Bladeless Femto LASIK to Restore Vision

How does Femto LASIK work?

The Femto LASIK addresses refractive errors by modifying the cornea shape. Refractive errors occur when the light is not focused properly due to the improper shape of the corneal tissues. Thus, the surgery works as below- 

• For myopia or nearsightedness, the laser reduces the curvature of the cornea to correct it. 
• For hyperopia or farsightedness, the laser increases the curvature of the cornea for correction. 
• For astigmatism, the laser addresses the irregularities of the corneal tissues to ensure that the light falls at the retina. 
• Presbyopia is corrected with the laser by improving the flexibility of the lens. 

Preparation Before Femto LASIK

Before the surgery, it is important that the patient meet the surgeon and discuss goals, risk factors, and expected results. The surgeon will advise to keep realistic expectations and also inform about all the risks and benefits of the procedure. 

If the patient wears contact lenses, the doctor will advise avoiding using them at least 1-3 weeks before the treatment. The exact duration will vary depending on the type of contact lens worn by the patient. 

Before the day of surgery, the eyes will be examined. The examination results will be used to guide the laser. If the surgery cost can be covered by the laser, the doctor will also notify that and ask you to submit the insurance documents for cashless treatment. 

It is best if the patient asks someone to accompany him/her for the surgery as the vision after surgery may be hazy. 

What happens in Femto LASIK?

The surgery is performed in the following steps- 

• The patient is brought to the procedure room and asked to lie in a reclining chair on their back. 
• Numbing drops are placed into the eyes, and a lid speculum is placed to keep the eyes open during the procedure. 
• A suction ring is placed over the iris (coloured part of the eye), and suction is applied. 
• A laser pulse is used to create a flap on the surface of the cornea. 
• Suction is then released, and the flap is peeled back. 
• A very precise excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea as required. As the ultraviolet light burns the corneal tissues, you may hear a ticking sound or get a burning smell. 
• After corneal modifications, the flap is placed back over the cornea without sutures. 

The entire procedure takes around 10 to 30 minutes for both eyes. 

Risks & Side Effects of Femto LASIK

Like any other surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with Femto LASIK, and the patient may experience some side effects. The risks include- 

• Permanent vision loss 
• Reduced effectiveness over time 
• Halos around light sources 

If the patient is not careful and doesn’t follow the doctor’s instructions after the surgery, he/she can develop complications like- 

• Opaque bubble layer (OBL) occurs when gas bubbles form in the flap. 
• Transient light sensitivity syndrome (TLSS) can also arise and last for days or weeks after the procedure. 
• Rainbow glare may also occur if there are tiny irregularities on the back side of the flap. It will cause the appearance of coloured bands in the field of vision when looking at a white light source. 

What to expect after Femto LASIK?

Immediately after LASIK, you can expect- 

• Discomfort, mild pain, burning, itching, or irritation 
• Hazy or blurred vision
• Watering or tearing 
• Sensitivity to light
• Halos or glare around the lights 
• Redness or bloodshot eyes 

These symptoms last only for a few days or a month and shall resolve with the proper use of medications. 

Results & Recovery

In most cases, the results of Femto LASIK are immediate. The patient’s vision improves within the next 1-2 hours. The overall recovery will take around 2 to 4 weeks. And throughout the recovery period, the patient will be asked to follow the instructions below- 

• Wear the eye shield given after surgery for 1-2 days to prevent rubbing the eye. The eye shield will also prevent dust, dirt, and smoke from entering the eye. 
• Do not rub your eyes, as it can dislodge the flap and lead to further complications. 
• Use the prescribed tear drops, steroid drops, eye gel, and other medications as directed by the doctor. 
• Avoid washing the face or taking a shower until the doctor permits. 
• Have a follow-up within 1-3 days after the surgery so that the surgeon can check your eyes. 
• Limit activities that can damage the eyes and put a strain on them. 
• Avoid swimming or using bathtubs until permitted by the doctor. 
• The vision may fluctuate in the first few months after surgery. It is normal but makes sure that you visit the doctor if the vision changes are drastic. 
• The follow-ups will be scheduled by the medical team. Continue taking follow-ups with the doctor for at least 6 months after the surgery. 

Benefits of Femto LASIK

In addition to resolving vision problems, a Femto LASIK has the following benefits- 

• The corneal flap created using this technique is thinner and heals quickly. 
• There are minimal risks of corneal abrasions during the procedure. 
• The risk of LASIK-induced astigmatism is very low. 
• It gives more options in flap size, shape, and orientation. 
• The risk of flap dislocation is also negligible.