WHAT IS EXCIMER LASER?
Excimer Laser is used in the treatment of myopia, astigmatism, and hypermetropia. In this method, the corneal layer of the eye is targeted. It is applied with the help of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 193 nm using Argon Fluoride (ArF) gas. It has been performed for over 25 years and is a highly reliable method for suitable eyes. Nowadays, it is applied very frequently.
WHO CAN RECEIVE LASER TREATMENT?
WHO CAN RECEIVE LASER TREATMENT?
- Must be 18 years or older
- Myopia up to -10 diopters
- Astigmatism up to 6 diopters
- Hypermetropia up to +4 diopters
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No increase in eye prescription within the last year
- No eye pressure or any disease in the retina layer
Types of Laser
Types of Laser
LASIK: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
Used in the treatment of myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. In this procedure, first a flap is created on the upper layer of the cornea using a femtosecond laser (bladeless), then the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped to correct the vision defect. At this stage, an excimer laser device is used.
I LASIK (iDesign Wavefront)
iLASIK, also known as “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” reshapes the corneal layer of the eye to correct vision problems such as myopia, astigmatism, and hypermetropia. iLASIK is a more advanced technology compared to traditional LASIK. First, a complete map of the eye is created using WaveScan technology. This map determines the exact locations where the laser should be applied, allowing for a personalized laser treatment.
No-Touch Lazer; Transepithelial PRK
In this technique, unlike LASIK surgery, no flap is created. Instead, the excimer laser targets the epithelial layer on the surface of the cornea and the underlying stromal tissue to correct vision defects. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia, takes approximately 3-4 minutes and is painless for the patient. After the surgery, the patient is discharged with clear, non-prescription contact lenses placed on the eyes. These lenses are removed after 3 days, allowing the patient to return to daily activities. For clear vision with the No-Touch Laser method, approximately one week is needed.
PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy
It is a treatment method applied to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. Unlike No-Touch laser treatment, in this surgery the epithelial layer is removed using alcohol or manually instead of laser shots.
The healing time is similar to No-Touch laser, with about 2-3 days of burning, stinging, and tearing, after which the patient can return to normal life. For clear vision, it usually takes about one week.
PRK is a laser treatment method that involves removing the upper layer of the cornea. The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with a laser, but unlike LASIK, no flap is created.
ReLEx® SMILE:
In the ReLEx® SMILE procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to make a very small incision in the patient’s cornea. The doctor then removes a small piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule. This step reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision following the procedure. Nowadays, SMILE is used in the treatment of myopia and astigmatism.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
You will not feel pain thanks to the anesthetic drops applied before the surgery.
Most patients are able to return to work the day after SMILE and LASIK procedures. For PRK and No-Touch Laser, this period is generally around the 4th day after the procedure.
The laser treatment for both eyes is completed within 10-15 minutes.
The laser procedure treats the existing vision problem at that moment. The laser does not stop the progression of the vision disorder. Therefore, patients whose prescription has not increased by more than 0.5 diopters in the last year, meaning their vision has stabilized, are eligible for surgery.
Unlike cataract surgery, both eyes are operated on the same day in laser procedures.
The most suitable age range for laser treatment is between 18 and 45 years.
Yes, you can. Most patients achieve a level of vision sufficient to drive their own car the day after LASIK and SMILE procedures. After PRK and No-Touch treatments, this period may be longer.
The eyes should be protected from water for the first week. For diving, a wait of 20 days is recommended.
