Laser

Refractive Surgery - Eyeglass Removal Treatments (with Laser and Other Methods)

Excimer laser is a reliable technology that reshapes the cornea of ​​the eye, allowing us to eliminate refractive errors that necessitate wearing glasses. Laser surgery can treat myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism in individuals over 18 years of age. However, the chances of success with a single procedure decrease if myopia (-8.00 diopters), hyperopia (+4.00 diopters), or astigmatism (5.00 diopters) are very high. The physician should inform the patient about such conditions. Before laser surgery, patients must undergo a thorough examination and numerous tests to assess the eye's suitability for the procedure. Laser surgery is performed with local anesthesia (eye drops); there is no need for injections, general anesthesia, or covering the eye after surgery. There are two main groups of laser surgeries. However, both procedures yield similar results within three months after surgery. These two laser surgery methods are:

LASIK

First, the outermost surface (skin) of the cornea is opened like a flap. The lower part is corrected with a laser, and the flap is closed again. Thus, it is sufficient to correct only the edges of the flap. A blade or femtosecond laser can be used to open the flap. Procedures performed with a femtosecond laser have proven their success in recent years. Correction occurs very quickly after the procedure. Healing takes place after approximately 6-8 hours of burning and stinging.

Surface Ablation (PRK or LASEK)

This procedure involves removing only the epithelial tissue without opening any cornea. Much less corneal tissue is thinned. It is particularly suitable for patients who cannot undergo LASIK due to corneal thinness or weakness. Burning and stinging sensations may occur on the first day after the procedure. These sensations significantly decrease starting one day after the procedure. Healing takes place within 3-4 days. During this time, the eye does not need to be covered thanks to a protective and healing bandage or contact lens.

Laser-Related Questions and Answers

Is excimer laser safe? Are its long-term results known?

Over 31 million laser surgeries have been performed worldwide to date. In the US, which has very strict regulations, over 1 million laser surgeries are performed annually. It has FDA approval in the US and CE approval in the European Union. Excimer laser surgery has a history of approximately 20 years. Over these years, the technology has been progressively improved and has become clearly established.

Can Laser Surgery Only Be Performed Once?

Laser surgery can be performed multiple times. However, it is very rare to need more than one surgery.

Are There Risks or Complications of Laser Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, laser refractive surgery carries some risks and complications. Many of these problems are mild. The knowledge, training, experience, and advanced specialization of the surgeon performing the laser surgery in corneal diseases and refractive surgery are crucial for assessing risks and addressing problems promptly.

Do Ophthalmologists Perform This Surgery on Themselves?

Many doctors and ophthalmologists, both in Turkey and abroad, have successfully undergone laser surgery. Furthermore, many relatives and friends of doctors have also successfully undergone this procedure. In 2014, the Journal of Cataract Refractive Surgery, one of the world's most prestigious scientific ophthalmology journals, published the results of a 3-year laser surgery study involving a group of 226 doctors and ophthalmologists, reporting very positive outcomes.

Can Cataract Surgery or Other Eye Surgery Be Performed After Laser Eye Surgery?

Other eye surgeries can be successfully performed after laser eye surgery. There are no restrictions. Our study on calculations related to cataract lens calculation after laser surgery won first prize at the ESCRS congress in Vienna in 2011.

Will the refractive errors return after laser surgery?

Laser surgery provides permanent tissue reshaping. Follow-up studies over 10-15 years have shown that the refractive errors do not return. However, in patients with very high refractive errors before the procedure, those with latent refractive errors, and in 5% of patients, there may be a generally minor change in refractive errors after laser surgery. If necessary, these patients can undergo a "touch-up laser" procedure.

Can My Prescription Become Zero After Laser Surgery? Will I Definitely Get Rid of My Glasses?

After laser surgery, prescriptions are expected to be zero or close to zero. There is a 98% chance you will get rid of your glasses after laser surgery.

Will I Need to Wear Reading Glasses After Laser Surgery?

Regardless of whether or not they have laser surgery, and regardless of whether they have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, problems with near vision accommodation become noticeable around the age of 45. This is not related to laser surgery. However, myopic patients whose vision is brought close to normal with laser surgery may need reading glasses after the age of 40-45, just like all normal (emmetropic) people. There are various ways to overcome this.

My eyes move and fidget a lot, can I have laser surgery?

Modern laser devices track your eye movements, so you can have laser surgery.

Will I Experience Dryness in My Eyes After Laser Surgery? - Can I Use a Computer? - Will I Need to Use Eye Drops Constantly?

Dryness can occur in the first 6 months after laser surgery, but it is rare. During this phase, it may be necessary to use artificial tear drops 3-4 times a day.