For whom we recommend a femto-LASIK
Updated: Aug 21, 2023
FEMTO-LASIK has become a popular option for vision correction because of its precision and safety.
The use of the femtosecond laser allows for a more precise and predictable flap creation than traditional LASIK, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes. Additionally, the use of advanced technology in FEMTO-LASIK has made it possible to correct a wider range of vision problems than were previously treatable with traditional LASIK. With its high success rates and low risk of complications, FEMTO-LASIK is an excellent option for those looking to correct their vision and reduce their reliance on glasses or contact le
Article Content
- For whom we recommend a femto-LASIK?
- What are the benefits of femto-LASIK?
- What is the femto-LASIK procedure based on?
- What are the risks of femto-LASIK?
- Ways to avoid the risks and complications of femto-LASIK.
For whom we recommend a femto-LASIK?
FEMTO-LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, however not everyone is a good candidate for femto-LASIK.
Here are some factors that can determine whether femto-LASIK is a good option for you:
1. Age
FEMTO-LASIK is generally recommended for people who are 18 years of age or older, as the eyes may continue to change during adolescence and early adulthood. Additionally, some older adults may not be good candidates for femto-LASIK due to age-related changes in the eyes.
2. Stable prescription
FEMTO-LASIK is recommended for people with a stable prescription, meaning that their vision has not changed significantly in the past year. This is important because the correction made during femto-LASIK is permanent, and any changes in vision after the procedure may require additional surgery.
3. Healthy eyes
FEMTO-LASIK is not recommended for people with certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye syndrome. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes, may not be good candidates for FEMTO-LASIK.
4. Realistic expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of femto-LASIK. While the procedure can significantly improve vision, it may not completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in all situations. Additionally, some people may experience temporary side effects, such as dryness or halos around lights, that can take several months to resolve.
5. Commitment to aftercare
Following FEMTO-LASIK, it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions for post-operative care, including the use of eye drops and avoiding certain activities, such as swimming, for a period of time. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
What are the benefits of FEMTO-LASIK?
FEMTO-LASIK offers several benefits over traditional LASIK, including:
1. Increased precision
FEMTO-LASIK offers increased precision over traditional LASIK because it uses a femtosecond laser to create a precise, micro-thin flap in the cornea. This allows for a more predictable and precise flap creation, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.
2. Reduced risk of complications
Because femto-LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create a precise, micro-thin flap in the cornea, there is less risk of complications such as flap irregularities or incomplete flaps. Additionally, the use of the femtosecond laser allows for a more precise and predictable flap creation than traditional LASIK, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.
3. Faster healing time
FEMTO-LASIK can offer a faster healing time than traditional LASIK because the femtosecond laser creates a more precise and predictable flap, allowing for a smoother and more rapid healing process. Additionally, the use of the femtosecond laser can reduce the amount of inflammation and discomfort experienced after the procedure.
4. Wider range of vision problems treated
FEMTO-LASIK can treat a wider range of vision problems than were previously treatable with traditional LASIK. This is because the femtosecond laser allows for a more precise and predictable flap creation, which can be customized to the individual's specific needs. Additionally, the use of the femtosecond laser can allow for the treatment of higher degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
5. Reduced risk of dry eye syndrome
FEMTO-LASIK can reduce the risk of developing dry eye syndrome after the procedure. This is because the femtosecond laser creates a smoother and more precise flap, reducing the risk of damage to the corneal nerves and decreasing the risk of dry eye syndrome.
6. Improved quality of vision
FEMTO-LASIK can improve the quality of vision for many people. This is because the femtosecond laser allows for a more precise and predictable flap creation, which can result in a more uniform and consistent reshaping of the corneal tissue. This can lead to sharper and clearer vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
7. Reduced need for glasses or contact lenses
FEMTO-LASIK can significantly reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses for many people. While the procedure may not completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in all situations, itcan significantly reduce reliance on corrective eyewear for activities such as driving, reading, and watching television. This can improve overall quality of life and reduce the cost and inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses.
