What is Excimer Laser?
Excimer Laser is a laser treatment method used for common vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It works by vaporizing the tissue on the surface of the cornea using laser beams, thereby reshaping it. This reshaping corrects the refraction of light in the eye, resulting in clearer and sharper images.
Excimer Laser is an extremely precise procedure that selectively removes unnecessary tissue with the laser without damaging the eye tissues. Therefore, the recovery process after the surgery is usually fast, and patients can typically return to their normal activities within a few days.
Excimer Laser Application Methods:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is the oldest method of Excimer Laser and was first used in the late 1980s. In this method, the laser is directly focused on the surface of the cornea, and the upper layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed. The laser then reshapes the tissue beneath the cornea. PRK is used to treat mild or moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. After PRK, intense pain may occur, and it can take 3-6 weeks for the vision to become clear.
Lasik (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK is the most commonly used method of Excimer Laser. In this method, the upper layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and then the laser reshapes the tissue beneath the cornea. The epithelium is then placed back, expediting the healing process. LASIK is used to treat mild or moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Femto-Lasik: This method does not involve any mechanical intervention. Computer-controlled femtosecond laser technology is used to create a cut in the upper layer of the cornea. Excimer Laser is used to reshape the tissue beneath the cornea. The upper layer of the cornea is then replaced, resulting in improved vision, and corrected refractive errors. Patients generally experience little to no pain after Femto-Lasik.
Lasik Xtra: This method combines laser and cross-linking procedures to further strengthen the cornea. Lasik Xtra is applied immediately after the cutting of the corneal layer with Excimer Laser. In this method, a vitamin solution called riboflavin is applied to the cornea to further strengthen it, and then it is activated using UV light. Lasik Xtra can enhance the stability of the cornea and provide protection against potential corneal protrusions (keratoconus) in the future.
Advantages of Femto-Lasik
- Femto-Lasik enables a much more precise procedure in your eye using micro-laser technology. This allows for a personalized corneal reshaping procedure.
- Compared to standard Lasik, Femto-Lasik results in less dry eye and halo effects.
- The recovery process after Femto-Lasik is faster compared to other methods. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, and blurred vision diminish more quickly.
- In surgeries performed with the Femto-Lasik method, there is less occurrence of aberrations due to the smooth flap interface.
- Generally, there is minimal pain, burning, or itching sensation after the procedure.
Who is Suitable for Excimer Laser?
- Individuals aged 18 and above
- Individuals with stable vision prescription
- Individuals with astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia
- Individuals with nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Individuals with good eye health
- Individuals with no history of eye infection or injury
- Non-pregnant individuals or breastfeeding mothers (in which case the procedure should be postponed)
- Soft contact lens wearers after a one-week break, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearers after a three-week break from contact lens usage
- Individuals who have not undergone previous eye surgery (previous surgeries can increase the risk of complications)
- Individuals with sufficient corneal thickness
However, every patient is different, and it is important to consult an eye doctor to determine if Excimer Laser is suitable for you.
Who is Not Suitable for Excimer Laser?
- Individuals under the age of 18 and over the age of 60
- Pregnant women
- Women in the lactation period
- Individuals with advanced vision impairment (Refractive error value should be between -12 and +6)
- Individuals with eye diseases (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Keratoconus, etc.)
- Individuals with systemic connective tissue diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, etc.)
- Diabetic patients (at higher risk of retinopathy due to chronic hyperglycemia)
- Individuals with structural problems in the cornea (abnormalities detected in corneal examinations such as keratometry, topography, pachymetry, etc.)
- Individuals with eye infection or at risk of infection
- Individuals experiencing side effects in their eyes due to medication use
- Individuals with psychological disorders
Individuals who have one or more of the above conditions may not be suitable for Excimer Laser. The suitability assessment is determined through examination and evaluation by an eye doctor.