After the operation, you are not going to be dependent on your glasses like you used to before. The degree of the lens to be placed in the eye is determined by pre-operation biometry measurement. Each eye structure and it’s number is different from one another. Therefore, no doctor can guarantee that your eye will gain 10/10 vision. In case of a certain degree of astigmatism, myopia or hypertropia remaining, there are no side effects of having excimer laser as a secondary treatment. However, your detailed corneal topography, pachymetry measurements, corneal thickness and corneal map will have to be evaluated and your doctor will inform you about the availability of your eye for excimer laser. You certainly do not have the risk of developing cataracts in the future. The lens placed in your eye during the operation will enhance your long distance vision.
Refractive Surgery
Astigmatic Keratotomy
Astigmatism is a refractive defect that impairs sight in short and long distance. It might be caused by structural irregularities of the cornea, which is located in the front portion of the eye.
Non-surgical methods such as glasses and contact lenses used in the treatment of astigmatism are inadequate especially for patients with higher degrees of visual impairment. With these methods, a high quality of vision cannot be achieved, or the use of them may be bothersome. Excimer Laser treatment is the first among the surgical treatments. However, the structure of the eye may not be suitable for laser treatment. One of the alternative methods developed for eyes that are not suitable for Excimer Laser treatment is Astigmatic Keratotomy.
It is a very short and a simple process. It is applied under sterile operating room conditions. Small line incisions are applied to the corneal layer of the eye. These incisions are made using a special apparatus. When determining the length and depth of the incision, predetermined nomograms are used according to the degree of astigmatism.
This treatment is successful in astigmatism up to about 4 degrees. The goal of the treatment is the regression of astigmatism. Sometimes a secondary session may be necessary for complete treatment. If the structure of the cornea allows it, the remaining astigmatism can be treated with excimer laser.
Lens Extraction
It is the process of extracting the natural lens of the patient’s eye and replacing it with a synthetic lens suitable for the patient’s eyes’ properties. This process eliminates the need to use glasses. These lenses cannot be removed like contact lenses, instead they remain safe and secure within the eye for life. No special maintenance is required and it is impossible to feel the lenses within the eye.
Today, many treatment methods are applied to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Among these, excimer laser (LASIK, LASEK, PRK) astigmatic keratomy and refractive lens exchange can be considered. Among these methods, excimer laser (LASIK) is the most common and preferred laser treatment. However, for excimer laser treatment, there are some prerequisites such as being a certain age, having an ideal corneal thickness, getting a corneal map and being in a certain range of eye number. Excimer laser treatment may not always be the ideal treatment for everyone. Therefore, other alternative treatment methods have been developed for those that are not suitable for excimer laser. Among these, one of the safest, long-lasting and consistent treatment methods is refractive lens exchange.
Your doctor will first assess your vision and determine your eye numbers. After this evaluation, the lens measurement of your eye will be taken with the help of a special device that determines the number of the lens to be placed inside the eye. When taking this measurement, the medical staff will numb your eyes with eye drops and your lens numbers will be determined within minutes after a short process.
After refractive lens exchange operation, it is not harmful to have a laser operation.
Cataract is the dulling of the natural lens inside the eye. Since your own natural lens in your eye is extracted during this operation, there is absolutely no possibility of developing cataract.
Before the operation, if you are taking any blood thinners, it is wise to consult your physician. It is usually conducted under topical and local anesthesia. The patients who are going to receive local anesthesia can have a light breakfast or a meal prior to the operation.
You will be given a sedative in your room before entering the operation. Operation can be performed under local anesthesia. In other words, your doctor will apply drugs to your eyes in order to prevent you from moving your eyes and feeling pain. Generally, no pain is felt during the operation, only a slight pressure can be felt. Patients who have undergone local anesthesia can communicate with the doctor during the operation as they will be awake. Once your eye has been sterilized, a small instrument will be used to keep your eyelids open. During the operation, a small incision is made from the corneal layer of your eye. With the phacoemulsification device, your existing lens is removed and a transparent lens is placed to fix your vision impairment. Stitches will not be sewn in your eyes except in special cases. The operation time is about 10 minutes.
Following the surgery, you will be taken to your room to rest. After resting for a few hours, you can be discharged and go home. Your eyes will be patched on the day of the operation. When your eye is patched, there may be some slight pain or stinging sensation, which is normal. You can take some painkillers if you wish to do so. You will be asked to come back for a check-up one day after the surgery and your doctor will inform you regarding the eye drops you should use. Redness, watering, sensitivity to light may develop after the operation. Blurred or wavy vision may continue for a few weeks. When you use your eye drops, these symptoms will fade away in the coming days. Absolutely do not rub your eyes by applying pressure and be careful not to get water or soap in your eyes for the first couple of days.
