Refractive Surgery
Laser Vision Correction is an outpatient procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of
nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is the acronym which
stands for Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK was first performed in clinical trials in
the U.S. in 1991. The term refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the
neighboring cell layers. Now it has expanded to other methods of Laser vision correction (LVC) as
well. Laser vision correction has fast become the most preferred procedure for the treatment of
myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure is safe and the visual recovery is rapid which is
why patients are undergoing this procedure the world over.
What is Refractive Error?
Normally, the rays of light entering the eye are brought to a precise focus on the retina –
the light sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. When such a focus is not achieved, a
refractive error results and vision is not clear. These imperfections in the focusing power of
the eye are called refractive errors.
The common refractive errors are:
- Myopia, or Nearsightedness
- Hyperopia, or Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
Myopia
A myopic eye is longer than normal or has a cornea that is too steep, as a result of which the light
rays focus in front of the retina. Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia is a term used to describe the condition of farsightedness. The causes of hyperopic are
typically genetic and involve an eye that is too short or a cornea that is too flat, as a result
of which images focus at a point behind the Retina. People with hyperopia can usually see distant
objects well, but have trouble focusing on nearby objects
Astigmatism (Distorted vision)
Astigmatism (cylindrical error) occurs when the incoming light rays are unable to reach a common
focus within the eye. Astigmatism distorts or blurs vision for both near and far objects.
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. When you have astigmatism, the cornea curves more
in one direction than in the other, like a rugby ball. It is possible to have astigmatism in
combination with myopia or hyperopia.
What are the options to correct Refractive Error?
There are several alternatives to correct your vision. Spectacles or contact lenses are the most
common methods of correcting refractive errors. Refractive surgery is also an option to correct
or improve your vision. These surgical procedures are used to adjust your eye’s focusing ability
by reshaping the cornea, or front surface of your eye.
What is Laser vision correction surgery?
Refractive surgery is a procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or
contact lenses by reshaping the cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly
focused onto the retina for clearer vision.
What is the type of Laser vision correction surgery available?
The most common refractive surgical procedures performed today are:
LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) :-
It is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependence on spectacles or contact lenses.
In this procedure a thin hinged flap of cornea (the cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped window
covering the front of the eye) is created and lifted to one side to access the underlying cornea
(called the stroma) and remove some corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The flap is then
repositioned in its original position.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) :-
It was the original kind and is still sometimes used. It involves gently scraping the surface layer
off the cornea and then using a laser beam to re-shape it.
Epi LASIK ( Epithelial Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis: EPI LASIK) :-
It is a procedure, which combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK, Epilasik involves the
use of an epikeratome, only the superficial epithelial layer of cornea.
Wave front-guided LASIK :-
It is also referred to as custom LASIK or wave front LASIK, is similar to conventional LASIK,
except that in addition to treating a patient’s basic refractive error, specific distortion in
a patient’s eye (high order aberrations) can also be treated.
Our LASIK consultant / counselor will have detailed discussion about the appropriate procedure based
on the eye measurements, glass power and refractive surgery safety tests preoperatively.
Who are eligible candidates for corneal refractive surgery?
- Be atleast 18 years of age, with a stable refraction for the past 1 year.
- Have healthy eyes that are free from any eye diseases or corneal abnormalities (Eg: scar, infection etc.)
- All other Parameters in the eye being reasonably normal.
- Normal pre-operative refractive surgery safety tests.
- Should not have any connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), auto immune (SLE) and immunodeficiency diseases (AIDS).
- Should not be pregnant or a nursing mother.
What is the procedure and follow up?
Procedure :-
Please remember that if you are a contact lens wearer you have to discontinue the use of the same
atleast 2 weeks prior to your Lasik consultation (As the contact lens can alter the shape of
the cornea). During this period you can wear spectacles.
As a part of Comprehensive Eye examination for Lasik, we dilate your pupils for retinal evaluation,
since we dilate the pupils, we request you to have someone accompanying you to drive you back as
you will not be able to self-drive. This is because the vision is slightly fuzzy for an hour or
two. Hence avoid going back to office work after the evaluation is completed.
The primary objective of this consultation is to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for
laser vision correction (LASIK), and if so, which procedure is most appropriate for you.
The treatments we apply are customized for the person’s needs, age and glass power of eye to give a precise result.
Lasik information brochure giving details of our treatment procedures is available at the LASIK reception desk.
Our LASIK Secretary will provide you an Outpatient information sheet to be filled for your medical
record. Kindly complete all applicable details in capital letters, then you will be given a
hospital MRD number mentioned Identity Card along with LASIK visiting card.
Start preliminary examination with our Optometrist.
Your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. You will be asked to keep your eyes closed for a brief period of time to aid the dilation.
During the consultation with your Refractive Surgeon, the pros and cons of different types of refractive procedure will be discussed and the choice of procedure will be decided based on the tests.
Your counselor will explain in detail the most appropriate process, cost involved, and finalize the same with your concurrence.
Appointment for the LASIK procedure, fee structure and payment procedure will be explained by our LASIK clinic receptionist.
You should plan on being at the LASIK Wing approximately 1 to 2 hours prior on the day of your procedure. Please be accompanied by an attendant. Do not drive by yourself after your treatment.
