Femto-LASIK >>
- What is Femto-LASIK?
- Advantages of Femto-LASIK Surgery
- What Are the Main Steps of the Femto-LASIK Procedure?
- Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Femto-LASIK Surgery?
- Pre-Procedure Instructions for Femto-LASIK
- Post-Procedure Instructions for Femto-LASIK
- The Difference Between LASIK and Femto-LASIK
- Risks and Disadvantages of Femto-LASIK Surgery
What is Femto-LASIK?
#Femto-LASIK (#Femto_LASIK) is a type of laser vision correction surgery and an advanced version of traditional #LASIK. In this procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to create a precise corneal flap, followed by the use of an excimer laser to correct vision.
The femtosecond laser is one of the most precise and widely used lasers in surgery.
Advantages of Femto-LASIK Surgery
- Reduced Risks: Femto-LASIK minimizes surgical risks and reduces complications.
Rapid Improvement: Vision improves quickly after the procedure due to a short recovery period.
Minimal Dryness and Discomfort: The Femto-LASIK technique significantly reduces eye dryness and discomfort.
Excellent Visual Outcomes: Achieves up to 96% vision correction with precise refractive error correction.
No Bandages or Stitches: No need for bandages or stitches due to the surface nature of the procedure.
Precise Correction: Effectively corrects refractive errors, even high levels of correction.
Short Recovery Period: Quick recovery allows for a swift return to daily activities.
Correction of Vision Defects: Effective in addressing a wide range of visual impairments.
Minimal Pain: Little to no pain experienced during and after the surgery.
What Are the Main Steps of the Femto-LASIK Procedure?
- Eye Preparation: Numbing drops and lubricating agents are applied to the eye to minimize pain and enhance comfort.
- Flap Creation: Using a femtosecond laser, a thin and precise flap is created in the cornea with equal measurements, eliminating the need for a surgical blade.
- Flap Lifting: Specialized, precise tools are used to lift the corneal flap.
- Vision Correction: After the flap is created and lifted, the eye surgeon uses a different type of laser, called an excimer laser, to reshape the corneal surface. This process removes corneal tissue to correct its curvature, redirect light accurately, and address refractive errors.
- Flap Repositioning: The flap is repositioned on the cornea after the vision correction is completed.
The procedure is performed on both eyes on the same day and at #Roya_Hakim, it typically takes no more than 15–20 minutes.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Femto-LASIK Surgery?
The ideal candidate for #Femto_LASIK is someone who meets several specific criteria and conditions. These include:
- Appropriate Vision Prescription: The candidate should have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), with a prescription within the range that can be corrected by Femto-LASIK.
- Stable Vision: Vision prescription should be stable for a sufficient period before surgery.
- Age: The candidate should ideally be an adult (usually 18 years or older) with stable vision.
- Healthy Eyes: The eyes should be free from diseases or conditions that may impact healing or results after surgery, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Keratoconus
- Strabismus
- Dry eye syndrome
- Optic nerve diseases
- Corneal Shape: The cornea’s shape and thickness should be suitable for Femto-LASIK surgery.
- Proper Timing: The candidate must be able to refrain from using contact lenses for a specified period before surgery.
Each case must be evaluated individually. A consultation with Dr. Mohammed Al-Anzi, an expert in vision correction, is essential to determine whether the candidate is suitable for Femto-LASIK or another type of vision correction surgery (#Eye_Refinement).
Pre-Procedure Instructions for Femto-LASIK
Before undergoing Femto-LASIK, it’s important to follow certain guidelines and preparations to ensure optimal results and avoid complications. Here are some general instructions to help you prepare for the procedure:
- Consult with Eye Specialist Dr. Mohammed Al-Anzi: Schedule a consultation with a specialist in vision correction surgeries to discuss your eligibility for the procedure and the expected outcomes.
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: Undergo a full eye examination to assess the health of your eyes and determine your suitability for the surgery.
- Discontinue Contact Lens Use: Stop wearing contact lenses for a period specified by your doctor, as they can affect the shape and thickness of the cornea.
- Avoid Cosmetic Products: Refrain from using makeup or cosmetic products around the eyes before the surgery.
- Follow Medical Instructions: Adhere to the doctor’s instructions regarding food and liquid intake before the procedure.
- Bring a Companion: Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the surgery and drive you home afterward.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: It’s recommended to stop smoking and consuming alcohol for a period specified by your doctor before the surgery.
- Stay Connected with the #Roya_Hakim Team: If you have any questions or concerns before the surgery, don’t hesitate to consult your eye doctor to clarify everything you need to know.
