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Refractive Surgery: Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses
Table of Contents
Refractive surgery is a remarkably safe procedure utilizing cutting-edge laser and surgical technologies to correct all common vision defects: myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision).
Increasingly, people are choosing refractive surgery to eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.The motivations are personal, ranging from comfort in daily life to achieving enhanced athletic performance.
Imagine waking up each morning with clear vision,without needing to search for your glasses. This dream can become a reality with a painless surgery that lasts only seconds.
At STAR 9000, the center is led by Dr. Emanuele Scuri, an ophthalmologist with over 40 years of experience and more than 22,000 refractive surgery operations performed since 1991.He explains the process step-by-step.
Pre-Operative Evaluation
The first step is a thorough eye examination. This complete assessment determines your suitability for refractive surgery and identifies the moast appropriate procedure. it includes:
- Refraction: Measuring your refractive error to determine your prescription.
- Corneal Topography: Mapping the surface of your cornea to assess its shape and rule out any irregularities.
- Pachymetry: Measuring the thickness of your cornea.
- Pupil Size Measurement: Assessing pupil size in various lighting conditions.
- Tear Film Evaluation: Checking for dry eye, wich can affect surgical outcomes.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Examining the health of your retina and optic nerve.
This detailed evaluation ensures the surgery is tailored to your individual needs and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome.
The Surgical Procedure
Several refractive surgery techniques are available, each with its own advantages. Common procedures include:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A flap is created in the cornea, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and an excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A small piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) is removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea.
- Femto-LASIK: Uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, offering greater precision than customary LASIK.
Dr. Scuri and the STAR 9000 team will discuss the best option for you based on your individual corneal characteristics and lifestyle.
Post-Operative Care
Following surgery, careful post-operative care is crucial for optimal healing and vision recovery. This typically involves:
- Eye Drops: Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Shielding: Protecting your eyes with a shield, especially during sleep.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with dr. Scuri to monitor your progress.
- Avoiding Strenuous Activity: Limiting physical activity for a specified period.
Most patients experience improved vision within a few days of surgery, with continued betterment over the following weeks.