Laser Eye Surgery

What is an Excimer Laser?

Excimer laser treatment is one of the treatment methods preferred by doctors and patients. It is an Ophthalmology tool used to correct visual refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. Firstly, an  excimer laser vaporizes the eye's transparent outer layer. It then breaks the carbon bonds holding the cornea tissue together. Procedure changes cornea refractivity for treatment.

How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?

Healthy vision occurs when the cornea refracts light rays to the retina. Retina then turns light into signals for the brain to become images. However, refractive errors cause the retina to bend incorrectly. As a result, the patient suffers from blurry vision. Ophthalmologists use the laser to change the cornea shape in LASIK eye surgery. Operation aims to ensure that the retina refracts light properly. After LASIK eye surgery, patients' need for glasses and contact lenses decreases significantly.

Is Excimer Laser Surgery Painful?

Refractive procedures before the LASIK were uncomfortable and painful in some ways. But surgical techniques evolved, and so has LASIK. Some eye surgeries require general anesthesia, but LASIK requires local anesthesia of the eyes as a bit of tissue is manipulated during surgery. Topical numbing drops and oral sedation relieves the pain. Still, as patients have awareness during the procedure, there may be pressure caused by the device placed on the eyelids to prevent blinking during surgery. Patients may also feel pressure when the surgeon puts a flap on the cornea, but thanks to the numbing drops, it won't be that discomfort. 

Is Excimer Laser Treatment Permanent?

The necessity of a second surgery varies from person to person. So additional eye surgery may be required later in life. It depends on factors like exposure to the sun,and aging. These are called LASIK enhancement. But mostly, LASIK eye surgery's effects last lifetime as it reshapes the cornea. Approximately 1-2% of the patients need LASIK enhancement surgery in the first year post-surgery.

How Old Do You Have to be to Get LASIK Eye Surgery?

The best LASIK eye surgery age is between 25-30. Prescription changes for young adults and adults between 40-60. The best LASIK eye surgery candidates are patients in their mid-20s. These surgeries' results last for a long time. It means young adults can enjoy its benefits longer. Unfortunately surgery effects diminish in later life for most of the patients.

How much Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost?

Laser eye surgery costs an avearage of 3.000-4.000 £ in UK. Prices can go above 5.000 £ according to surgeons’ experience and clinic’s physical attributions. This price may go well above 8.000 $ in U.S and 7.000 € in top clinics of Switzerland. Laser eye in Turkey is quite price competitive compared to Western Europe. Average laser eye surgery cost in Turkey lies around 1.500 £. Prices can change according to hospital’s facility quality and the experience of the surgeon.

What is the procedure for Femto-LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?

The femtosecond laser is a proven tool for corneal surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon does the following:

• Anesthetic eye drops are administered
• The surgeon uses an eye speculum
• A suction ring is applied to keep the patient's eyelids open during the procedure
• The surgical field is determined and the laser is fixed to carry out the first treatment step
• The laser pulses create a “flap” on the surface of the cornea and trigger suction
• The “flap” is pushed back. Then the excimer laser emits ultraviolet rays to reshape the cornea
• The surgeon reinserts the “flap” without stitches