Posts Tagged ‘healing times’

Different Types of LASIK Surgery

Wavefront LASIK (Custom LASIK) – this procedure, often-called wavefront or wavefront-guided LASIK surgery, allows more precision surgical intervention by providing doctors with a 3D map of the cornea and eye. Using this map, surgeons are able to offer more exact vision correction. Many traditional surgeons are turning to this technique as it offers fewer risks for complication.

Bladeless LASIK – in traditional LASIK surgery procedures, a surgeon uses a microkeratome or special tool to cut a flap in the cornea to reshape the eyes surface. This new procedure developed in conjunction with the IntraLase makes traditional vision correction safer. Using this technique, the surgeon uses a special laser to create the flap previously created using the microkeratome instrument. That is why the procedure is referred to as bladeless. The new procedure reduces the risk of complications associated with buttonhole flaps or corneal ablation.

Epi-LASIK – modern technology continues to provide surgeons with new choices for addressing visual disturbances. This new laser surgery helps solve many of the complications associated with traditional surgery. It offers a combination of LASIK and LASEK procedures. In the epi-LASIK procedure, the surgeon cuts the cornea’s outer epithelium using a plastic oscillating blade in lieu of a fine blade. Epi-Lasik also involves use of an epithelial separator. This procedure is recommended for people with low visual disturbances including myopia. Once the epithelial flap is created the surgeon uses traditional techniques to reshape the corneal tissue beneath.

PRK – PRK refers to photo refractive keratectomy. This refractive surgery was more popular than LASIK before LASIK surgery procedures became well known. This procedure involves slower response and healing times among patients but is a good choice for patients with complications or risk factors including thinner corneas or larger than average pupils. PRK uses an excimer laser to help reshape the cornea. PRK is helpful for those with hyperopia and myopia.

LASIK – this stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis, and is a new procedure similar to the original PRK procedure. Sometimes referred to as E-LASIK, this procedure is typically the best choice for patients with thin corneas or those with flat corneas. Patients with these risk factors are more likely to experience complications with traditional LASIK surgery. This procedure allows a surgeon to use a fine tool (trephine) instead of the microkeratome to cut the corneal flap needed to perform laser surgery. The surgeon typically follows by coating the eye in a solution of alcohol and water to help loosen the epithelium. An excimer laser can then be used to sculpt the tissue lying below. Some patients report minor eye irritation following surgery, and typically recovery times are a bit longer than traditional LASIK surgery (up to four days usually, but can be as long as seven).

CK LASIK – Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is a new type of surgery using mild heat and radio waves to help steepen the cornea. This procedure is recommended for farsighted patients and those with presbyopia. The result is better near and distance vision. This procedure is not recommended for patients who are near sighted.

This is just a small sampling of your choices when interested in refractive surgery. Your eye doctor can help you decide what procedure will help expand and enhance your vision!

Lasik Eye Surgery Correction. “Types of Lasik.” 2 Oct. 2009 [http://www.lasikeyesurgerycorrection.com/].

For over 25 years, Turner Eye Institute has been providing vision correction and LASIK surgeries to residents of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Their distinguished record of excellent results assures their patients of receiving the highest quality of personalized medical care from a highly trained and experienced team.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/different-types-of-lasik-surgery-1294955.html

Read More...

What to Expect after Lasik Surgery

Lasik surgery is a method of refractive surgery that is used in the process of correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The surgery is carried out by an ophthalmologist using laser techniques that are beneficial for the faster healing times a patient can expect.

Lasik surgery is often chosen as an alternative to traditional corrective vision methods such as glasses or contact lenses.

There are two methods of Lasik surgery. The first is the blade technique where a small hinged flap is cut into the cornea and lifted to one side while the laser carries out the corrective operation.

The second is the blade-less method and uses a high energy form of laser to carry out the same technique. Both methods are carried out with a minimal amount of pain to the patient.

Potential patients must undergo a consultation with a trained surgeon and a decision will ultimately be made based on the opinions of the surgeon and the benefits afforded to the patient if the procedure takes place.

If a patient decides to go ahead, it is recommended to stop wearing contact lenses as early as possible and revert to wearing glasses. Because contact lenses change the shape of the cornea, a period of settlement on the cornea surface is needed for an effective and safe procedure to be carried out.

On the day of surgery, the patient will be administered a relaxant medicine. The procedure itself lasts for around 30 minutes and begins with an anesthetic solution being dropped into the eye.

An instrument called a speculum is used to keep the eyelids open, and a ring will be placed over the eye to create suction on the cornea. If bladed surgery is being used, the flap will be cut and the suction ring will be removed.

The laser is then positioned and used to remove corneal tissue using a computer program to ensure the procedure is perfectly accurate. Patients may be aware of a smell similar to that of burning hair but shouldn’t’t feel much in the way of general discomfort.

Once the laser procedure is completed, a shield should be placed over the eye to allow the flap to seal. Care must be taken not to prod or rub the eye.
You should arrange to be picked up from the clinic where the surgery has been performed and resist the temptation to drive. Rest is recommended and a follow-up appointment should take place within 48 hours of surgery to check the healing process.

For the first month or so vision may fluctuate a little, but in the long-term a patient can expect a full return to perfect vision and freedom from the constraints of corrective vision methods.

To learn much more about lasik surgery, visit AllAboutLaserEyeSurgery.com where you’ll find this and much more, including the costs of lasik surgery, and other corrective laser eye surgeries.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/what-to-expect-after-lasik-surgery-1051606.html

Read More...