Laser

iLASIK (Blade-Free Laser)

What is iLASIK?

iLASIK refers to a combination of custom LASIK surgery (Advanced CustomVueTM )and blade-free LASIK surgery (INTRA-LASE TM ), both of which have made major strides in improving overall quality of treatment.

Nasa and American Army approved iLASIK on astronauts and air force pilots. "NASA's approval is further evidence that today's LASIK exceeds all established standards of safety and effectiveness," said Steven Schallhorn, M.D., retired captain of the U.S. Navy, investigator in multiple studies involving use of LASIK and other refractive surgeries for treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.Moreover, Intra Lasik gives opportunity to the surgeon to have the maximum control. In addition, all complications related to blade have been removed by Intra Lase technology.


        

At the same time, Intra Lasik gives the surgeon opportunity for maximum control and to reach the prompted. This means the prompted can be fully achieved by Intra Lase. Additionally, all complications related to blade using have been overcome by Intra Lase technology.

With Intralase, computer-controlled femtosecond laser does the neccessary incision in the cornea and we can form the flap just like we want to. In other words, incision is done by laser instead of blade. This helps the operator to get rid of the complications caused by blade incision. Furthermore, intralase gives us the opportunity to adjust flap thikness to desired level with high sensibility so boundaries of treatment can be safely widened. By means of this high technology, many eyes which are not suitable for LASIK can be suitable for IntraLASIK.

IntraLASIK applications, we form flap by high technology femtosecond laser instead of blade. That means 1. step is also actualized without any mechanical interference but only by laser. This means the whole LASIK process from beginning to the end is accomplished by laser and it is the most remarkable achievement in retractive surgery in the last 10 years.

What are the advantages of ILASIK application?

• Visual sharpness obtained by ILASIK treatment is very high.
• ILASIK application is the result of technological advancements of the last 10 years.
• ILASIK is such an application which brings latest developments together in the most efficient way.
• ILASIK application is a FDA approved technology offering positive results and proven to be effective.
• ILASIK is a customized treatment in which every stage is performed by taking the patient’s eye structure and visual capacity as the base.
• A customized flap is formed.
• It provides laser opportunity for thin corneas that cannot have normal lasik treatment.
• Flap complications have declined to minimum.
• The risk of slipping and wrinkling of flap is less.
• Recovery is faster.
• It offers the opportunity of forming flap at desired thickness and width.
• It provides a more clear view because it includes Wavefront treatment.
• Disturbance from car headlights at nights is less.

Why Ilasik?

For a more clear vision, customized flap (intralase), customized treatment (Wavefront), appropriateness for even astronauts and pilots who must have perfect visual capacity; ILASIK.

Visx Star


Reliability, high technology and performance of VISX STAR Excimer Laser device is world wide known. It is accepted as the highest laser technology of today.

Excimer laser is FDA approved an done of the most advanced devices in the world. By means of its 3 dimensional active eye tracking module, it can automatically follow eye movements at even micron level during the operation and provides the planned treatment to be accomplished without any deviation.It possesses the facility of forming 7 laser spots at different diameters which gives the surgeon to imply special treatment according to patient’s personal needs an deye structure. This new model excimer has taken its place today as the highest laser technology

Its basic qualifications that do not exist almost in any of excimer laser devices are shortly listed as:

• Variable Spot Scanning (VSS) : By means of this speciality, a much more uniform surface can be formed on cornea and treatment duration can be fairly shortened
• Variable Repetition Rate (VRR): Operation time can be fairly shortened by means of variable repetition rate.
• Active Track 3-D Active Eye Tracking: Even in very small eye movements, system can follow the eye and focus the ray in the desired point
• Active Track Automatic Centering : Laser ray router is automatically locked on the pupilla. So all rays are perfectly directed to the center as they should be
• Iris Registration Programme (IR): This speciality does not exist in any of the excimer laser devices in the world. It is a perfect technological wonder. It is the first and only FDA approved recognition method which was immediately approved in USA. It can be applied without touching the patient and eye to perform desired Wavefront treatment.

Retractive Surgery and Excimer Laser

Refractive Surgery and Excimer Laser

Refractive eye surgery corrects certain vision problems, reducing or eliminating the need for eyeglasses or corrective lenses. Refractive surgery has been used widely in some countries for the last 20 years for the correction of myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.

