Laser vision correction

Laser vision correction is an effective method of treatment using laser technology for various refractive disorders, such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia and astigmatism.

The principle of laser correction is to change the shape of the cornea of the eye using laser technology.

When is laser correction performed?

Light rays pass through the cornea, lens and vitreous, are refracted and reach the retina. Further, signals are transmitted through nerve tissues to the brain, and after appropriate processing, we get a clear image. Normally, light rays should be focused on the retina, but in many people the focus is impaired: the rays converge in front of the retina (myopia) or behind it (hyperopia).

To eliminate such disorders, the following methods can be used:

• contact correction – when patients are prescribed glasses or lenses;
• laser correction, which enable to recover vision and not to wear glasses or lenses.

Laser methods have been used in medical practice for over 30 years. It is one of the fastest, safest, most painless, effective and reasonably affordable methods of vision recovery. They have a long-lasting effect.

Stages of laser vision correction

The surgery takes very little time – the patient spends an average of half an hour in the surgery room, and up to three hours in the clinic, taking into account the preparation for surgery. Direct exposure to the laser beam lasts for about 2 seconds per dioptre.

It takes several days to prepare for the correction. The patient will have to go through:

Comprehensive diagnostic examination, which can take 1-2 hours. At this stage, the ophthalmologist studies all the parameters of the visual system in order to understand the prospects for correction, choose an appropriate surgical method and exclude all possible precautions.
Preparation for the procedure involves a number of tests as prescribed by a specialist. Testing is carried out a few days before the surgery. Two days before the procedure, the patient is advised to stop taking alcoholic beverages. Patients who wear contact lenses should stop wearing them 7-14 days before the procedure (the period depends on the type of lenses used).
Laser correction at Ocular Medical Centre is performed using the safest and most effective methods. An individual treatment is selected for each patient. The surgery includes the following stages: separation of the corneal epithelium – correction of the cornea with a laser – returning the epithelium to its place.
The final stage is recovery (rehabilitation) after the surgery under the supervision of the attending physician. Usually, such supervision lasts for a month. The patient is to undergo examinations and follow the recommendations which will help to quickly recover and avoid any complications.

Medical reasons for laser correction

The decision on laser correction is made in each case individually, taking into account the results of diagnostics, the general health and age of the patient.

Who is this method suitable for?

Laser correction is medically necessary for people aged 18 to 45/55. Such restrictions are due to the peculiarities of the visual organ: at a young age, the eye tissues are not yet fully developed, and after 45 age-related changes occur, which makes it impossible to guarantee a stable result of a surgery.

What visual impairments need laser correction?

• nearsightedness (myopia) up to 15 dioptres;
• farsightedness (hyperopia) up to 6 dioptres;
• age-related hyperopia (presbyopia);
• astigmatism up to 6 dioptres;

Ways and methods of laser correction

The following microsurgical operations are performed at the Ocular Institute of Ophthalmology:

ReLEx SMILE

It is one of the safest methods of laser correction of myopia and astigmatism, performed with a ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser.. The peculiarity of the procedure is minimal damage to the corneal tissue. The process includes the following stages:

• laser programming taking into account individual measurements;
• anaesthesia with drops;
• installation of the eyelid holder and pneumatic fixation of the eye;
• exposure to a laser (without damaging the surface of the cornea).

Femto LASIK

Laser correction, in which a flap of the corneal epithelium is formed without mechanical instruments. It is performed with a VisuMax® femtosecond laser manufactured by ZEISSwhich produces radiation in the form of compressed pulses of 1 femtosecond duration. The beams cut out flaps of any shape and provide perfectly smooth borders. The operation takes up to 30 minutes and includes:

eye drops anaesthesia;
installation of the eyelid holder;
separation of tissues at a given depth (photo-rupture);
valve formation by a laser;
giving the cornea the desired shape using an excimer laser.

LASIK

Laser vision correction, in which a flap of the cornea is formed by a microkeratome, with the correction itself performed by an ultra-fast German excimer laser Schwind Amaris 1050, which removes 1 dioptre in 1 second. The procedure is fast and causes the least discomfort for the patient at the time of its use. Recovery takes up to one day.

SmartSurfACE™

Laser correction of hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism without any instrument interference in the eye. It is performed using a Schwind Amaris 1050 laser device. This method is recommended for patients with the dry eye syndrome and contact lens intolerance. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in the following sequence:

eye drops anaesthesia;
installation of the eyelid holder;
setting up the equipment for individual parameters, taking into account the diagnostic indicators;
laser exposure: evaporation of thin layers of cells;
formation of a new shape of the cornea.

Precautions to laser correction

There are few restrictions on the use of laser techniques. Surgery is not performed:

during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
in patients with diabetes, autoimmune and systemic diseases. ;
in patients with such diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, inflammatory processes and other ophthalmic disorders;

Recommendations for patients after laser vision correction

Usually, full recovery takes 7-30 days. The attending physician gives each patient detailed instructions on how to behave during the rehabilitation period, taking into account the peculiarities of the surgery. Standard prescriptions include:

use of medications (eye drops);
temporary refusal from physical activity and decorative cosmetics;
temporary refusal from water procedures in open reservoirs and sauna;
temporary refusal from drinking alcohol.

For the first few days after the surgery, do not touch or rub your eyes with your hands. During the first night, it is recommended to sleep on the side of the non-operated eye. It is advisable to give rest to the eyes and exclude visual stress at least the first few days after the surgery – to reduce the time of working on the computer, reading and watching TV. After laser vision correction, factors irritating the mucous membrane of the eye should be avoided in every possible way.

Laser vision correction