Remember, these are general guidelines and may vary slightly depending on your doctor’s recommendations and individual condition. Always follow your doctor’s instructions closely to ensure the best results and a safe procedure.
Post-Procedure Instructions for Femto-LASIK
Here are some general guidelines for taking care of your eyes after undergoing Femto-LASIK. You should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results:
- The doctor will place contact lenses on your eyes immediately after the procedure. Your eyes won’t need covering, and you can keep them open and resume your day as usual. The lenses are typically removed after 5 to 7 days.
- Stay in a dimly lit environment and avoid smoke and fumes that could irritate your eyes.
- You can wash your face for ablution and perform prayers, including prostration, immediately after the procedure.
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or pressing on your eyes for at least two weeks after the surgery.
- Do not use makeup for one week after the procedure.
- Avoid swimming in pools with high chlorine concentrations for three weeks after the surgery.
- Refrain from diving underwater for ten weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid using saunas and steam baths for six weeks after the surgery.
- You can return to work five days after the procedure.
- You may fly or travel on the same day of the surgery.
- Refrain from engaging in intense sports such as boxing or karate for one month after the surgery.
- Wear sunglasses during the initial five to seven days, and continue wearing them for three months during sunny periods.
- There are no dietary restrictions unless you are already following a specific diet.
- You may resume normal activities three days after the procedure.
- If the contact lens falls out, there’s no issue; you can visit the clinic to replace it if needed.
- Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as directed to prevent complications. Vision will gradually improve after the procedure.
- It’s normal to feel a foreign body sensation, burning, or light sensitivity, accompanied by mild pain during the first 48 hours, as well as tearing—this is natural.
- Seeing halos or light rings around light sources is common and will subside after a few weeks.
- Blurry vision upon waking is normal during the initial weeks after the surgery.
- Follow the prescribed treatments, especially moisturizing drops, which you will need to use for up to three months post-surgery.
- Mild headaches may occur during the first two weeks after the surgery—this is completely normal.
- Regularly visit your doctor for periodic follow-ups throughout the recovery period and while using prescribed eye drops.
Remember that these are general instructions and may vary based on your specific condition. Always adhere to the guidance of your ophthalmologist to ensure the best care for your eyes after surgery.
The Difference Between LASIK and Femto-LASIK
Femto-LASIK is a type of laser eye correction surgery that shares its foundation with traditional LASIK. However, there is a key difference between the two procedures:
Femto-LASIK Procedure
- No surgical blade is used to create the corneal flap. Instead, the flap is created using a femtosecond laser, and a thin layer of the cornea is lifted and repositioned after the procedure is completed.
- Suitable for cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Ideal for thin corneas.
- Utilizes both femtosecond laser and excimer laser.
Traditional LASIK Procedure
- A corneal flap is created using a surgical blade (microkeratome), which is then repositioned after the procedure is complete.
- Suitable for all types of refractive errors.
- Not safe for thin corneas or cases with extreme corneal curvature.
- Utilizes only the excimer laser.
The choice of procedure should be made in consultation with a specialized ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Hassan Al-Kuwaikbi or Dr. Mohammed Al-Enezi, to determine which type of LASIK is most suitable for the patient’s condition. Femto-LASIK is an advanced and precise technique, though it may be slightly more expensive than traditional LASIK. Always consult your ophthalmologist to evaluate your case and select the best option for your needs.
Risks and Disadvantages of Femto-LASIK Surgery
The Femto-LASIK procedure is a medical intervention designed to correct vision and improve eyesight. While it is considered a highly safe procedure, it is not entirely without risks. Here are some potential risks and complications that may occur after Femto-LASIK:
- Irritation and Dryness: You may experience some irritation and dryness in your eyes after the surgery. Using prescribed moisturizing and anti-inflammatory eye drops and following your doctor’s instructions can help alleviate this issue.
- Infection: There is a small risk of developing an eye infection after the surgery. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes and follow recommended hygiene practices to minimize this risk.
- Insufficient Improvement: Vision improvement might not be perfect in some cases. Additional corrective procedures or the use of glasses may be necessary.
- Changes in Night Vision: Some individuals may experience changes in night vision, such as glare or halos, which are typically not severe.
- Discomfort or Pain: Some people may feel discomfort or pain in their eyes after the surgery.
- Vision Deficiency: Rarely, there may be cases of incomplete or inadequate vision correction.
Anyone considering the Femto-LASIK procedure should discuss the potential risks and complications with an ophthalmologist. It is crucial to follow the guidance and instructions of our specialists at #Roya_Hakeem for the best care and outcomes.