Femto Laser LASIK

What is Femto Laser LASIK?

LASIK is an advanced form of laser vision correction used to treat myopia. In many cases, it can also successfully treat people with hypermetropia and astigmatism.

LASIK stands for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”. “In situ” means “in position” or “in place”, while “keratomileusis” is the medical term for reshaping the cornea of the eye.

The procedure removes microscopic imperfections of the cornea (the thin dome at the front of the eye) that cause light to be refracted incorrectly. The cornea may be unevenly shaped (astigmatism), too flat (causing hypermetropia) or too steeply curved (myopia).

While not everyone can benefit from LASIK surgery, advances in technology mean it is now suitable for the vast majority of people – even some who were deemed unsuitable in the past.

The LASIK procedure differs from other forms of laser vision correction in several ways, one being that two different lasers are used. The first creates a small flap in the cornea, providing access for the second, which then makes the tissue alterations that permanently correct your prescription.

Another major benefit of LASIK is the short and usually painless recovery period. Treatment is quick (15-30 minutes), and many patients notice a rapid improvement in their vision — usually within 24 hours. You can return to your normal activities almost immediately, and many people are back at work the day after treatment.

How do I know if I need LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery gives its best results when used to treat mild to moderate myopia, mild hyperopia and astigmatism. You may be a good candidate if the following apply:

• Your prescription is within certain limits: Very high refractive errors may not be best treated with LASIK. Because layers of tissue are removed to reshape the cornea, a very high prescription would require excessive tissue removal.
• You are over 18 years of age: In general, you must be over 18 (occasionally 21) to undergo LASIK treatment. There are exceptions: in some cases, at the surgeon’s discretion and with the permission of a parent or guardian, LASIK may be deemed appropriate for someone under 18.
• You have a stable prescription: Your vision must have been stable for at least 12 months (in some cases, 24 months) before the procedure is carried out.
• Your eyes are healthy: Because the procedure relies on a healthy healing response, any active eye condition is a contraindication to treatment. Infections, injuries and problems such as conjunctivitis or severe dry eye syndrome should be resolved before LASIK is performed. Cataracts and glaucoma can also present challenges, although not in every case.
• Your corneas are not too thin: Because the procedure removes layers of the cornea, the cornea must be thick enough to allow this. Fortunately, recent advances in treatment mean that some people who were once told they could not undergo LASIK may now be acceptable candidates.
• Your pupils are not unusually large: Pupil size affects suitability for LASIK, because people with naturally large pupils can, in some cases, be at increased risk of side effects such as haloes and glare.
• You are not pregnant: The procedure is not performed on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, because hormonal changes in the body can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea.
• You are generally in good health: Anyone with a condition that affects the body’s natural healing mechanisms, or who is taking certain prescription medications, should discuss this with their ophthalmologist.

What happens during LASIK surgery?

The most advanced FEMTOSECOND LASIK operation begins with a three-dimensional scan of your eye. This gives your surgeon a visual map of your unique eye anatomy, showing exactly how your vision should be corrected.

Once this is complete, the procedure continues as follows:

• The surgeon applies anaesthetic eye drops. These numb the eye so that you feel nothing during the operation, except perhaps a slight pressure.
• A small eyelid support (speculum) is placed to keep your eye gently open while the surgeon works.
• A laser (the femtosecond laser) is used to create a tiny flap, which is lifted to reveal the cornea.
• A second laser reshapes the corneal tissue. This takes only a minute or so.
• The flap is then gently folded back into place, where it heals naturally.
• If both eyes are being treated in the same session, the procedure is repeated on the other eye.

After the treatment, your eyes will be sensitive to light for the first 24 hours or so — which is why you will be asked to bring dark sunglasses to wear after surgery.

Any discomfort after LASIK is very mild, and you can take pain relief medication if necessary. Your vision may be blurry for the first few hours, but it usually settles within 24 hours.