8. Long-term results
FEMTO-LASIK can provide long-term results for many people, with the correction made during the procedure lasting for many years or even decades. While some people may experience a gradual decline in vision over time, the majority of people who undergo femto-LASIK experience significant and long-lasting improvement in their vision.
9. Minimal discomfort
FEMTO-LASIK is generally a well-tolerated procedure, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. The use of the femtosecond laser can reduce the amount of inflammation and discomfort experienced after the procedure, and most people are able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
Overall, femto-LASIK offers several benefits over traditional LASIK, including increased precision, reduced risk of complications, faster healing time, a wider range of vision problems treated, reduced risk of dry eye syndrome, improved quality of vision, reduced need for glasses or contact lenses, long-term results, and minimal discomfort. As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified eye surgeon to determine whether femto-LASIK is a good option for your needs and goals. The surgeon will evaluate your eye health, medical history, and other factors to determine whether femto-LASIK is agood fit for you, and will provide you with information on the risks and benefits of the procedure. By carefully considering the benefits of femto-LASIK and working with a qualified surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether this procedure is the right choice for your vision correction needs.
What is the femto-LASIK procedure based on?
The procedure is based on the principles of refractive surgery, which involve reshaping the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the femto-LASIK procedure:
1. Consultation and evaluation
The first step in the femto-LASIK procedure is a consultation with an eye surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eye health, medical history, and vision needs to determine whether femto-LASIK is a good option for you.
2. Preparation
Before the femto-LASIK procedure, the surgeon will administer numbing eye drops to ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure. Additionally, a suction ring will be placed on your eye to hold it in place and create a vacuum seal.
3. Creation of the corneal flap
The femto-LASIK procedure begins with the creation of a precise, micro-thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. This laser creates a series of tiny bubbles within the cornea, which join together to create a flap of tissue that is lifted to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue.
4. Reshaping of the corneal tissue
Once the corneal flap has beencreated, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The excimer laser delivers a cool, ultraviolet light that removes tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea in a highly precise manner, allowing for the reshaping that corrects vision problems.
5. Replacement of the corneal flap
Once the corneal tissue has been reshaped, the surgeon carefully replaces the corneal flap and smooths it back into place. The flap adheres to the underlying corneal tissue with natural suction, eliminating the need for stitches or other closure techniques.
6. Post-operative care
After the femto-LASIK procedure, the surgeon will provide instructions for post-operative care, including the use of eye drops and avoiding certain activities such as swimming for a period of time. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
The femto-LASIK procedure is based on the principles of refractive surgery, which involve reshaping the cornea to correct vision problems. The use of the femtosecond laser in femto-LASIK allows for a more precise and predictable flap creation, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes. Additionally, the use of the femtosecond laser can reduce the amount of inflammation and discomfort experienced after the procedure, leading to a smoother and more rapid healing process.
Overall, the femto-LASIK procedure is a safe and effective option for vision correction for many people. The procedure is based on advanced technology and precise techniques that allow for a customized and effective correction of vision problems. By reshaping the cornea in a precise and predictable manner, femto-LASIK can significantly improve visual acuity, reduce reliance on corrective eyewear, and improve overall quality of life.
What are the risks of femto-LASIK?
While femto-LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for vision correction for many people, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved.
Here are some of the potential risks of femto-LASIK:
1. Post-operative care
Dry eye syndrome is a common side effect of femto-LASIK, particularly in the first few months after the procedure. This occurs because the procedure can temporarily disrupt the corneal nerves that are responsible for tear production. While most cases of dry eye syndrome after femto-LASIK are mild and resolve on their own within a few months, some people may experience more severe cases that require treatment.
2. Infection
There is a risk of infection after any surgical procedure, including femto-LASIK. While the risk of infection is low, it is important to carefully follow the surgeon's instructions for post-operative care to reduce the risk of infection. Signs of infection after femto-LASIK can include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the eye.
