Refractive laser surgery
Written by:
What is refractive laser surgery?
The term laser means amplified by stimulated emission of light radiation when this radiation is concentrated at one point the laser cuts. In ophthalmology use a type called excimer laser is an ultraviolet light of a strong energetic power. By this laser intend to correct refractive errors, myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia and we are even giving advanced steps in the treatment of presvicia. In short, the end of refractive surgery is the removal of corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Which patients can undergo laser refractive surgery?
There are a number of factors that prevent us from performing refractive surgery. In women, pregnancy and lactation. And in general, psychiatric problems, retinal abnormalities, corneal diseases, pathologies fundus, the evolutionary cataracts, progressive myopia and immunological diseases.
Two other important factors are age and intensity of the defect. Speaking of age, we can say that we correct these defects from age 19, if there is a stabilization of the defect in glasses least two years. From the 40 years it should be noted that although we correct the defect the patient in the immediate future will have to use glasses for near vision.
Speaking of the intensity of the defects in myopia correct one to ten diopter correcting some corneal thickness, but I am more in favor of correcting up to eight from eight because there are other techniques for refractive errors such as intra- lenses eyepieces that give better results and fewer side effects. In hyperopia we correct to five diopters and astigmatism.
After refractive surgery, when you can resume normal activities?
Remember that there are two different techniques for applying laser. The laser is applied directly to the cornea -the refractiva- photokeratectomy PRK or postoperative discomfort gives a much higher analgesic although with proper pattern can be minimized, but also the recovery of which is a little slower.
Then there is the laser when applied within the cornea, corneal stroma, is an operation that allows a visual recovery within hours and discomfort post-operative are much smaller, simple foreign body sensation or tearing it in four hours is solved. The patient can return to work the next day.
What risks or contraindications can find the time to practice surgery?
It is a process full of advantages: no need hospitalization, anesthesia is topical and the results are very stable.
But there are risks inherent in any surgery. The concerning technical remedied by going to a surgeon with extensive experience and to make a good scan. One of the side effects that we have to consider is the dry eye tear deficit, also the vision of colored halos that occur when medium-high myopia treated with a diffraction of light, like a change in vision Contrast (white-black) which can hinder driving a bit.
The most important thing though is that rarely happens sometimes we can be short or spend, but this can be remedied within two months with a small touch.