Femtolaser

LASIK

This is used for the treatment of mild to moderate refractive errors.
Surgery is carried out in the following stages:

  • A thin flap of corneal tissue is created using a precision surgical instrument (MICROKERATOME)
  • The flap is lifted, exposing the underlying tissue
  • The laser shaves the surface, reshaping the stromal layer itself, in the area of the pupil
  • The flap is repositioned into the original position
  • A few eye drops are inserted
  • A small protective lens may be inserted for a few hours, allowing the eye to see again immediately.

All stages of surgery require a topical anaesthetic and are completely painless.
Post-operative recovery is painless and very quick. Functional recovery is complete within one or two days, after which normal working activities may be resumed.
It is advisable to refrain from taking part in any violent and/or team sports (football, basketball, rugby, ...), swimming, and to avoid using eye makeup for two weeks.

FEMTOSECOND LASER

A femtosecond laser (and not a microkeratome) is used to create a corneal flap.

  • The laser emits energy which passes through the corneal tissue without damaging it, releasing energy inside the cornea at a precise depth
  • Tiny bubbles containing water and gas are formed, separating the corneal flaps and creating the surface to be treated
  • At the end of this stage, the corneal flap is lifted
  • The refractive error is corrected using an excimer laser
  • The corneal flap is then repositioned onto the stromal bed.

Post-operative recovery is similar to that of traditional LASIK surgery.
The advantage of this procedure is that it may be used on patients who have morphological features of the cornea which may not be otherwise operable.