LASIK

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most common laser surgery for correcting myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. In Lasik technique the excimer laser and microkeratome are combined for vision correction; the microkeratome is used to shave a thin slice and create a hinged flap in the cornea, the exposed cornea is reshaped by the laser, and the flap is replaced, without sutures, to heal back into position.
At Bir Inci Eye Hospital, we use excimer laser device (approved by FDA) that uses an eye tracking system which controls the laser even the patient moves the eye.

WHO CAN HAVE LASER TREATMENT ?

You can have the laser surgery if;

• You are over 18 yo
• Your prescription is stable for more than 1 year

Lasik eye surgery Prescription range:
Short sightedness (myopia): -0.75 to -12.00DS.
Long sightedness: (Hypermetropia): +0.75DS to +5.00DS.
Astigmatism: Standard treatment: Up to +/- 3.00Dcyl. Wave front: up to +/- 6.00Dcyl.

1. Who Cannot Have Laser Treatment ?
2. Pregnants
3. Breastfeeding Women
4. Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
5. Keratoconus patients
6. Diabetic patients
7. Patients who have intraocular pressure and cataract.

LASIK Examination (Consultation),

Your doctor will decide whether your eyes are suitable for the excimer laser or not. The doctor will decide according to a full eye examination. The first examination consists of some detailed tests to detect and plan the most convenient and secure method. This preparation step is as important as the surgery itself.

Pentacam

Supplies precise diagnostic data on the entire anterior eye segment.

1. Evaluation of 3 dimensional 25.000 ocular points,
2. 50 different images in less than 2 seconds,
3. Measurement of corneal thickness without touching the cornea (Pachymetry)
4. A detailed map of front and rear surface of cornea (corneal topography)
5. The degree of cataract is made visible by the light scattering properties of the eye lens.

WaveScan Wavefront Analyzer

WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space.
This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring refraction defaults in the eye never before measured using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. It measures refraction defaults in your eyes 25 times more precisely than standard methods.

• 3 dimensional corneal analysis and corneal topography
• Vision and refraction examination
• Measurement of eye numbers both pupils enlarged and without pupils enlarged
• Biomicroscopic and fundoscopic examinations (fundoscopic examination including eye, retina and optical nerves)
• Dry Eye Test (Evaluation of Tearing)
• Measurement of ocular poressure
• Measurement of corneal thickness (Pachymetry)
• Wavefront measurements

The results of the evaluation would be much more reliable with advanced and high technology. Detailed analyses before the operation will provide more clear and qualified vision.

These measurements are regularly applied to all our patients who had laser treatment.

LASIK Surgery Day

Laser Operation

Stop using contact lenses at least 1 week before the surgery. Do not put on make up and perfume. You can eat and drink before/after the surgery. Operation is performed with anaesthetic drops.

LASIK treatment has three steps;

1st Step : The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin, circular "flap" in the cornea.
2nd Step : The surgeon applied the laser in the eye.
3rd Step : The flap is then laid back in place and the cornea is allowed to heal naturally.

AFTER THE OPERATION

• You can return home after the operation.
• You are recommended to rest for few hours after the surgery.
• After the surgery you will be given protective glasses. Using these glasses will also help you not to touch your eyes by mistake.
• Do not rub the eye(s) for the first few days after surgery.
• Apply the eye drops regularly as prescribed by your physician; only use the eye drops for the
• amount of time specified by your physician; extended use of this powerful medication may
• be harmful to your eyes.
• You can go back to your daly life on the second day. However, when you go out you are advised to use the protective sun glasses for a week.

     
LASER TREATMENT METHODS

LASIK
LASIK surgery is a completely computer controlled laser procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the visual defaults like myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.

Epi-Lasik

Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome, a system similar to the microkeratome used for LASIK, to separate the surface sheet of cells from the permanent corneal tissue. This epikeratome uses a blunt separator rather than a sharp blade used in a microkeratome.

