your doctor.
Is laser vision correction surgery painful?
The operation is performed after applying a local anesthetic (eye drops) to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the operation.
During the LASIK operation, the patient may feel a little pressure on the eye due to the incision made in the cornea, and the patient may be accompanied by a feeling of rest that lasts for 24 hours after the procedure.
After PRK surgery, the patient feels irritation that lasts for a week while the cornea heals and heals.
Do I need a periodic eye examination after laser vision correction surgery?
It is imperative to conduct a periodic eye examination every two years, even without any complaints after laser vision correction, to help in early diagnosis of any disease that may threaten vision.
Learn about the latest types of laser vision correction surgeries, what is the laser process, and everything you want to know about laser vision correction surgeries and the latest ophthalmology techniques in Turkey through contact us.
We provide our services throughout Turkey.
We accompany you step by step towards recovery. We also help you choose the appropriate treatment and learn about all methods of vision correction with their different techniques.