LASIK at a glance

Key Points

• The highest safety, predictability, and efficiency are ensured while performing T-PRK laser
• Corneal tissue is removed using a laser without creating a flap of corneal tissue
• Like other procedures, T-PRK also uses a laser beam to alter the top layer of the corneal cells of a patient
• This treatment may be possible for someone with mild dry eye symptoms and suitable for irregular shaped and thinner corneas
• Patients undergoing T-PRK laser might experience temporary discomfort during cell healing due to slower recovery time
• Our patients have experienced excellent end visual outcomes of T-PRK. (Same as LASIK and SMILE)

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive and flawless surgery. SMILE eye surgery is the latest addition to the range of available laser vision correction procedures. SMILE has been identified as the preferred choice among patients due to its state-of-the-art safety profile and quicker recovery rate.

Key Points

• A minimally invasive technique involving a minimal incision (the latest technique in laser eye surgery)
• The fast and accurate femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticular) inside the cornea
• Few incidences were reported of dry eyes and other complications
• Since upper corneal layers of the eyes are intact due to minimal tissue intervention, corneal strength is less affected
• It could be a viable option for recipients whose cornea is thinner than usual
• SMILE enables more biomechanics preservation and stability
• Impressive long-term follows up results

This surgery is currently unavailable to long-sighted patients.

An implantable Collamer lens (ICL) is an artificial lens permanently implanted in the eye. The lens is used to treat:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

Implanting an ICL requires surgery. A surgery places the lens between the eye’s natural lens and iris. This lens is like a contact lens, and you cannot feel it after putting it in the eye.

The ICL is made of plastic and collagen called Collamer. It’s also known as phakic IOL.

ICL surgery isn’t for every patient. However, this has proven to be an alternative for patients who couldn’t get laser eye surgery.

Benefits of having an implantable Collamer lens:

Apart from improvised vision, there are many benefitting factors of an ICL:

• It can fix severe nearsightedness that cannot be corrected with other surgeries like LASIK, PRK, and Smile
• An ideal match for patients with chronically dry eyes since the lens is less likely to cause dryness
• This procedure is meant to be permanent though provision to remove it is also available
• The lens provides excellent night vision
• Recovery is usually quick because the tissue is not removed
• People who can’t get laser eye surgery might be good candidates for ICL

HOW DOES ICL SURGERY WORK?

• Your ICL procedure will be performed at a Day Procedure Centre
• Once a patient is admitted, an anaesthetist shall discuss the general health aspects and the details of the procedure
• With sedation administered, patients will feel more relaxed during the procedure. The anaesthetist will be available to take care of you and make you feel comfortable
• Eyes shall be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops, and the doctor will place a small instrument between your eyelids. This step is to prevent you from blinking. You will not see the procedure happening as a patient but may notice visual cues like a microscope’s bright lights
• The customised lens is folded into a special injector, and the doctor will insert the ICL by making a small opening. Now, the ICL will be unfolded and be positioned by the doctor. Opening seals heal automatically without the need for any stitches
• After 20-30 minutes inside the theatre, you will have to be collected by someone who stays with you at home post-surgery and during recovery. The entire duration at the centre shall be of around 2-3 hours
• Usually, the eyes are treated at a minimum of one week apart

For patients over the age of 48, laser surgery may not be the best choice because there can be unavoidable focusing changes to the eye’s natural lens (due to aging). Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or clear lens exchange is often recommended for such patients. This is a procedure in which the patient’s natural lens is carefully replaced with an artificial lens. It is done on a clear lens. The surgeon carefully selects the artificial lens depending on your goals and eye health to ensure an optimal result.

REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE IOL OPTIONS?

Multifocal IOL: A Multifocal IOL provides clear vision at multiple distances.

It accommodates IOLs. An accommodating IOL is a mono-focal lens that enables focus at multiple distances by shifting its position in the eye.