Long term use of contact lenses and glasses might be uncomfortable in everyday life, it may interfere with simple tasks. Thanks to modern medicine and technology there ́s a safe, comfortable, aesthetic and affordable solution at hand. And that is Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure to minimize or eliminate refractive errors such as, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. The best choice to leave behind contact and corrective lenses dependence.
Our eye has two lenses or ocular diopter, which are manipulated to either reshape the cornea or to replace the crystalline with an intraocular lens (IOL)
Types of Refractive surgery
The surface treatment techniques include
Laser
- LASIK
- PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
Intraocular Lens:
- Phakic removal
- Lens implanted into the eye.
At Oftalmológos El Tesoro we perform LASIK technique refractive surgery.
What it is LASIK?
LASIK stands for ‘Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis’. In these type of procedure, corneal tissue is ablated with an excimer laser just below the corneal epithelium, the outermost of the five layers of the cornea. In order to achieve long term results the stroma of the cornea must be carefully treated, since it easily regenerates the tissue. It ́s noteworthy that not all patients are candidates for LASIK surgery, it ́s essential to be carefully evaluated by the specialist who will determine both eligibility and technique.
How is it performed?
To correct myopia, the laser is used to reshape the elongated and curved corneal eye tissue and correct the refractive error. In hyperopic LASIK procedure, the area of ablation is exposed and the excimer laser pulses are applied in the periphery of the cornea, to make it more curved. If the refractive error is astigmatism, where the curvature is asymmetric (egg shaped), the curvier area is flattened even out the shape.
Is LASIK surgery safe?
All surgeries carry some risk of complications and side effects, but LASIK is considered a safe procedure with a low complication rate. LASIK is one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today. Side effects may include: seeing halos around lights and dry eye syndrome, that will eventually disappear with the use of lubricant eyedrops.
It’s important to underline that this procedure reshapes and thins the cornea, that’s why some tests and measurements must be performed prior to surgery. Also, the benefits of LASIK are not for lifetime due to changes that the eye may experiment as we age.
At Oftalmológos El Tesoro we have an extraordinary team of ophthalmologists with the best state-of-the-art technology to help you improve your vision. It ́s time to take the first step towards a life changing surgery. Book your appointment today and find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery.
What a LASIK candidate should know
A full ophthalmology examination including specific exams and measurements must be performed in order to determine if you’re a strong candidate for LASIK. Visual acuity, refraction eye exam, and intraocular pressure measurement (IOP). Also, an ocular topography to map the cornea and corneal hysteresis to measure the viscoelastic damping of the cornea, which reflects the ability of the cornea to absorb and dissipate energy; in order to precise laser application.
At Oftalmólogos El Tesoro Medellín, we offer you more to see! Visit us at our clinic in Medellín, Colombia. We are waiting for you!