3. Flap complications
During the femto-LASIK procedure, a flap of corneal tissue is created using a femtosecond laser. While this flap is carefully replaced and smoothed back into place, there is a risk of complications such as irregular flaps or incomplete flaps. These complications can cause visual disturbances such as double vision or ghosting and may require additional surgery to correct.
4. Under correction or overcorrection
While femto-LASIK is a highly precise procedure, there is still a risk of under correction or overcorrection of vision problems. Under correction occurs when the procedure does not fully correct the refractive error, while overcorrection occurs when too much tissue is removed from the cornea, resulting in overcorrection of the refractive error. Both of these complications can be addressed through additional surgery or the use of corrective eyewear.
5. Visual aberrations
Visual aberrations, such as glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, can occur after femto-LASIK. These aberrations are usually temporary and resolved on their own within a few months, but in rare cases, they may be permanent. The risk of visual aberrations can be minimized by carefully selecting candidates for the procedure and using advanced technology to ensure precise correction of vision problems.
6. Regression
While femto-LASIK can provide long-lasting results for many people, there is a risk of regression, which occurs when the cornea gradually returns to its original shape over time. Regression can be addressed through additional surgery or the use of corrective eyewear.
7. Other complications
Other potential complications of femto-LASIK include corneal scarring, epithelial ingrowth (when cells from the surface of the cornea grow under the flap), and changes in corneal thickness. These complications are rare, but can occur and may require additional surgery to correct.
It is important to note that while these risks exist, the vast majority of people who undergo femto-LASIK experience a safe and successful procedure with excellent outcomes. The most important factor in reducing the risk of complications is to carefully select candidates for the procedure based on their eye health, medical history, and other factors.
Additionally, it is important to choose a highly qualified and experienced eye surgeon who uses advanced technology and follows best practices for femto-LASIK to minimize the risk of complications.
Before undergoing femto-LASIK, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of the procedure, and to discuss any concerns with the eye surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate your eye health, medical history, and other factors to determine whether femto-LASIK is a good option for your needs and goals. They will also provide you with information on the risks and benefits of the procedure and will answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision.
Ways to avoid the risks and complications of femto-LASIK.
While femto-LASIK is generally a safe and effective procedure for vision correction, there are still risks and potential complications that can occur.
Here are some ways to avoid the risks and complications of femto-LASIK:
1. Choose a qualified and experienced eye surgeon.
One of the most important factors in avoiding the risks and complications of femto-LASIK is to choose a qualified and experienced eye surgeon. The surgeon should be board-certified, have extensive experience performing femto-LASIK, and use advanced technology and best practices to ensure the highest level of safety and effectiveness.
2. Follow pre-operative instructions.
Before the femto-LASIK procedure, the surgeon will provide specific instructions for how to prepare for the procedure. It is important to carefully follow these instructions to minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding certain medications or activities before the procedure, as well as ensuring that you are in good overall health.
3. Follow post-operative instructions.
After the femto-LASIK procedure, the surgeon will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care. It is important to carefully follow these instructions to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include using eye drops as prescribed, avoiding certain activities such as swimming or rubbing your eyes, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.
4. Manage dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye syndrome is a common side effect of femto-LASIK, particularly in the first few months after the procedure. To minimize the risk of complications associated with dry eye, it is important to manage any symptoms. This may include using artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops, avoiding exposure to dry environments or wind, and taking breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.
5. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Rubbing your eyes after femto-LASIK can increase the risk of complications such as flap dislocation or infection. It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy or uncomfortable. If you need to touch your eyes, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly first.
6. Wear eye protection
In the weeks after the femto-LASIK procedure, it is important to wear eye protection such as sunglasses or goggles when outdoors or participating in sports or other activities that could expose your eyes to potential injury. This can help minimize the risk of complications such as corneal abrasions or infections.
7. Communicate with your surgeon.
If you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions or concerns about the femto-LASIK procedure, it is important to communicate with your surgeon. They can provide guidance and advice on how to manage symptoms and minimize the risk of complications.