Thinking about getting laser treatment for eyes?

Time & again, we hear about how laser treatment for eyes is now becoming increasingly popular, and people are opting for laser eye surgeries to treat various eye problems. However, when we hear the word laser, questions like what is the process, does it have any side effects, are there any laser eye surgery risks, etc. pop in our mind. Let’s put you at ease & talk about the different types of eye laser treatments and how they work! 

What is laser eye treatment?

Laser treatment for the eyes is a vision correction or refractive surgery, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea. With minimum risks involved, this surgery is painless and also delivers great results. Being used since 1987, it is one of the most commonly used procedures to correct refractive errors like Nearsightedness (myopia), Farsightedness (hyperopia), Astigmatism & Presbyopia. 

Today, many eye laser treatments are available, and all of them involve corneal restructuring to improve vision. However, it’s vital to know which is the best-suited option for you, based on your age, refractive error, eye health, etc. 

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):

PRK was the 1st laser eye surgery performed. In this treatment, the doctor gives you anesthetic eye drops and removes the epithelial layer of the cornea using a scalpel or alcohol. Once the epithelial layer is removed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. 

LASEK (Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis):

LASEK surgery is a variant of PRK and a common alternative to LASIK. In this procedure, you are given anesthetic eye drops, and a thin flap is cut on the outer layer of the cornea. After this, an excimer laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. 

Epithelial LASIK:

In the Epithelial LASIK procedure, the epithelial sheet inside the eye is removed using an oscillating plastic blade. After the sheet is removed, the doctor uses a precise laser to reshape the cornea.

LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis):

LASIK eye surgery is virtually painless. In this process, an Intralase femtosecond laser is used to create a corneal flap in the eye. This flap is then carefully lifted, and a laser is used to reshape the inner cornea. 

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):

SMILE is an advanced, bladeless, painless & minimally invasive surgery. In this procedure, the doctor uses a femtosecond laser to carve out a tiny lenticular in the outer layer of the cornea, which is then extracted, and the shape of the cornea is altered.

What are the precautions to be taken post surgery?

Generally, laser eye surgery is very effective and gets the best possible results. However, post-surgery has a few side effects or complications like dry eyes, night glare, increased sensitivity to light, and double vision. Hence, it is crucial to take the following precautions:

• Use eye drops prescribed by the doctor for lubrication
• Don’t rub or squeeze your eyes 
• For a few weeks, wear sunglasses while going outdoors to protect your eyes from light sensitivity
• Avoid swimming for some time and try to give rest to your eye

How Centre for Sight can help?

Centre for Sight (CFS) is one of the best & trusted eye hospitals in India, with highly experienced eye specialists and advanced eye treatment technology. Being the pioneer in laser treatment for eyes, CFS is the 1st in India to perform Intralase blade-free Lasik & SMILE procedure.

Article: Thinking about getting Laser Treatment for Eyes
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Jan 25 2021 | UPDATED 05:20 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.