Safer corrective eye surgery
SURGICAL procedures that correct vision problems are often referred to as vision correction, refractive or laser eye surgery. Owing to extensive research, invaluable refinements and advancement in laser technology and diagnostic tools, safer treatment options for refractive disorders are available now. Presently, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) is still the most performed elective procedure. However in recent years, a new procedure called ReLex Smile is gaining popularity.
Unlike Lasik, this procedure doesn’t create a flap and involves the use of only one laser (the femtosecond laser). Also, instead of vapourising the cornea tissue to correct the underlying short-sightedness and astigmatism, ReLex Smile carves out a small piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule in the cornea and removes it through a small keyhole incision (about 2.5 to 4mm only).
This single-step, all-in-one-laser operation only takes about 30 seconds to perform for one eye while the entire procedure takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. The laser is fast and uses very low energy. In addition, the procedure is odourless and silent, ensuring less discomfort for patients. Patients also feel more comfortable because suction on the eye during treatment is gentler. There is also no frightening “blackout” or bleeding (no red eye) during the procedure or swelling of the eye after treatment.
Also, due to the smaller wound by the minimally invasive surgery, ReLEx Smile results in a much stronger eye and less immediate post-operative discomfort and tearing. The small incision also means that fewer corneal nerves are severed during the procedure, which also means decreased occurence of dry eye. With no flap created, flap displacement or dislodgement is not an issue. Most patients will experience a dramatic improvement in their vision a day after the surgery and then remain stable days after the surgery.
ReLEx Smile is a good option for those involved in contact sports. If the present direction and volume of research is any guide, a large proportion of tomorrow’s femtosecond technological advances and discoveries will be based on mastery of treating refractive errors without even touching the cornea. All treatment will be intrastromal and ReLEx Smile is currently one of the most advanced procedure available.
Choosing laser eye correction is not a decision you should take lightly. Keep in mind that laser vision correction is still a surgical procedure that carries surgical risk, although the risk involved is negligible and the success rate is very high. You are advised to have your eyes properly evaluated and examined by the eye surgeon prior to surgery. So be sure you discuss all options in detail with your eye surgeon or eye care provider before making any final choice.
For details, contact KPJ Pusat Pakar Mata Centre for Sight at 03-4022 6222 (KL); 03-7804 4051 (PJ).