Excimer and PRK Laser - Fernández Vega Ophthalmological Institute
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EXCIMER AND PRK LASER

It acts directly on the cornea, which is the anterior part of the eyeball, like the window through which we see.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

There are mainly two techniques for the correction of refractive defects such as myopiahyperopia or astigmatism. One of them is the placement of  intraocular lenses and the other the excimer laser.

When applying this technique, the laser carves the cornea, that is, changes its shape. In this way, it is possible to correct the dioptres related to myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.

THE IDEAL PATIENT FOR LASER SURGERY

There are ideal cases to work with this excimer laser technique. These cases are those referring to patients who:

  • have a good corneal thickness
  • have no history of dry eye
  • have no corneal disease

TYPES OF TECHNIQUES

In addition, it should be noted that the excimer laser eye operation includes two types of techniques:

  • The LASIK technique. In this technique, first a cut is made in the cornea with a femtosecond laser, then the superficial part of the cornea is lifted, with the excimer laser then carving the cornea in order to change its shape and therefore correct the dioptres. The postoperative period is short and discomfort is minimal.
  • The PRK technique. In this case, the laser acts directly on the cornea. The postoperative period is somewhat more annoying, more painful and the recovery of vision is somewhat slower.

Both techniques have been used for years and are recommended for prescription defects that do not exceed 5 or 6 dioptres.