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Excimer Laser Therapy
Excimer Laser is a UV laser with a wavelength of 193 nm, created by electrically stimulating a mixture of argon and fluorine gases. It has been used worldwide for nearly 30 years for the treatment of refractive errors in the eye such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.
How is Excimer Laser Therapy Performed?
Excimer Laser, which is the most common method used for the treatment of refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism), allows patients to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses in just a few minutes. Depending on the degree of the vision impairment, the Excimer Laser, programmed via a computer, reshapes the transparent corneal layer of the eye to achieve proper focusing and clear vision. However, this operation must be performed by an experienced physician with good equipment.
Excimer Laser, successfully applied to millions of patients worldwide over the past 30 years, emerges as an effective treatment method. Firstly, the degree of the refractive error in the eye is calculated and the corneal structure is examined. The corneal structure is reshaped with the Excimer laser in a computer-assisted manner, allowing the patient to get rid of their glasses.
Methods of Excimer Laser Therapy
The laser procedure is applied to the stromal layer located beneath the epithelial layer of the cornea. Depending on the method used to reach this layer, the Excimer Laser technique has different sub-designations.
PRK or No-Touch: PRK involves the removal of the epithelial layer with a spatula or alcohol followed by the application of excimer laser to the underlying stromal layer; if removed by laser method it is referred to as No-Touch. After the operation, the epithelium renews itself within 4-5 days and the patient does not feel pain during the surgery. There may be a feeling of burning or pain for 1-2 days, and sharpness of vision may take several months.
LASIK: In this method, a flap is created on the cornea. This flap was previously created using a blade but is now performed using a femtosecond laser system. The flap is lifted, and Excimer Laser is applied to the underlying tissue, reshaping the cornea.
iLASIK: Also known as Femto-LASIK, this new technique is one of the most significant advancements in refractive surgery. The completely computer-controlled system, which allows no mechanical interference, performs the necessary corneal cut for LASIK using a laser instead of a blade. Unlike the standard method, the iLASIK method involves creating a map of the patient's cornea for a personalized treatment plan to achieve freedom from glasses.
Since the epithelium is not removed in LASIK, pain and burning are minimal and short-lived. Most patients achieve maximum clarity of vision within a week after the laser treatment.
Who is Suitable for Excimer Laser Therapy?
Excimer Laser surgery can successfully be performed on individuals over the age of 18 who have myopia of up to -10 degrees, hyperopia of up to +6 degrees, and astigmatism of up to 6 degrees, provided that their eye structure is suitable.
However, individuals with eye diseases such as glaucoma or keratoconus; those with systemic diseases such as diabetes or rheumatism; as well as pregnant or nursing mothers are not suitable candidates for laser surgery.
Before Excimer Laser Therapy
It is recommended that our patients who wear hard contact lenses discontinue lens use 3 weeks prior to the Excimer Laser surgery, and those who wear soft contact lenses do so 1 week in advance.
After Excimer Laser Therapy
After the operation, it is normal for patients to experience burning, tearing, and slightly blurred vision for a period of 4-5 hours. Eye drops provided every 1-2 hours are to be used. After a follow-up exam the next day, individuals can return to their daily lives. Patients can take a shower the next day without getting soap and shampoo in their eyes and can wash their face while keeping their eyes closed.
Additionally, swimming in pools and the sea should be avoided for 3 weeks, and eye makeup should not be applied for 2 weeks. Patients should avoid rubbing or scratching their eyes.