Departments

Department of Refractive Surgery

Preoperative examinations - Technology

Before the laser surgery, some preoperative ophthalmological examinations and measurements must be carried out. These examinations and measurements are very important since the final result depends directly on the precision of these measurements. It is important to know that in order to have precise results, we must not wear contact lenses for at least ten (10) days before the examinations and the operation.

The Department of Refractive Surgery of the Hellenic EYESURGERY S.A. at Mediterraneo Hospital has all the necessary technology to carry out preoperative measurements, as well as laser operations.

It is important to accurately measure the myopia or hyperopia or astigmatism initially without drops and later with drops that dilate the eye's pupil.

A cornea topography (ORBSCAN) must be performed, which will allow us to evaluate and measure its surface, to rule out conditions for which a contraindication for the operation exists (eg. keratoconus), as well as to calculate its thickness. The pachymetry is a very important measurement since it is the basis for determining the level to which we can chisel, using the laser. If there is not enough tissue then the operation cannot be performed. Also the diameter of the pupil in dim light is a parameter of the outmost importance, because it points out how much tissue we will remove.

A new technology that is very important for modern refractive surgery is the Wavefront technology. This technology allows us to examine the eye as a complete optical system and to measure its total refractive power by measuring even the different optical aberrations of each eye. Until today, technology does not allow it, but the wavefront analysis allows us to store this data in the laser computer in order to precisely chisel the cornea, correcting all the refractive flaws for the best possible result with the removal of the least possible tissue. The wavefront technology is the one which allows us to speak about what is called supervision.

Our center uses the Technolas 217z laser 100 Hz of Baush & Lomb and the Allegretto 400Hz Wavelight laser system, which are considered both the best and most advanced lasers for refractive surgery. Both lasers are flying spot lasers where its tiniest movement is controlled with an eyetracker system, so that the laser beam is sent out exactly where it is needed with great precision. The microkeratome used for the creation of the flap is the Hansatome model of Baush & Lomb and the new Hansatome XP, of the highest precision and quality in the creation of the flap.