When you arrive at our LASIK Center, on the day of your procedure, you will complete a brief
check-in process and if required tests may be repeated. You will be asked to sign your consent
forms prior to the procedure. We want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Our attentive staff will be on hand to cater to your needs and to keep you informed and
comfortable through every step of the process. You will also meet with our refractive surgeon
prior to your procedure.
What to expect during the procedure?
Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops will be applied to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
Your eyes will be positioned under the laser and an instrument called the lid speculum will be used to keep the eyelids open.
Based on the type of refractive procedure the surgeon will create the flap or the bed for the laser. After creating the flap, the surgeon will then adjust the eyes to align with the laser.
You will be asked to look at a green target light for a short while as the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea.
You will also hear a sound while the laser is operating.
Lasik will be performed on each eye separately starting with the right eye followed by the left eye in the same sitting.
Immediately after the procedure
Once the procedure is done, the surgeon will take a look at your eyes on the slit lamp.
Post LASIK instructions will be given by our LASIK OT staff.
After resting for a short period of time you will be able to go home.
Follow up
Post LASIK. the patient will be reviewed on the day following the procedure. We would ideally prefer to review the candidate after the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of the procedure.
Patients coming from a long distance / outstation can have these checkups with their local
eye specialist and send the follow up report in a prescribed format (you can collect from
our secretary / down load it from our website) to us by letter / mail____________________ .
Post-Refractive surgery instruction
Mild / Moderate tearing is expected after the procedure.
A sense of foreign body presence and irritation are common.
Small red spots on the white surface of the eye – occasionally appear.
Sensitivity to bright light / corneal Haze – on the day of the procedure.
Do’s
Instillation of eye drops as per the prescriptions.
Cleaning of the lid margin gently with sterile tissue from the following day.
Have normal food / no restrictions.
Can have below neck bath from the following day.
Blink your eyes gently & frequently on the day of treatment.
Can read, watch TV and use computer, couple of days after the treatment.
Use sunglasses when you go out and plastic shield while sleeping for 2 weeks.
Do’s
Do not expose your eyes to dust / pollution.
Do not touch or rub your eyes.
Do not take head bath or splash water into the eye and face for 2 weeks.
Do not keep your eyes open for long duration.
Do not clean the eye on the day of your treatment.
Do not swim for one month.
Do not use eye cosmetic /eyeliner for 2 months.
Avoid exercises for 1 week.
Avoid self-driving for 1 week.
What are the side effects?
There is a possibility that you may still need spectacles or contact lenses to attain good vision following the treatment.
Patients may have light sensitivity, halos, dryness and glare after the refractive surgery.
Very rarely severe complications during or after corneal refractive surgeries (eg. flap problems, infections etc.) and can result in a need for extensive treatment.
What are the alternatives?
There are some alternatives to correct your vision. Spectacles or contact lenses are the most common
methods of correcting refractive errors. The other option to correct your vision is called ICL
(implantable contact Lens), When laser refractive surgery is contraindicated, ICL is a kind of lens
which is implanted into the eye and does not require frequent removal like a normal contact lens.
About the MDEH Laser Vision Correction centre
We use the Search Results Web results SCHWIND AMARIS 500E, the world’s most advanced Lasik machine capable of analyzing multiple parameters and providing you with the best vision correction.
With years of experiences and excellent technology, we have been successful in carrying out Refractive Surgery treatment for shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The new Wavefront Technology allows us to treat a range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
A well-experienced Refractive Surgery team, combined with state-of-the-art technology and our quality Protocols ensures you have an unmatched edge over other centers.
Highlights
Over 20,000 Refractive surgeries (LASIK) have been performed so far.
Versatile Range of Treatments: - We have treated spherical numbers as high as -12 D and + 6 D as well as astigmatism as high as 6 D with excellent results. The extent to which an eye can be corrected is determined by our refractive surgeon after pre-procedure evaluation.
We use completely disposable instruments and drapes. Our institution has had no record of infection over the 20,000 procedure carried out.
Allegretto eye q 500 is also the fastest LASIK machine in the world, which means the shortest treatment time, lesser strain, better comfort and the least chance of error.
The fast eye trackers will ON/OFF the laser if there is any accidental eye movement making treatment extremely safe.
What are the benefits of Laser Vision Correction care at MDEH?
Femtosecond laser delivers precise, predictable outcomes and a comfortable surgical experience.
Greater machine speed – Enables faster treatment time leading to a quicker process.
Fastest Eye Tracker ensures that laser treatment is perfect even if involuntary eye movements occur.
Faster visual recovery results in better visual outcome.
Earliest appointment schedule for Lasik consultation.
Clearing the pre & post op queries through helpline numbers and e-mail.
Counseling the patient during consultation.
Procedure payment can be made through a Demand Draft in favour of the ‘Medical Research Foundation’ payable at Chennai.
Credit Cards – All Credit Cards are accepted.
How to plan your Laser Vision Correction at MDEH in many easy ways?
Please feel free to email us with your queries and we would be happy to clarify them.
Appointment schedule for Laser Vision Correction / LASIK consultations: All 7 Days in week from 8.00 am to 6 pm.
Laser Vision Correction / LASIK will be performed on all 7 Days in week for scheduled candidates.
We look forward to your joining MDEH family of happy and satisfied Laser Vision Correction / LASIK candidates.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE & BETTER CARE KINDLY FIX AN APPOINTMENT FOR LASIK CONSULTATION