Modern ophthalmic surgery offers many possibilities for vision correction. The type of procedure, specific surgical method, or particular intraocular lens implants are always selected considering the specifics of the vision defect, anatomical conditions of the eye, the patient’s general health, and their expectations regarding visual acuity after treatment.
One possible classification of laser vision correction methods is the division into surface and deep methods. Everything you would like to know about this topic can be found here: https://swisslaser.pl/blog/powierzchniowe-i-glebokie-metody-laserowej-korekcji-wad-wzroku/
However, not every patient qualifies for laser correction, and in such cases, refractive lens exchange or phakic intraocular lens implantation is proposed.
We will examine the types of procedures and surgical methods that Swiss Laser offers to patients with specific vision defects and eye dysfunctions.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Everything you want to know about the defect.
In individuals with a stable vision defect, during the treatment of myopia with an ophthalmic laser, the central part of the cornea is flattened to reduce its refractive power. Vision-correcting lasers are used in the following procedures:
LASEK/PRK: The procedure involves detaching (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium), and then appropriately reshaping the underlying corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The aim of the procedure is to precisely reshape the central corneal surface with a laser beam so that it focuses the image accurately onto the retinal surface.
LASIK: A two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is reshaped so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
Femto-LASIK: Using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, after which the flap is repositioned; it adheres and forms a protective barrier for the cornea.
Trans-PRK smart surFace: The least invasive method of treating myopia with a laser. Diopter correction takes place in the first stage of the procedure, while the surgeon uses a high-precision excimer laser. PRK was once the standard method for laser eye treatment, but LASIK replaced it due to less pain. However, the LASIK technique failed in patients whose corneas were too thin or irregular. Modern Trans-PRK capabilities have contributed to optimizing the procedure at its most crucial point.
Patients who do not qualify for laser vision correction – the maximum myopia treated with a laser is usually up to –10 diopters, although in individual cases this limit may be shifted – can undergo refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE), or phakic intraocular lens implantation.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Everything you want to know about the defect.
During the treatment of hyperopia with an ophthalmic laser, a greater curvature is created, which increases the refractive power of the eye, thereby improving comfort and visual acuity.
Vision-correcting lasers are used in the following procedures:
LASIK: A two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is reshaped so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
FemtoLASIK: Using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, after which the flap is repositioned; it adheres and forms a protective barrier for the cornea.
In cases of high hyperopia that cannot be corrected with a laser, refractive lens exchange (RLE) is used. The treatment method depends on the number of diopters and is determined individually during the preliminary examination and consultation with the doctor.
Astigmatism
Everything you want to know about the defect can be found here.
Laser correction of astigmatism is performed using the following methods:
Femto-LASIK (All-Laser-LASIK): Using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, after which the flap is repositioned; it adheres and forms a protective barrier for the cornea.
LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis): A two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the corneal surface is reshaped so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina. LASEK/PRK: The procedure involves detaching (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium), and then appropriately reshaping the underlying corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The aim of the procedure is to precisely reshape the central corneal surface with a laser beam so that it focuses the image accurately onto the retinal surface.
LASEK/PRK: The procedure involves detaching (LASEK) or removing (PRK) the upper cellular layer of the cornea (epithelium), and then appropriately reshaping the underlying corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The aim of the procedure is to precisely reshape the central corneal surface with a laser beam so that it focuses the image accurately onto the retinal surface.
Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)
Everything you want to know about the set of physiological changes that occur with age in the human eye can be found here.
Depending on whether presbyopia is the only eye dysfunction or if it is accompanied by other vision defects, the patient has the following laser correction methods to choose from:
- without other vision defects – /Femto-LASIK/Monovision PresbyMAX/ lens exchange, phakic lens
- hyperopia/myopia +3 to -5 Femto-LASIK/Monovision PresbyMAX/LASIK in presbyopia,
- all vision defects – lens exchange with mono- or multifocal and EDOF implants
LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis): A two-step technique; the cornea is incised with a scalpel (microkeratome), and then the surface within the cornea is reshaped so that it can properly focus the image onto the retina.
Femto-LASIK (All-Laser-LASIK): Using a precise femtosecond laser, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea, creating a thin flap 0.1 mm thick. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the previously exposed cornea for a few seconds, after which the flap is repositioned; it adheres and forms a protective barrier for the cornea. This method allows for multifocal correction and monovision.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is also used in the treatment of presbyopia. We use the following types of lenses:
- Latest generation multifocal lenses (trifocal, EDOF lenses, for near, far, and intermediate vision)
- Monofocal lenses (also known as “enhancing lenses,” often used in cataract surgery)
- Toric lenses (for astigmatism correction)
- Toric trifocal lenses (correct presbyopia and astigmatism)
Phakic intraocular lens implantation is also possible.
Cataract
Everything you want to know about cataracts can be found here.
At SwissLaser, we remove cataracts using the following methods:
Cataract phacoemulsification: A method involving the removal of the cataract using an ultrasonic tip and the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia applied as a gel or drops into the conjunctival sac. A new – flexible, foldable, acrylic lens – is inserted in place of the removed lens, which unfolds itself in the natural lens capsule and settles in the correct position within the eyeball. The incision is minimal (from 1.5 to 3 mm). We have many types of lenses that can also correct vision defects such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism.
Surgery with a high-precision femtosecond laser: A method involving making micro-incisions (so-called ports) in the cornea and removing the cloudy lens through them, then inserting a new one. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes.
You can read everything about modern intraocular lens implants used in cataract surgery here.
