Which is the best laser eye surgery?
DECODING THE BEST LASER EYE SURGERY
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Laser eye surgery vision correction.
INTRODUCTION
Refractive surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, particularly in laser eye surgery. However, people often wonder,” Which is the best laser eye surgery” These procedures have revolutionised vision correction. Offering millions of people a chance to achieve clearer vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This blog post will explore different types of laser eye surgeries and help you understand which one suits your needs.
But before we begin, know that all eyes (cornea) are not the same in structure, consistency, and appearance. Therefore, your refractive surgeon should choose the type of procedure you should undergo. Your refractive surgeon will determine the method based on your age, power to be corrected. It is kind of power, pre-existing controllable factors such as dry eyes, your cornea’s thickness, shape, strength.
TYPES OF LASER VISION CORRECTION
- (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK is the most well-known and widely performed laser eye surgery. It corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin flap is put right on the cornea(front portion of eyes) using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. Then, the tissue is mould using an excimer laser, allowing light to focus correctly. LASIK is Safe in the hands of Expert surgeons. The Cost of LASIK at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye Hospital ranges from INR 45000 to 60000 RS or (USD)550$ to 726 $(USD).
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is a procedure similar to LASIK. It removes the cornea’s thin outer layer (epithelium) entirely before reshaping it using an excimer laser. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Although the recovery time is slightly longer than LASIK, PRK is an excellent option for patients with thin corneas, those engaged in contact sports(Boxing, Kabaddi), or professions that may risk corneal trauma. Unlike Lasik, There are no Flap related Complications here. However, even with the recent advancement in pain management, one out of ten patients might experience some pain briefly hours after the surgery. It usually takes around six days for patients to get 98% vision, and it should take around 3-6 months to get 100% vision. The cost of PRK at Vijaya Nethralaya ranges from INR 40,000 Rs to 50,000 RS or (USD)550$ to (USD) 606$.
- Trans Epithelial PRK- Is a rapid and safer variant of PRK but here the removal of Epithelium it is by the laser itself instead of manual removal done in PRK. The result of laser removal is a much faster healing and recovery time compared to PRK. People experience recovery and achieve 98% vision within 2 days, However 100% recovery should take around 1-2 months with this procedure. The Variants of this procedure range from INR 70,000 to 80,000 Rs or (USD)848$ to (USD)968$ at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye hospital.
- Topography Guided PRK- (Contoura LASIK) - In this procedure The Cornea is Reshaped to an ideal shape using Topography scans which measure 1000+ points over the cornea. We have to remember that this procedure should only be done in some special conditions as this is a tissue-intensive procedure. This procedure is ideal for irregular corneas. (The cost of this Procedure ranges from INR 70,000 to 80,000 Rs or (USD)848$ to (USD)968$
- Wavefront Guided PRK- This procedure is useful in correcting optical disturbances in the eyes such as Higer Order aberrations. The optical disturbances are mapped in the form as wavefront errors described by Noble winning Mathematecian Zernike. These disturbances can be selectively targeted and removed by using wavefront Guided technique. Not everyone is eligible for this and this is also a tissue consuming procedure. (The cost of this procedure varies from INR 80,000 to 1,00,000 Rs or (USD)968$ to (USD)1210$
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE is a relatively newer laser eye surgery technique from Zeiss that has gained popularity in recent years. In SMILE, a femtosecond laser is used to create a small, precise incision in the cornea, through which a lenticule (a small disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue) is removed. This reshapes the cornea and corrects refractive errors. SMILE offers advantages such as reduced dry eye symptoms, excellent corneal stability, and minimal disruption to corneal nerves, making it an appealing option for some patients. ( The cost of SMILE at Vijaya Nethralaya varies from INR 1,00,000 to 1,30,000Rs or (USD)1210$ to (USD)1573$.
- CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction) Is the Latest Refractive procedure Similar to SMILE by Ziemer. There are multiple technical advantages of CLEAR such as Cyclotortion Compensation and smoother cuts. CLEAR is a premium tool costing between INR 1,30000 to 1,50,000 Rs or (USD)1573$ to (USD)1815$.
- LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): LASEK is a variation of PRK that combines elements of both LASIK and PRK. In LASEK, the surgeon creates a thin flap of epithelial tissue using a diluted alcohol solution. The flap is then lifted to expose the underlying cornea, which is reshaped using an excimer laser. After the corneal reshaping, the flap is repositioned. LASEK is often preferred for patients with thin corneas or those who are at a higher risk of developing complications with LASIK. The cost at Vijaya Nethralaya varies from INR 50,000 to 60,000 Rs or (USD)604 or (USD)725$.
CONCLUSION:
Determining the best laser eye surgery depends on various factors, including your specific eye condition, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist at a reputable eye hospital, such as Vijaya Nethralaya, is crucial to understanding which procedure suits your needs best. The highly skilled surgeons and advanced technologies available at Vijaya Nethralaya ensure you receive personalised care and make an informed decision regarding your laser eye surgery.
Remember, choosing the best laser eye surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each procedure has its unique benefits and considerations. By seeking professional advice and understanding the options available, you can embark on a journey towards improved vision and a brighter future.
AUTHOR DETAILS
Dr. Sushruth Appajigowda is a well-known Cornea, Cataract, and LASIK Surgeon in Bangalore, and the chief Cataract and Refractive surgeon at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Nagarbhavi Bangalore. Known as one of the best LASIK surgeons in the country, he has over 12+ years of experience with multiple platforms of LASIK like ZEISS, ALCON, SCHWIND, AMO, and Bausch and Lomb. He has conducted over 5000 LASIK. Dr Sushruth is a Certified Refractive Surgeon and Fellow of All India Collegium Of Ophthalmology. He is recognised speaker in various National and International Forums. His expertise lies in choosing the right type of procedure for you based on your health requirement. You can schedule an appointment by scanning the QR Below or clicking the link below the QR and say bye to glasses forever!