Glasses and contact lenses are used to treat myopia in childhood and early adolescence. The permanent solution for myopia is laser refractive surgery.
Is Permanent Treatment of Myopia Possible?
Laser myopia treatment, also known as eye correction surgery, cures the complaint of nearsightedness definitively and permanently. Thanks to today’s developing technologies, laser myopia treatment has very high success rates. Myopia is treated with a laser device called excimer laser.
For eyes that are not suitable for laser myopia surgery, personalized intraocular smart lens surgeries are applied.
What is the Treatment of Laser Myopia?
The main principle of laser myopia treatment is to change the refractivity of the cornea, the transparent layer in front of the eye through which light is refracted. With the change in corneal refraction, the imbalance caused by the length of the eye is eliminated and the light is focused at the right point.
What are the Most Common Interventions in Laser Myopia Treatment?
Today, the most commonly used method for the treatment of refractive errors in myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism all over the world is LASIK or PRK and LASEK depending on the eye structure.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the oldest of the laser methods. The laser is applied directly to the corneal layer, changing its shape from its surface.
LASIK In the LASIK method, which is today’s most advanced laser surgery technology, the top surface of the cornea is cut as a thin layer with a laser and lifted in the form of a lid and the eye number is corrected by applying “excimer laser” to the corneal surface. The removed layer is then closed back. Since this layer acts as a protective layer, the healing time of the eye takes a shorter time. The feeling of restlessness after the operation is reduced. LASIK method is mostly used for myopia treatment.
LASIK Technique can be applied up to 10 degrees myopia. The success rate is 98%. After the age of 20, it can be applied to any eye with a corneal thickness above 500 microns and a smooth cornea.
In the LASEK method, similar to PRK, the corneal surface is treated and the cornea is covered with a protective layer after surgery. LASEK recovery time is shorter than PRK and longer than LASIK.
What is Excimer Laser?
There are many types of lasers used in the treatment of eye diseases. The laser used in the treatment of refractive errors is excimer laser.
Excimer laser is a laser with a wavelength of 192 nm and shows its effect by thinning certain parts of the cornea during application. There are different application types depending on the condition of the patient and the defect in the eye. The applications are performed automatically under computer control. Excimer laser is used in both PRK, LASEK and LASIK surgeries.
Is Laser Myopia Treatment a Safe Treatment?
- Laser treatment is an FDA approved, safe technology.
- There is no risk of blindness.
- Laser treatment can be applied a second time if your eye structure is suitable.
- Cataract surgery can be performed after laser treatment.
- Laser does not treat lazy eye.
- Laser myopia treatment is applied to the cornea, the retina layer is not damaged.
- It is not a painful and bleeding treatment. Since anesthesia is applied with drops during laser treatment, no pain is felt.
- Eye drops should be used for a while after laser treatment. You can return to your normal life the next day.
What are the Risks of Laser Myopia Treatment?
Although the risk of complications of laser myopia treatment is very low, there are some risks as in every surgical operation.
The ophthalmologist may intervene more or less than necessary during surgical intervention. Dry eye may develop after surgery. The person’s vision may worsen in dim light or bright lights may disturb at night.
Does the eye return to its old number after a few years after laser eye correction?
In laser eye reshading, with a properly selected treatment tailored to the patient’s eye structure and needs, a return beyond expectations is very rare. In the first year, a return of 5-30 percent can be observed especially in the treatment of high numbers and in eyes where a certain number is left in a planned manner.
What Should People Who Have Laser Myopia Treatment Pay Attention To?
The healing process of the surgery is quite fast. The issues that those who have laser myopia treatment should pay attention to after surgery are as follows.
- Resting the eye after surgery,
- Regular use of the prescribed drops,
- Avoid touching the eye and keep the area clean,
- Avoid getting a blow to the eye,
- Go for regular check-ups.
When Can I Go Back to My Normal Life After Laser Eye Reshaping?
- You can return to work the next day, you can drive a car,
- After two days you can take a shower and apply makeup,
- You can do sports after one week.
Are Those Who Have Laser Myopia Treatment Satisfied?
People who have laser for myopia treatment can return to their social life within 1-2 days and enjoy clear vision at all distances. They experience the advantages of not using glasses and contact lenses.
Myopic Intraocular Lens (Phakic Lens)
Apply intraocular lens application, which is an advanced technology, to eyes whose eye structure cannot be treated with laser. These lenses are inserted into the eye between the iris, the colored part of the eye, and the natural lens. Once inserted into the eye, they work together with the eye’s normal focusing system to provide good vision.