Refractive surgery myopia by laser

The doctor. Artiaga is a specialist in the ophthalmological clinic Oftalvist expert in the treatment of myopia through innovative procedures. The doctor explains that laser refractive surgery is a good option to treat myopia permanently.

Myopia is the refractive defect that prevents seeing distant objects well, and with difficulty the near ones as a consequence of focusing the images in front of the retina.

It is a problem so frequent that it affects 30% of the western population, a considerably higher percentage in Asian countries.

To determine the thickness and shape of the cornea, an eye examination must be performed. 98% -99% of patients with up to 8 diopters can be operated without problems by laser refractive surgery. From that graduation, you can operate with a phakic intraocular lens , very safe and with great results.

Laser technique

Lasik (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the most widespread technique today of refractive surgery. First, surgery is always performed under topical anesthesia , that is, with surface anesthesia through the application of an anesthetic eye drops.. In this way, the discomforts that could be caused during the surgery are eliminated, while allowing a full collaboration during the surgical act necessary for the correct centering in the Laser application.

Then, the patient lies on the laser table where a special separator is placed that keeps the eyes open throughout the procedure.

Then a thin layer of the cornea ( flap ) similar to a lens is lifted, using the Femtosecond laser (Intralase) , a process that lasts about 15 seconds. In most centers, the lifting of the corneal flap is still carried out using a high-precision microkeratome or blade.. In Oftalvist we have replaced the use of these mechanical microkeratomes with a Femtosecond laser (Intralase) that gives us greater precision and safety when performing the 'flap' and therefore a 100% laser surgery.

Subsequently, the Excimer laser acts on the deep layers of the cornea, modifying its curvature and thus correcting the pre-existing refractive defect.. Finally, the corneal flap is repositioned and fixed by itself, without the need for stitches.

Recovery after the intervention

Visual acuity is close to 100% the next day in most cases, and the patient can rejoin the work in 48-72 hours. The effect of the laser in principle is forever, although some patients may have myopia go up over time. It should be noted that wearing glasses, contact lenses, using nothing or being operated with a laser does not affect the number of diopters.