Excimer Laser
What is an Excimer Laser?
The excimer laser is a laser technology used in refractive eye surgery. This technique is used in popular laser eye surgery procedures such as LASIK (Laser Supported In Place Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).
The excimer laser changes the focusing ability of the eye by vaporizing the top layer of the eye's surface (the cornea) at the molecular level. In this way, refractive errors of the eye such as nearsightedness (also known as myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), and astigmatism can be corrected.
What diseases are excimer lasers used for?
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Myopia is a vision defect in which distant objects appear blurry. The excimer laser can correct myopia by correcting the middle of the cornea and changing the focusing ability of the cornea.
- Hypermetropia (farsightedness): Hypermetropia is a vision defect in which nearby objects appear blurry. The excimer laser can correct hypermetropia by correcting the middle of the cornea and changing the focusing ability of the cornea.
- Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a vision defect in which objects appear blurry both near and far due to an irregular surface of the cornea or lens of the eye. The excimer laser can correct astigmatism by reshaping the wrong part of the cornea.
- Refractive defects: The excimer laser can be used to correct complex visual defects such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism.
However, each patient is different and certain criteria must be met to be a suitable candidate for treatment. Your ophthalmologist can determine the treatment options that are best for you and evaluate whether an excimer laser is right for you through a detailed eye examination and assessment.
Excimer Laser Treatment Process
Excimer laser eye surgery procedures are usually performed under local (drop) anesthesia and usually have a short recovery period. The LASIK procedure involves removing the top layer of the cornea, called a flap, and has a faster recovery time, while the PRK procedure involves removing the epithelial tissue, which is the top layer of the cornea, instead of a flap.
Excimer laser eye surgery procedures are generally successful for suitable candidates, but like any surgical procedure, they come with risks and complications.
Your ophthalmologist must perform a detailed evaluation and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*Page content is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment
Update Date: 10.02.2023
