Laser Eye Surgery Exam

It is the surgical method used in the treatment of refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism and hypermetropia.

According to the degree of visual impairment, the transparent corneal layer on the eye is reshaped with the Excimer Laser lights programmed through the computer to ensure correct focusing and clear vision. All these procedures are called laser eye surgery.

1st Step: Tests

A detailed topographic map of the cornea layer of the eye is determined with topography tests. The cornea thickness is measured by the pachymeter. Corneal thickness is an important parameter in selecting the right patient and surgical method to be applied.

2nd Step: Examination

After the above-mentioned tests, a comprehensive eye examination is done along with these data. Visual acuity, prescription and measurements are determined in the examination. A biomicroscopic examination is performed, and finally, the eye pressure is measured.

The presence of systemic diseases such as diabetes, old-age, goitre and high blood pressure is questioned in detail. Further Wavefront or Topolaser tests are performed if required.

3rd Step: Comprehensive eye examination with eye drop

After an eye medication is dropped to the eyes to enlarge the pupils and waited for 30 minutes, the eye numbers are re-detected and a detailed examination of the eye ground (retinal vein and nerve layer) is performed over the pupil. If there are risky areas such as thinning, tears and holes in the retina, these regions are protected by argon laser application before the laser eye surgery. Argon laser treatment may require 3 weeks postponement of excimer laser treatment, but it is not an obstacle to treatment. It provides a more secure application.

The data obtained as a result of all these examinations and tests, which last about 2-3 hours, are evaluated by refractive laser eye surgeons and the most appropriate treatment method is decided. Laser eye surgery may not be performed on the same day as the pupils grow due to a drop examination and need to wait for a while to return to their normal condition. An appointment for the operation is given for the next day at the earliest.

4th Step: Decision of Surgery

Following the evaluation of the examination and test results, your surgery and the method of surgery is decided by our doctors who have a specialised in laser eye surgery

Who are the Best Candidates for Laser Eye Surgery?

• Those older than 18 and wearing glasses or contact lenses,
• Those whose prescriptions not changed over 0.50 diopter in the last year
• Those with myopia up to -10 diopter,
• Those with astigmatism up to -6 diopter and hypermetropia up to +4,
• Those with sufficient corneal thickness
• Those who do not have systematic diseases like diabetes and rheumatism,
• Those who do not have any other eye- disease (corneal sharpening, high eye pressure etc.),
• The eye structure found to be eligible for surgery, as a result of pre-examination and tests, can be treated with laser.

During the laser eye surgery procedure

When the patient enters the laser operating room, he/she is asked to lie down on the laser surgery bed. The eye is covered with a sterile drape, then the eyelids are should with a special material to prevent blinking during the treatment. Laser treatment lasts about 4-5 minutes for each eye, the patient does not experience any pain or irritation. It is very important for the patient to be comfortable and to follow the laser eye surgeon's instructions during the treatment. After the treatment is completed, the patient exits the laser room without any eye-bandages.

First 24 hours after laser eye surgery

After the laser treatment is completed, the patient is kept for about half an hour and taken to the control examination. The patient can leave our hospital after this check. For the first day, blurred vision and 4-5 hours of stinging, irritation and watering are normal. The medications should be taken in the manner recommended by the doctor. If you feel a headache after the laser, you can take a painkiller without blood thinners. We do not recommend driving a car and going to work on the day of operation. The patient should avoid being in a dusty environment, the treated eye should not be rubbed, scratched or touched, and the patient should not have a bath during the first 24 hours. In the first days, prevent the eye from contact with soap and shampoo. On the next day of the operation, there will be no side effects to limit social and business life. If wrinkles are detected in the transparent area on the surface of the eye or if there is a reaction under the flap when the doctor checks the next day, it may be necessary to wash the lower part of the flap. An artificial tear drop recommended by the doctor should be used for approximately 3 to 6 months after the operation.