THE VALUE OF GÕOD EYESIGHT
LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Laser refractive surgery involves modifying the shape of the cornea using a laser (LASIK, FEMTO-LASIK, PRK, etc.) to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or even presbyopia. Laser refractive surgery is one of the most well-known and commonly performed options for correcting vision problems and is the best alternative to using glasses or contact lenses.
OPEN YOUR EYES, TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES!
TYPES OF LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY
FETMO-LASIK SURGERY
In laser refractive surgery, known as FEMTO-LASIK, we first use a femtosecond laser.. At visiõnclínic we have the femtosecond laser most precise currently available: it works in billionths of a second and accurately reproduces the microincisions previously designed by the surgeon on the computer. With this laser, we make a kind of window in the anterior part of the cornea.
Subsequently, through the window created with the femtosecond laser, we modify the curvature of the cornea using a second laser, the excimer laser. Our excimer laser is also cutting-edge and incorporates the most advanced technology. It generates an invisible, cold ultraviolet light that, instead of cutting or burning, generates enough energy to separate tissue molecules. Once the corneal curvature has been modified, eliminating the refractive defect, the window created by the first laser is replaced in its original position.
PRK SURGERY
In some patients, FEMTO-LASIK refractive surgery is not possible due to their thin cornea. In these cases, the PRK surgical technique is used: the most superficial layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is removed, and the corneal curvature is modified with the excimer laser. A contact lens is then placed until the epithelium regrows, covering the modified corneal surface.
Both FEMTO-LASIK and PRK refractive surgery are outpatient procedures that are painless and short, lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. They only require topical anesthesia, administered beforehand in the form of eye drops. Vision will be blurry after the procedure, but the day after surgery, vision is usually good enough to lead a normal life, improving in the following days.
SUPRACOR PRESBYOPIA SURGERY PRESBYLASIK
The Supracor excimer laser algorithm is capable of safely and effectively modifying corneal curvature in selected patients, allowing for improved near focus and, therefore, independence from glasses when presbyopia or eyestrain develops around the age of 40.
OUR LASER
At visiõnclínic, we have a state-of-the-art platform for both the femtosecond and excimer lasers. We use the VICTUS™ femtosecond laser from Bausch & Lomb®. This is the latest generation of this type of laser and offers great versatility: it allows for intraocular surgery (cataract surgery with premium multifocal lenses) as well as corneal/refractive surgery. This laser stands out for its speed—it is one of the fastest on the market—and its safety.
On the other hand, we work with a TENEO™ 317 Model 2 excimer laser, from Bausch & Lomb®, which is also the fastest in its category on the market. It also allows for treatments that no other laser has previously performed, especially for presbyopia.
Our combined femtosecond and excimer laser platform allows us to treat patients from age 20 to age 90.
WHAT IS LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY FOR?
MYOPIA
FARSIGHTEDNESS
Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is shortened or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. This causes near vision, and sometimes distance vision, to become blurred.
ASTIGMATISM
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea curves or flattens unevenly along its meridians. This alters the focusing of near and far vision, resulting in astigmatism.
PRESBYOPIA
Presbyopia is a natural process in which, over the years, the exhaustion of an internal muscle of the eye causes the lens to be unable to change its curvature and the ability to focus is lost.
FIRST VISIT AND CASE STUDY
Before undergoing laser refractive surgery, we must conduct a thorough preliminary study to rule out contraindications for the procedure and determine the best technique for each patient.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REFRACTIVE SURGERY
What should I do to have eye surgery?
Contact us and our staff will schedule your initial appointment with the specialist. During the initial visit, the suitability of the surgery will be assessed. You will leave the appointment with a quote and possible dates.
What can I notice in the postoperative period?
Symptoms that may occur after refractive surgery include tearing, light intolerance, and stinging for the first 24 hours. Sunglasses may be worn to relieve these symptoms.
How many visits are made after the intervention?
Normalmente se realiza la primera revisión el día después de la cirugía, una semana después y al cabo de un mes. No obstante, las visitas dependerán de la necesidad de control por parte del especialista.The first checkup is usually the day after surgery, one week after, and one month after. However, the number of visits will depend on the specialist’s need for follow-up care.
Can I have myopia surgery through my insurance company?
Everything will depend on the insurance company and the type of policy, although insurance companies typically do not cover refractive surgery.
How many days do I have to go without contact lenses before an ophthalmologist visit if I want to have myopia surgery?
Around two to four days, as contact lenses can interfere with prescription.
How many days do I have to go without contact lenses before refractive surgery?
Around four days if they are soft contact lenses, and one week if they are rigid contact lenses.
Can I play sports after refractive surgery?
Avoid any activity that could cause a direct blow to the eyes, contact sports, or swimming in the pool or ocean for the first 2-3 weeks.
Can I wear makeup after refractive surgery?
Avoid applying makeup to the operated eye for at least the first 7 days.
VISIÕNBLOG
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Dry eye is one of the most common eye diseases. Although it is chronic, fortunately, we have many therapeutic alternatives to improve the patient’s quality of life and make their symptoms disappear. Josep Torras, our ophthalmologist specialising in cornea and dry eye, details the therapeutic ladder available to achieve this.
Pars planitis, a common eye inflammation in childhood
Pars planitis is an inflammation of a specific part of the eye called the pars plana, located in the most peripheral part of the retina. With very typical clinical signs, it is common to suffer from it in childhood. About prognosis and treatment options we spoke with Dr. Alfredo Adan, specialist in uveitis at visiõnclinic+.
EXPERT PROFESSIONALS IN REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Josep Torras Sanvicens
