Gone are the days when eye surgery was something to be feared and people resorted to spectacles instead. For the last twenty-odd years, vision correction and cataract surgery is done using a quick, almost completely painless method that not only promises a quick outcome but also better recovery. However, that is not all. There is a host of advancements even in these procedures that make the older LASIK methods look outdated. Today, we will talk a little more about the various advances in the field of LASIK surgery and what the future of vision correction looks like.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK is an abbreviation of Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis and is one of the most preferred surgeries for vision and cataract corrections. Not only does it help with removing cataracts, it also helps people with other vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism lead a spectacle-free life with 20/20 vision.
Since LASIK is quick, relatively pain-free and has huge success rates, it is a field that is continuously being researched and advanced.
Advancements in LASIK Surgery
Initially, LASIK surgery was performed using a mechanized blade. The blade would be used to create a thin flap of tissue in the front of the eye (the cornea). Then a laser was used to reshape the cornea which would help it focus light better on the retina. Over the years, as technology has advanced, the laser itself has become more and more refined. Let us look at some of the advancements in LASIK surgery over the years.
Intralase
In recent times, even the flap can be customized using Laser; this is known as Intralase. It is better than using a mechanical blade and aids in a more precise and quicker way of creating the corneal flap. This leads to a significant reduction in complications that arise due to the use of a mechanical blade.
Custom Wavefront
There is a new technology called Custom Wavefront technology that can be used to measure and treat corneal imperfections. This technology studies how light is emerging from the eye and uses it to create a custom 3 D model of each patient’s eye and optical structure. This ensures that treatment is customized to each patient’s anatomy.
LASEK and Epi-LASEK
Then there is also the LASEK and Epi-LASEK procedures that are used to reshape the cornea. In LASEK, the surface of the cornea is removed using diluted alcohol. In Epi-LASEK, the cornea is lifted using a special piece of equipment. Then, the cornea is reshaped in both procedures, allowing more light in and thereby improving vision. All these advancements help with making LASIK surgery even less risky than it was earlier.
Future of LASIK Surgery
The latest advancement in LASIK surgery is SMILE. SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and is used to treat myopia and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK surgery, SMILE does not need to create a corneal flap. Instead, a laser is used to create a small lens-shaped bit of tissue within the cornea. Then an incision is made in the surface of the cornea through which the tissue bit created earlier is removed. This removal reshapes the cornea and improves how lights are focussed on the retina thus leading to sharper and clearer vision.
One of the biggest advantages of SMILE is that it reduces the dry eyes that are typically a side effect of LASIK surgery. There is also less sound, and smell associated with SMILE than with LASIK surgery. If you think you could benefit from LASIK surgery, please talk through your options with your ophthalmologist. Also, speak to them about the various advancements and find the methods most suited for your condition.
