What Is Femto Laser Eye Surgery?
Femto laser or femtosecond laser eye surgery is a type of procedure that is used to correct vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It involves using a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. This flap is then lifted, and the underlying cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is repositioned, allowing the eye to heal and regain clear vision.
Femto-LASIK eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction in India because it offers several advantages over traditional LASIK surgery. It is a more precise and customisable procedure, allowing for better outcomes and reduced risk of complications. Additionally, using a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap eliminates the need for a microkeratome blade, further enhancing the safety and accuracy of the procedure. Besides that, SILK & SMILE are other advanced refractive surgeries that use the femtosecond laser to create lenticule in the cornea.
Why Is Femto Laser Eye Surgery Done?
Femto LASIK eye surgery is done to correct various vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is an effective treatment option for individuals who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Femto LASIK surgery is also recommended for individuals with thin corneas, as it allows for a more precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue. Additionally, Femto LASIK operation can correct refractive errors in people who may not be suitable for other types of laser eye surgery.
SILK & SMILE are flapless procedures done using femto laser which creates a lenticule that is removed through a tiny incision to correct the refractive error.
What Is Femto LASIK Surgery Procedure?
- The Femto LASIK surgery procedure typically begins with numbing eye drops to ensure a comfortable experience for the patient.
- The surgeon then uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin corneal flap, which is gently lifted to expose the underlying cornea.
- Once the cornea is exposed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s prescription. The laser removes a precise amount of corneal tissue, allowing for the correction of refractive errors.
- After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap, which adheres naturally without stitches.
The procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes per eye, and patients can usually return home shortly after.
Eligibility Criteria for Femto LASIK Eye Surgery
The suitability of the procedure depends on several factors, including the individual’s age, overall eye health, and specific vision prescription. Candidates for Femto laser eye surgery should:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have stable vision for at least one year.
- Have healthy corneas and no underlying eye diseases or conditions that could affect the healing process.
Additionally,
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes, may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
- Individuals with extreme prescriptions of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may require alternative treatment options.
Advantages of Femto Laser Eye Surgery
- Femto LASIK eye surgery offers a high level of precision and accuracy. Using a femtosecond laser allows for a more controlled and customisable procedure.
- Femto LASIK also has a faster recovery time than traditional LASIK surgery. The corneal flap created by the femtosecond laser heals quickly and securely.
- Femto LASIK eye surgery can effectively correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, making it a versatile solution for many individuals.
- Using a femtosecond laser eliminates the need for a microkeratome blade and enhances the procedure’s safety.
Risks and Side Effects of Femto LASIK Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, Femto laser eye surgery carries some risks and potential side effects. These may include:
- Dry eyes, glare, halos, and difficulty with night vision. However, these side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few weeks or months.
- In rare cases, more serious complications may occur, such as infection, corneal flap complications, or vision loss. It is essential to discuss these risks with your surgeon and ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision is another potential complication. In some cases, additional enhancement procedures may be necessary to fine-tune the results and achieve optimal vision correction.
The best way to minimise the risks associated with the procedure is to take the necessary precautions, as informed by your doctor.
Precautions After Femto Lasik Eye Surgery
After Femto laser eye surgery, it is important to take precautions to safeguard your eyes and encourage healing. The do’s and don’ts after femto surgery are:
- Wear Protective Shields: Use the eye shield or protective goggles given by your doctor while sleeping for the first week to protect your eyes.
- Apply Prescribed Eye Drops: Apply the prescribed eye drops to minimize inflammation and prevent infections.
- Avoid Touching or Rubbing: Do not rub your eyes for at least a month, as this can disturb the corneal flap and increase the risk of complications.
- Stay Away from Water: Avoid immersing your eyes in water for at least 1-2 weeks. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, and lakes.
- Limit Physical Activity: Refrain from intense physical activities for a few weeks. Additionally, avoid any contact sports for at least four weeks.
- Skip Eye Makeup: Avoid wearing eye makeup for a minimum of one week after surgery.
- Avoid Dusty or Dirty Areas: Steer clear of dusty and dirty environments for at least one week to reduce the risk of eye irritation.
- Avoid Lotions and Creams: Refrain from using lotions, creams, or other facial cosmetics around the eyes for two weeks.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Make sure to attend all follow-up visits with your eye surgeon to monitor your recovery and ensure the best outcomes.
Femto LASIK vs SMILE and PRK
| Procedure | Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Femto LASIK | An established procedure using a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap, allowing precise reshaping and fast visual recovery. | Suitable for a wide range of vision problems. |
| SMILE / SILK | A minimally invasive technique involving the creation and removal of a small lenticule within the cornea using a femtosecond laser, preserving tissue. | Potentially suitable for individuals with thin corneas. |
| PRK | Uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea after removing its outer layer, avoiding the need for a corneal flap. | Ideal for those with thin corneas or ineligible for LASIK. |
Cost of Femto LASIK Surgery in India
The cost of Femto LASIK surgery in India can vary depending on several factors such as the geographical location of the clinic, the experience of the surgeon, the technology used, and any additional services included in the package. At Planet Lasik, it starts at an affordable cost of ₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000.
FAQs
What is the full form of Femto LASIK Surgery?
The full form of Femto LASIK surgery is Femtosecond-assisted (Femto) laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).