What are the Types of Eye Laser Surgery?

What the types of eye laser surgery are is a question asked by those who want to have eye laser surgery. Eye laser surgery is performed to eliminate eye disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Many methods are used in the treatment of visual impairments. The eye laser methods used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are:

• iLasik (Lasik)
• ReLEx SMILE PRO (myopia and astigmatism only)
• PRK / No Touch (surface laser methods, including TransPRK)

SLT, argon and YAG laser and IPL do not correct refractive errors; they are described at the end of this article, in the section on other laser and light treatments used in the eye.

Lasik Treatment

Lasik treatment is among the special treatments used to eliminate vision problems. It is frequently preferred. With Lasik treatment, the cornea in the eye is reshaped. In order to eliminate vision problems, the shape of the cornea, the transparent tissue in front of the eye, is changed. This is an extremely sensitive procedure. Normally, corneal light refracts towards the retina in the back chamber of the eye. However, in people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism problems, this light is not refracted correctly. This leads to blurred vision or inability to see certain distances. Although this problem can be solved with glasses and contact lenses, there is no need to use them with lasik treatment. Thanks to the reshaped cornea, the eye layer is shaped.

PRK Laser Treatment

PRK laser treatment is performed by softening and removing the epithelial layer on the cornea. After the epithelium is removed, the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser. The laser works for a few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye, depending on the prescription. No flap is created in the cornea.

TransPRK Laser Treatment

TransPRK laser treatment consists of removing the epithelium layer on the cornea with a laser and shaping the tissue underneath. In this way, vision disorders are treated. By removing the epithelium layer with a laser, the tissue under the cornea is shaped in such a way as to correct visual disturbances.

iLasik Laser Treatment

iLASIK (femto-LASIK) is the bladeless form of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis: the flap is created with a femtosecond laser instead of a blade. In this treatment method, the laser is used to reshape the corneal layer. Thus, vision problems are eliminated. iLasik is a much more advanced method than the normal Lasik method. In this way, the use of laser is made more precise. With WaveScan technology, the eye is scanned and fully mapped. With this map, the part of the eye where the laser should be applied is analysed. Afterwards, the corneal surface is reshaped by laser.

ReLEx SMILE PRO Laser Treatment

In ReLEx SMILE PRO, a femtosecond laser (ZEISS VisuMax 800) creates a thin disc of tissue, a lenticule, inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision of 2-4 mm. No flap is created, so the method is a good option for people with dry eyes and for those who do contact sports. It is used for myopia up to -10 dioptres and for astigmatism; it is not used for hyperopia. Most patients return to their daily activities the next day.

No Touch Laser Treatment

No touch laser treatment is one of the important treatments used in the treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism disorders. While a thin flap is lifted on the cornea in LASIK, no flap or incision is needed in no touch treatment. In this method, the shape of the cornea layer is corrected and the light is refracted correctly. In the no touch method, the eyes are numbed with drops. The patient only opens his/her eyes and looks at the green spot indicated by the device. With this green light, the necessary operations are performed in 20-30 seconds per eye. The application is generally comfortable, although mild discomfort may be felt.

Other Laser and Light Treatments Used in the Eye

The treatments below do not correct refractive errors. They are used for other conditions such as glaucoma, retinal disease, clouding of the lens capsule after cataract surgery and dry eye.

SLT (Glaucoma) Laser Treatment

SLT laser treatment is a method used to eliminate problems such as eye pressure. Disorders such as glaucoma damage the visual nerves with increased intraocular pressure. This condition can cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis is very important to prevent the progression of glaucoma. After this condition is detected, SLT treatment is applied. Laser therapy, which reduces intraocular pressure and eliminates these problems, is among the frequently used methods.

Argon Laser Therapy

Argon laser therapy is a method in which laser is applied to tissues inside the eye, mainly the retina. This method is applied to people with advanced diabetes and intraocular vascular occlusion. Treating the areas of retina with poor blood supply helps prevent new, leaking vessels from forming. In addition, it can be used in the treatment of retinal tears. In glaucoma it is applied to the area where fluid drains out of the eye (the trabecular meshwork).

YAG Laser Treatment

YAG laser treatment is a very sensitive laser type. With this method, it provides the removal of excess tissues formed in the eye. The Nd:YAG laser uses infrared light, which is invisible. The most commonly used area is to remove the dullness of the posterior capsule of the eye after cataract surgery.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment

Known as "Intense Pulsed Light", IPL treatment uses pulses of light of different wavelengths. IPL is not a laser and does not correct refractive errors. In the eye it is used mainly for dry eye linked to the eyelid glands: it is applied to the skin of the eyelids to improve the function of the meibomian (oil) glands. The eyes are protected with special goggles during the procedure, which is usually painless, and dry eye complaints caused by these glands can be reduced.

Eye Laser Surgery Risks

Eye laser surgery risks are among the most researched topics. Although these surgeries are performed extremely safely, they can be risky in some cases. The place where the surgery is performed must be absolutely sterilised. The doctor who performs the operation must be a specialist in the field. After the surgery, the doctor's instructions should be followed, medications should be used regularly and controls should be visited on time. Click for those who are curious about the age limit of eye laser surgery.

What to Pay Attention to After Eye Laser Surgery

Another most curious question about eye surgeries is what to pay attention to after eye laser surgery is the question. Care should be taken to avoid any problems after laser eye surgery. The medicines and drops given should be used on time. Other important points to be considered are as follows:

• After the operation, the eye should never be itched and the bandage should not be opened.
• The operated eye should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Do not shower for the first 24 hours; for the first week do not let water, soap or shampoo get directly into the eyes; avoid swimming pools and the sea for about 20 days.
• Dusty and dirty areas should be avoided to avoid infection. The eye should not be scratched or the operated area should not be touched.
• Avoid heavy exercises that increase blood pressure, activities such as running and weight lifting.

It is normal to experience mild pain or stinging sensation after surgery. However, if there is unbearable pain or aching, you should consult a doctor.