PRK

PRK (or photorefractive keratectomy) is the second most popular laser eye surgery , behind LASIK. PRK is especially applied to eyes whose corneal thickness is not appropriate for Lasik. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that in LASIK surgery a thin, hinged flap is created on the cornea to access the treatment area, whereas in PRK the cornea's entire epithelial (outer) layer is removed to expose the area and no flap is created. For both PRK and LASIK, the excimer laser then sculpts the stromal layer of the cornea to correct your refractive error.

WAVEFRONT TREATMENT (ADVANCED CUSTOMVUE)

In standard laser treatment your eye glasses prescription is evaluated. However, with Advanced CustomVueTMWaveFront a detailed treatment plan can be created which will be a personalized as it is based on the unique vision requirements of each individual eye : optical distortions, glasses prescription, pupil size, and visual needs, iris features are also photographed. These reference points are then used to ensure that you are precisely positioned prior to beginning your treatment. Wavefront system can achieve higher quality of sight and less night vision problems.

Questions About Excimer Laser

Can laser surgery correct high prescriptions?
In the last ten years the treatable range for laser eye surgery has increased a lot and very high prescriptions can be treated today. Very few people will now be deemed unsuitable for laser surgery on the basis of their prescription being too high and this is especially true if you are short sighted. If however you are beyond the treatable range there are other non-laser procedures such as implantable contact lenses and refractive lens exchange which you could consider.

After excimer laser , will my eyes deteriorate in the future ?
Excimer laser was first applied in 1988. Since then, it has been conclusively determined that there are no long-term health problems to the eye from these procedures. There is a very rare condition called keratectasia in which myopia can return. However, once the laser is applied to the right eye at the right time with the right method the risk is very low. We do our best to ensure this never happens.
To discuss how we can improve your vision with Laser Eye Surgery, call us on +90 212 444 66 56 to talk to one of our International Patients Supervisors now Or e-mail international@birincigozhastanesi.com Or Contact us Online for your free laser eye surgery assessment today.

Do the doctors, especially ophthalmologists and their relatives have laser surgery?
Today, thousands of ophthalmologists had laser treatment and the most preferred laser device is VISK STAR S4 IR.

Can Cataract Surgery, Multi-Focal Vision Correction, Glaucoma or Strabismus Surgery etc. be used following Excimer Laser Surgery?
Absolutely, yes. Laser surgery does not pose any obstacle to have any other ocular treatment.

What is IntraLase (scalpel-free laser)?
IntraLase® is an advanced surgical technique performed as part of the LASIK procedure to eliminate the use of a blade when creating the corneal flap. The flap allows for access to the cornea to correct surface abnormalities that lead to nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Operates at micrometer accuracy level (1 micrometer=1/1000mm)

Is laser eye surgery considered safe?
There are millions of people who have been applied laser eye surgery and it has been proven as safe for myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism treatment. Moreover, it is permitted all over the world.

Will I achieve 20/20 vision after laser treatment?
The aim of the laser surgery is to get rid of the glasses and to have a glasses-free clear vision. Depending on the treatment, the refraction default and the corneal structure the success can be over 95% (+/-0,50 D).

How long does laser eye surgery take?
It takes 7-8 minutes.

How soon can I drive after laser treatment?
LASIK treatments (ILASIK, INTRALASIK, LASIK) : After 1 day.
Surface treatments (PRK, LESEK, EPI-LASIK) : After 2-3 days.

Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Astigmatism?
Depending on the corneal thickness, astigmatism can be corrected up to 4-6 D.

Will my eyes be covered after the laser operation ?
No. Your eyes will not be covered after the laser operation.

Can Cataract Surgery be performed following Laser Surgery?
Of course it can be performed. Laser surgery does not pose any obstacle to have any other eye surgery.

How soon can I wash my face after the laser surgery?
YOu can wash your face the next day. However, avoid getting water into eyes for two days. You can use moistened cotton pads to clean around the eye area. You can swim in the sea and pool only after 3 weeks.

Can I have laser surgery on the same day I apply to your clinic?
Yes, if you visit our hospital in the morning you can have the laser surgery on the same day.

Whats the best time to stop using contact lenses before laser eye surgery?
Minimum 7 days before for soft contact lenses and 15 days before for hard contact lenses.

Is it safe to have laser surgery during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We do not suggest laser surgery during pregnancy or in the first 6 months after the birth.