Eyeing a new frontier

VISION correction surgery, also called refractive and laser eye surgery, has improved quality of life in over 30 million patients with over 95% patient satisfaction rate, making it one of the most popular elective surgery procedures. It has been approved by the armed forces in many countries and even Nasa astronaut candidates in the United States.

Extensive research has provided invaluable refinements and advancements of laser technology and diagnostic tools to develop safe and appropriate treatment options. Laser- assisted in situ keratomileusis ( LASIK) is presently the most performed elective procedure in the modern world.

In recent years, tremendous advancements have been made in this field. A new procedure called ReLEx Smile is now gaining popularity in the refractive arena worldwide and is potentially changing the practice of refractive surgery for the next decades.

Unlike conventional LASIK, ReLEx Smile procedure does not create flap and involves only one laser ( the femtosecond laser). Instead of vapourising 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, which is removed through a small keyhole incision ( about 2.5mm to 4mm only). This single- step, all- in- one- laser operation takes about 30 seconds to perform for one eye and the entire procedure is complete in about 15 minutes for both eyes. This laser is fast and uses very low energy. The procedure is odourless and silent, so there is less discomfort.

The patient also feels more comfortable because the suction on the eye during the treatment is gentler. There is no frightening “blackout”, no bleeding ( no red eye) during the procedure or swelling of the eye after.

Due to the smaller wound by minimally invasive surgery, ReLEx Smile results in a much stronger eye and less immediate postoperative discomfort and tearing. A small incision also means fewer corneal nerves are severed during the procedure, which also means less dry eye. With no flap created, flap displacement or dislodgement is not an issue, and so the eye will be less susceptible to trauma. ReLEx Smile is a good option for those involved in contact sports.

Choosing laser eye correction is not a decision you should take lightly. Keep in mind it is still a surgical procedure that carries surgical risk, although it 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.

This article is contributed by KPJ Pusat Pakar Mata Centre For Sight.

For more details, call 03- 4022 6222 ( Kuala Lumpur), 03- 7804 4051 ( Petaling Jaya) or visit www. kpjcfs. com

In a single step, the laser creates a refractive lenticule and a small incision of less than 4mm in the intact cornea – virtually regardless of the ambient conditions or corneal structure.