Departments

Department of Refractive Surgery

How is the laser operation performed?

The type of laser used in these cases (excimer laser) acts in such a way as to form the cornea surface in order to eliminate or diminish the anomaly.

The technique used today across the world is the Laser In Situ Keratomieusis (LASIK) which combines microsurgery with laser.

Let's see how the operation is performed in simple terms, how the laser acts on the cornea and when the required results are achieved. LASIK is indicated for myopias ranging from -1.00 to -11.00 D, according to the indications. Hyperopia and astigmatism have more limitations (up to 6 degrees), however they can be used to diminish the abnormality if it is greater.

The surgeon creates a flap, like a cover, lifting it backwards. The laser acts under the surface, on the layer of the cornea, chiselling its surface, without causing injury. The flap closes and the operation is completed.

The operation is performed using drops and is completely painless. The laser is used for 1 minute and the whole procedure does not last longer than 5-10 minutes. No protective lenses or stiches are required and there is no pain or discomfort postoperatively. In this way, vision is fully restored (within one day) and the possibility of some haze of the cornea postoperatively is kept to a minimum. The patient leaves the surgery with no patches, no longer needing his or her glasses.