SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): It ’s what’s new in laser vision correction

The goal of laser vision correction (LVC) is to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses. LVC treats three basic refractive errors: myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (blurring of vision due to non-spherical shape of the eye), and hyperopia (farsightedness). During an LVC procedure, the cornea — the clear dome on the surface of the eye — is reshaped in order to correct the refractive error. The different techniques to perform LVC are laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), phototherapeutic refractive keratectomy (PRK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). LASIK and PRK LASIK, the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedure in the US and the most famous of the techniques, was approved by the FDA in 1998. It is well known for its quick recovery. LASIK combines the application of excimer laser and a hinged corneal flap. The excimer laser is a computer-controlled laser that allows precise control over the amounts of tissue that are removed from the cornea. The corneal flap is a layer of the cornea that is folded back to provide access to a deeper layer of the cornea that is reshaped by the excimer laser during the procedure. LASIK has a much quicker and more comfortable recovery compared to PRK. After LASIK, patients typically experience a scratching and burning sensation that significantly improves within one day. Most patients have excellent vision the day after LASIK. In the first week especially, patients need to be mindful of...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Eye Health Source Type: blogs