Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal of laser eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused on the retina. Here’s a comprehensive overview of laser eye surgery:

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis):
- The most common and widely performed laser eye surgery.
- A thin flap is created in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
- The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser.
- The flap is then repositioned.
- Recovery is quick, with most patients experiencing improved vision within 24 hours.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
- The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser.
- The epithelium regenerates naturally over a few days.
- Suitable for patients with thin corneas or irregular corneal shapes.
- Recovery is slower compared to LASIK, with discomfort lasting several days.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy):
- Similar to PRK, but the epithelium is preserved and repositioned after reshaping the cornea.
- Often recommended for patients with thin corneas or higher risk of eye trauma.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):
- A newer, minimally invasive procedure.
- A small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) is removed through a tiny incision using a femtosecond laser.
- No corneal flap is created, reducing the risk of complications.
- Suitable for mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism.
ReLEx (Refractive Lenticule Extraction):
- Similar to SMILE, but involves removing the lenticule through a slightly larger incision.

Candidates for Laser Eye Surgery

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Ideal candidates typically:

Are at least 18 years old (vision should be stable for at least 1-2 years).
Have healthy eyes with no conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye.
Have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Have sufficient corneal thickness.
Are in good general health.
Are not pregnant or nursing (hormonal changes can affect vision).

Procedure Overview

Pre-Operative Evaluation:
- Comprehensive eye exam to assess corneal thickness, pupil size, and refractive errors.
- Discussion of medical history and expectations.
During the Procedure:
- Local anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye.
- The surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea based on pre-operative measurements.
- The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye.
Post-Operative Care:
- Patients may experience mild discomfort, dryness, or blurred vision initially.
- Prescription eye drops are used to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

Improved vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Quick recovery (especially with LASIK).
High success rate (over 95% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better).
Long-lasting results.

Risks and Complications

While laser eye surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:

Dry eyes (common but usually temporary).
Glare, halos, or double vision (especially at night).
Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision.
Corneal flap complications (with LASIK).
Infection or inflammation.
Rarely, vision loss or regression (need for additional surgery).

Recovery

LASIK: Most patients resume normal activities within 1-2 days.
PRK/LASEK: Recovery takes longer, with vision stabilizing over several weeks.
Avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming, or strenuous activities for a few weeks.

Cost

The cost of laser eye surgery varies depending on the procedure, surgeon, and location. On average:

LASIK: 2,000to2,000to3,000 per eye.
PRK/LASEK: 1,500to1,500to2,500 per eye.
SMILE: 2,500to2,500to4,000 per eye.

Alternatives to Laser Eye Surgery

Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Implantable lenses for patients with severe refractive errors.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Replacement of the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one.
Corneal Inlays: Small devices implanted in the cornea to improve near vision.

Choosing a Surgeon

Look for a board-certified ophthalmologist with extensive experience in refractive surgery.
Research the surgeon’s success rates and patient reviews.
Ask about the technology and equipment used.

Laser eye surgery can be life-changing for many people, offering freedom from glasses and contacts. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, consult with a qualified eye surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate and which procedure is best for you.