How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?The idea of having your eyes zapped with a laser might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. But for millions of people worldwide, laser eye surgery has become a life-changing reality. Many individuals have experienced improved vision and reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses after laser eye surgery.1LASIK Quality of Life Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/ This study reports that the vast majority of LASIK patients achieve satisfactory vision without glasses or contact lenses.How exactly does it work? What happens during the procedure? And what can you expect before, during, and after the surgery? If you’re curious about laser eye surgery or considering it for yourself, read on. This article will break down everything you need to know about this fascinating medical breakthrough.If you’re in Adelaide and considering laser eye surgery Adelaide, IVISION Laser has a team of experienced surgeons who can provide personalised advice and care. They can provide personalised advice and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Now, let’s take a closer look at how this amazing vision-fixing procedure works. You’re about to learn some really interesting things about laser eye surgery!How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?Laser eye surgery uses a highly focused beam of light to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. This reshaping corrects refractive errors like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of your eye.The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea with incredible precision. By changing the cornea’s curvature, the surgery alters how light is bent as it enters your eye, correcting your vision. The procedure involves carefully reshaping the cornea to correct your refractive error.The Science Behind Laser Technology In Eye SurgeryThe lasers used in eye surgery are a far cry from the laser pointers you might have played with as a kid. These are sophisticated medical devices called excimer lasers. They work by producing a cool ultraviolet light beam that can remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea without damaging the surrounding area.What makes excimer lasers so special is their ability to break molecular bonds in the corneal tissue without generating heat. This process is called photoablation. It’s incredibly precise, able to remove tissue in increments as small as 0.25 microns – that’s about 1/4000th of a millimetre!The laser is guided by advanced computer algorithms that map your eye’s unique shape and calculate exactly how much tissue needs to be removed to achieve the desired vision correction. This mapping process, known as wavefront technology, allows for highly customised treatments that can correct even minor irregularities in your vision.But the science doesn’t stop there. Modern laser eye surgery also incorporates eye-tracking technology. This compensates for any tiny, involuntary movements your eye might make during the procedure, ensuring the laser remains precisely targeted throughout.An even more recent addition to the laser eye surgery toolkit is the femtosecond laser, which creates extremely short pulses of light – we’re talking quadrillionth of a second here! It’s used in some procedures to create a thin flap in the cornea, replacing the need for a mechanical blade.Types Of Laser Eye Surgery ProceduresThere are several different procedures for laser eye surgery, each with its own unique approach to reshaping the cornea. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types.LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)LASIK is probably the name you’ve heard most often regarding laser eye surgery. It’s the most popular procedure, and for good reason. LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea, folding it back, and then using the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.The flap is then replaced, acting as a natural bandage. One of the big advantages of LASIK is its quick recovery time. Many people notice improved vision within 24 hours of the procedure.2Enhancing the Speed of Visual Recovery After LASIK https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik/ This article discusses how most patients experience significant vision improvement within 24 hours of LASIK.PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)PRK was actually the first type of laser eye surgery developed. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t create a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) is completely removed. The laser then reshapes the exposed cornea.The epithelium grows back naturally over the following days. PRK can be a good option for people with thinner corneas who might not be suitable for LASIK.3 This resource mentions that PRK may be preferable to LASIK in individuals with thin corneas. However, the recovery time is longer, and it can take a few weeks to achieve the best vision results.4This article states that PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK, with optimal vision sometimes taking several weeks.SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)SMILE is the newest addition in the field of laser eye surgery. It uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped bit of tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea. This is then removed through a tiny incision.SMILE is less invasive than LASIK and doesn’t require a flap to be created. This can mean a quicker recovery time and less risk of dry eye symptoms.5SMILE vs LASIK Outcomes, SMILE Safe, SMILE Effective, SMILE Less Dry Eye https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/ This study compares SMILE and LASIK, concluding that SMILE is associated with faster visual recovery and potentially fewer dry eye issues. However, it’s currently only approved for treating short-sightedness and astigmatism.LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy)LASEK is similar to a mix between LASIK and PRK. In this procedure, the epithelium is loosened with a special solution and rolled back. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the epithelium is replaced.LASEK can be a good option for people with thin corneas or dry eyes. The recovery time is generally longer than LASIK but shorter than PRK.Preparation for a Laser Eye SurgeryGetting ready for laser eye surgery involves more than just showing up on the day. There’s a whole process to go through to make sure you’re a good candidate and to prepare your eyes for the procedure.First things first, you’ll need a comprehensive eye exam. This isn’t just your standard vision test. The eye doctor will:Measure your pupil sizeCheck for any eye conditions or diseasesAssess your corneal thickness and shapeMeasure your refractive error (how much vision correction you need)They’ll also ask about your general health and any medications you’re taking. Some health conditions and medications can affect your suitability for laser eye surgery.If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them for a while before your initial assessment and the surgery itself. Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea, so your eyes need time to return to their natural shape.In the weeks leading up to the surgery, you might be asked to:Use special eye drops to reduce the risk of infectionStop wearing eye makeupAvoid using lotions, perfumes, or cologne on the day of surgeryYou’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as your vision will be blurry immediately after surgery.It’s important to follow all the laser eye surgery requirements given by your surgeon. These steps help ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure.Step-By-Step Process Of A Typical Laser Eye SurgeryWhile the exact process can vary depending on the type of laser eye surgery you’re having, let’s walk through the steps of a typical LASIK procedure. This will give you a good idea of what to expect on the day.Numbing the Eye: First, you’ll be given numbing eye drops. These ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might feel a bit of pressure, but that’s about it.Creating the Flap: The surgeon will use either a femtosecond laser or a small blade called a microkeratome to create a thin flap in your cornea. This flap is then gently folded back to expose the inner layers of the cornea.Reshaping the Cornea: This is where the main part of the procedure happens. The excimer laser, guided by the data from your pre-surgery eye mapping, removes microscopic amounts of tissue from your cornea. This part of the procedure usually takes less than a minute for each eye.Replacing the Flap: Once the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon carefully puts the flap back in place. It acts as a natural bandage and begins healing immediately.Final Check: The surgeon will check to make sure the flap is in the right position and there are no air bubbles or debris underneath it. You’ll be given eye shields to protect your eyes as you begin the recovery process.And that’s it! The whole procedure typically takes about 15 minutes per eye. It’s quick, painless, and you’re awake the whole time. Many people notice an improvement in their vision almost immediately, though it can take a few days for your vision to stabilise fully.Immediate Post-Surgery Care And RecoveryAfter your laser eye surgery, you’ll probably be eager to test out your new vision. But it’s important to take things easy and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Your eyes need time to heal, and proper care can help ensure the best possible results.Right after the surgery, your eyes might feel a bit irritated or gritty. This is normal. You might also experience some blurry vision, mild pain, or discomfort. Your doctor will give you eye drops to help with these symptoms and to prevent infection.For the first few hours after surgery, it’s best to keep your eyes closed as much as possible. When you get home, try to take a nap. This gives your eyes a chance to start the healing process without any strain.You’ll need to wear eye shields while you sleep for the first week or so. This prevents you from accidentally rubbing your eyes during the night. During the day, you’ll likely be given dark glasses to wear. These protect your eyes from bright light and help reduce any discomfort.Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment for the day after your surgery to check how your eyes are healing. They’ll also give you a schedule for using your eye drops and instructions on when you can resume normal activities.Most people can return to work within a day or two, but you should avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Swimming pools and hot tubs are off-limits for a few weeks to reduce the risk of infection.It’s normal for your vision to fluctuate a bit in the weeks following surgery. You might have good days and not-so-good days. But don’t worry – this usually settles down within a month or so.Long-Term ConsiderationsWhile laser eye surgery can provide dramatic improvements in vision, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand the long-term considerations.Vision StabilityFor most people, the vision correction achieved through laser eye surgery is permanent.6LASIK Long Term Results https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071228215645.htm This resource states that most patients maintain However, your eyes can still change over time. Some people may experience a slight regression and find they need glasses for certain tasks as they get older.Age-Related Vision ChangesLaser eye surgery doesn’t prevent age-related vision changes like presbyopia, which affects your ability to focus on close objects. You might still need reading glasses as you get older, even if you’ve had laser eye surgery.Future Eye HealthHaving laser eye surgery doesn’t impact your future eye health or prevent you from developing conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. It’s important to continue having regular eye check-ups to monitor your overall eye health.Potential for Enhancement ProceduresIn some cases, people might need or want an enhancement procedure a few years after their initial surgery. This can fine-tune the results if there’s been any change in vision over time.Dry Eye SyndromeSome people experience ongoing dry eye symptoms after laser eye surgery. While this usually improves over time, for a small percentage of people, it can be a long-term issue.7SMILE vs LASIK Outcomes, SMILE Safe, SMILE Effective, SMILE Less Dry Eye https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/ This study mentions dry eye as a potential side effect of laser eye surgery, though it suggests SMILE may have a lower risk than LASIK.Advancements In Laser Eye Surgery TechniquesThe field of laser eye surgery is always progressing, with new technologies and techniques being developed to improve outcomes and expand the range of vision problems that can be treated.One of the most exciting advancements is in the area of wavefront-guided treatments. This technology creates a detailed 3D map of your eye, allowing for incredibly precise, customised treatments. It can correct even tiny imperfections in your vision that glasses or contact lenses can’t address.Another significant development is the use of femtosecond lasers in procedures like SMILE. These lasers can make incredibly precise incisions without the need for a blade, potentially reducing recovery time and the risk of complications.There’s also ongoing research into using laser technology to treat presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. While current treatments are still in the early stages, they show promise for helping people maintain clear near vision as they age.Researchers are also exploring ways to use laser technology to treat or prevent other eye conditions, such as certain types of glaucoma. While these applications are still experimental, they highlight the potential for laser technology to change eye care beyond just vision correction.With more advancements in technology, we can expect to see even more precise and personalised treatments, potentially expanding the number of people who can benefit from laser eye surgery.ConclusionLaser eye surgery has progressed significantly since its introduction, becoming a safe, effective, and life-changing procedure for many people. From the precise reshaping of the cornea to the quick recovery times, it’s a marvel of modern medical technology.But like any medical procedure, it’s not right for everyone. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s important to have a thorough assessment and discussion with an experienced eye surgeon. They can help you understand if you’re a good candidate and which type of procedure might be best for your specific needs.For those in Adelaide looking for expert care, IVISION LASER offers state-of-the-art laser eye surgery services. Their team of skilled professionals can guide you through the process, from initial assessment to post-surgery care. Why not take the first step towards clearer vision? Contact IVISION LASER today to book a consultation and discover if laser eye surgery could be right for you.FAQs1. How long does laser eye surgery take?The actual procedure usually takes about 15 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to be at the clinic for a few hours on the day of surgery.2. Is laser eye surgery painful?No, the procedure itself isn’t painful. Your eyes are numbed with drops, and you might feel some pressure, but not pain.3. How soon can I drive after laser eye surgery?Most people can drive within a day or two after LASIK. However, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.4. Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?Yes, most modern laser eye surgery techniques can correct astigmatism as well as short-sightedness and long-sightedness.5. How long do the results of laser eye surgery last?For most people, the results are permanent. However, your eyes can still change over time, and you may develop age-related vision issues.