April 12, 2021
Laser surgery allows to safely and effectively treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, thus providing independence from the use of glasses or contact lenses.
The laser works by "polishing" the cornea and thus corrects the patient's grading in three possible ways:
- LASIK: a very thin flap is created on the cornea, which is partially detached in order to apply the laser to the innermost layers of the cornea. This flap is repositioned and is adherent without the need for stitches.
- PRK: direct application of the laser on the cornea, removing only a small film covering it.
- SMILE: the laser creates a disc of corneal tissue, thinner or thicker according to the degree concerned, which is removed through an opening.
The type of proccedure depends on the characteristics of the patient's eye, the graduation and also the lifestyle of each person. Laser surgery can treat myopia up to 6-7 diopters, hyperopia and astigmatism up to 4-5 diopters, but these numbers are only indicative, since it is necessary to rigorously evaluate each case.
In preparation for surgery, the patient should not wear contact lenses in the week before up to the procedure and should remove makeup from the eyelids.
The intervention is painless and quick, being performed with local anesthesia (through the application of an eye drops). It takes approximately 15 minutes per eye.
Recovery:
In the first few hours it is normal to feel "stinging", some intolerance to light and blurred vision. The following day you can resume some of your daily activity. In the case of PRK, a therapeutic contact lens is put in place and in the first days there is significant discomfort, but it is controllable with analgesic medication. With PRK the visual recovery is slower, but the final result is equally excellent.
Care:
In the first 4 weeks after surgery it is contraindicated to use swimming pools or play sports with risk of contact. It is dangerous to rub your eyes in the first weeks after surgery, and it is a bad habit anyway, regardless of whether or not you have had an eye surgery procedure.
By Prof. Andreia Rosa
