The person has a bad sight in the distance and even more blurry at
short distance.
3. Astigmatism:
The eye is not like “a football”, but more like a “rugbyball”. This
produces a deformed image and can sometimes be combined with
myopia or hyperopia.
b) Who can be operated?
Patients older than 18 years old who have a stable refractive anomaly
for more than one year.
c) Which are the different techniques?
1. Radial keratotomy:
With a diamant knife, 4, 6 or 8 incisions are done at the periphery
of the cornea. This technique is only indicated in cases of low myopia
or weak astigmatism.
2. PRK or Photo refractive keratectomy:
The excimer laser is directly applicated on the corneal surface.
These causes a superficial lesion which is painful during 48 to 72 hours
postoperatively. Hence, in most cases a protective contact
lens is temporally applied. The eye sight stabilises during the
following weeks or months.
3. Lasik (laser in situ keratomileusis ):
Lasik is the most recent technique that permits to correct almost
all refractive anomalies. Lasik combines microsurgery and excimer laser.
After having made a flap of 160 microns on the corneal surface, the
laser treatment is performed; afterwards the flap is immediately
replaced on his original place without any kind of suture.
Due to the lack of superficial wound, the healing is faster and less
painful than the PRK technique.
Moreover, a good vision is obtained the first day postoperatively and
stabilises in the following weeks.
4. Intraocular implants:
In cases of high myopia or high hyperopia, as well as in beginning
cataract, an artificial implant is often the chosen technique. It
consists of inserting a lens or implantable contact lens in the eye.
Conclusion: It is only after a complete ophthalmologic examination that
your ophthalmologist will be able to determine which is the best
technique in your case. He will discuss and explain you the indications
and the expected results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
· Is this surgery painful?
Lasik surgery is not a painful technique neither before, during or
after surgery. Most patients only feel during surgery a sensation of
pressure due to the instruments used to fixate the eye; after surgery
they can complain of rubbing sensation during the first hours
postoperatively.
· When can we start normal activities after surgery?
After surgery the patient should rest for 24 hours. The next day,
most of patients have enough good sight to be able to work or drive a
car.
According to the number of dioptres and type of refraction to be
treated, the recuperation is done slower or faster. In general, the vast
majority of patients can start their normal activities around 48 to 72
hours after surgery.
· Which precautions should be taken after surgery?
Patient should use eye drops after surgery prescribed by the
doctor. It is totally contraindicated to rub the eyes for one month
after surgery, preferable even for six months. It’s also contraindicated
to use make-up during the first month. Swimming is forbidden for one
month. For other sportive activities, please discuss it with the
ophthalmologist.
· Are there risks to this surgery?
There is a low risk of infection postoperatively. Other possible
complications and risks are discussed with your doctor during the
preoperative examination. Sporadically a reintervention is necessary to
achieve the correct refraction; this is performed without additional
financial costs.
· Can we operate both eyes simultaneously?
Both eyes can be operated the same day but it is your
ophthalmologist who decides if this is indicated in your personal case.
· Which is the duration of the surgery?
The patient is around 15 to 20 minutes in the operating theatre.
The surgery itself doesn’t take longer than a few minutes.
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