Customized LASIK Procedure to Correct Blurring of Vision
The LASIK procedure has significantly enhanced vision for millions worldwide by correcting common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What is Custom LASIK?
Custom LASIK uses advanced wavefront technology to map individual corneal irregularities, ensuring a more precise correction than traditional LASIK. Unlike conventional methods that rely on standard prescriptions, custom LASIK tailors treatment to each patient's unique corneal characteristics.
Advantages of Custom LASIK
- Enhanced precision in vision correction by addressing corneal aberrations.
- Improved contrast sensitivity and night vision.
- Reduced risk of visual distortions such as halos and glare.
Potential Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, LASIK may have side effects, including:
- Dry eyes
- Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Overcorrection or under-correction
These effects typically subside over time, though in rare cases, they may persist.
Understanding the Cornea and Its Importance
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and plays a crucial role in vision by allowing light to enter and contributing about 70% of the eye's focusing power. It measures approximately 12mm in length and 11mm in height.
Structure of the Cornea
The cornea is composed of five distinct layers, each serving specific functions:
- Epithelium: The outermost layer, which acts as a barrier against dust, debris, and bacteria while also absorbing nutrients and oxygen.
- Bowman’s Layer: A tough layer made of collagen fibers that protects the stroma.
- Stroma: The thickest layer, consisting of collagen fibrils and keratocytes, which maintain corneal transparency.
- Descemet’s Membrane: A thin but strong layer that protects against infections.
- Endothelium: The innermost layer responsible for maintaining fluid balance within the cornea.
Keratoconus: A Progressive Corneal Disorder
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and bulges into a conical shape, causing distorted vision and high astigmatic error. It typically begins during puberty and progresses faster in younger individuals.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Symptoms vary by severity and may include:
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
- Increased astigmatism
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Inability to achieve 20/20 vision with corrective lenses
Diagnosis of Keratoconus
Diagnostic tools for keratoconus include:
- Keratometry: Measures the curvature of the cornea.
- Corneal Topography (Pentacam): Provides a detailed map of the corneal shape.
- Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (ASOCT): Assesses corneal thickness.
Treatment for Keratoconus
Step 1: Halting Disease Progression
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A non-surgical procedure that strengthens the cornea using riboflavin drops and controlled UV radiation. This treatment is especially beneficial for adolescents with a high risk of progression.
Step 2: Vision Rehabilitation
- Glasses and Contact Lenses: Useful in mild cases but may be insufficient in advanced stages.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Provide better visual clarity by masking corneal irregularities.
- INTACS (Intracorneal Ring Segments): Clear plastic rings inserted into the cornea to reshape its curvature.
- Topography-Guided Custom Ablation Treatment (T-CAT): A laser-based procedure that improves corneal symmetry.
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): Permanent lenses placed inside the eye for refractive correction after corneal stabilization.
Cataract Surgery – Restoring Clarity to Your Vision
A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. Though most common in aging individuals, cataracts can also affect younger people, including infants.
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts cause blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty with daily activities like reading and driving. While mild cases may be managed with corrective lenses, surgery is the only definitive treatment when vision impairment progresses.
Advanced Cataract Surgery
At Lasik Corner, we use state-of-the-art Alcon Centurion Gold Phaco Technology for cataract surgery. This advanced system ensures a seamless, efficient procedure with several benefits:
- No anesthesia, injections, or stitches required
- Minimally invasive, pain-free surgery
- Reduced risk of inflammation or structural damage
- Quick recovery with restored clear vision
Retina Disorders and Treatment
The retina is a crucial part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. Damage to the retina can cause severe vision impairment, and if untreated, may lead to permanent blindness.
Common Retinal Disorders
- Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that causes damage to retinal blood vessels.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition causing gradual vision loss.
- Retinal Detachment: A serious condition requiring immediate intervention.