Revolutionary, precise, and life changing – Excimer Laser technology has transformed the lives of millions worldwide. This ultraviolet light powerhouse is reshaping corneas to correct vision, erasing skin lesions, and rejuvenating damaged tissue with unparalleled accuracy.
However, as with any groundbreaking medical advancement, the Excimer Laser’s incredible benefits come with potential drawbacks.
Will its precision and effectiveness outweigh the risks? Can it truly deliver on its promise of a life free from glasses, contacts, or skin imperfections?
Dive into this in-depth exploration of the Excimer Laser’s advantages and disadvantages to uncover the truth behind this medical marvel.
Excimer is a laser technology used in refractive eye surgery. It uses ultraviolet (UV) laser to treat eye diseases like myopia (problem with far vision), hypermetropia (problem with near vision) and astigmatism (problem with both near and far vision).
Excimer laser treatment can potentially free you from glasses or contact lenses.
See More: What Is Excimer Laser?
How Does Excimer Laser Work?
Excimer Laser treatment uses a high-energy ultraviolet (UV) laser to reshape the cornea – the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye.
It works in the following manner:
- Pre-Treatment Preparation: Ophthalmologist will numb the eye with eye drops or a local anesthetic.
- Creation Of A Thin Flap: Doctors will create a thin flap in the cornea, which is gently lifted and folded back.
- Laser Reshaping: Using the Excimer Laser, the surgeon carefully removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.
- Flap Replacement: The doctor gently returns the thin flap to its original position, where it can heal naturally on its own.
What Are Types Of Excimer Lasers?
Here are three main types of excimer laser treatment.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A popular treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): An alternative excimer laser treatment for patients with thin corneas or others who are not suitable for LASIK.
Custom LASIK: A personalized treatment that uses advanced technology to create a customized map of the eye.
What Are Advantages Of Excimer Laser?
The pros of Excimer is evident from the fact that millions of people have already benefited from it. The process in addition to offering improved vision is also minimally invasive.
Here are some of the advantages of Excimer laser.
- High Success Rate: It has a high success rate in correcting refractive errors, with studies showing that up to 90% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better.
- Significant Visual Improvement: Excimer Laser surgery can significantly improve vision, reducing dependence on glasses or contacts, with some patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
- Correction Of Refractive Errors: Laser eye surgery can correct a range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
- Reduced Recovery Time: Excimer Laser is a relatively quick procedure with a short recovery time. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Less Pain: The procedure is typically painless, with some patients experiencing mild discomfort. While patients can use topical anesthetics or numbing eye drops to minimize discomfort.
- No Stitches Required: The laser eye procedure does not require stitches, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications.
- Customized Treatment: Excimer Lasers can correct specific refractive errors, providing a customized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
- Precise Corneal Reshaping: The laser precisely reshapes the cornea, correcting refractive errors. This precision helps to minimize complications and ensure optimal results.
- Advanced Technology: Modern Excimer Lasers use advanced technology, such as wavefront-guided and wavefront-optimized treatments, to provide even more precise and customized results.
- Less Risk Of Complications: The precision and control of Excimer Lasers reduce the risk of complications, such as under-correction or overcorrection.
- Quick Procedure: LASIK and PRK procedures are relatively quick, taking around 10-15 minutes per eye.
What Are Disadvantages Of Excimer Laser?
As with any other medical treatment, Excimer laser has its disadvantages. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision.
Here are some excimer laser side effects:
- Dry Eye: Temporary dryness, grittiness, or burning sensations in the eyes.
- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, which may be temporary or persistent.
- Halos Or Glare: Seeing halos or glare around lights, especially at night.
- Blurred Vision: Temporary blurred vision or fluctuations in vision during the healing process.
- Eye Discomfort: Mild discomfort, pain, or pressure in the eyes.
- Redness: Temporary redness or inflammation in the eyes.
- Infection: Rare risk of infection, which is treatable with antibiotics.
- Flap Complications: Complications related to the creation and healing of the flap, such as flap tears or irregular healing.
- Corneal Ectasia: Rare weakening of the cornea, which can lead to vision problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is not suitable for a laser?
Individuals with corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, or corneal scarring are not suitable for excimer laser.
Which excimer laser is best?
The Alcon EX500 Allegretto excimer laser is one of the most revolutionary excimer lasers available.
How long does excimer laser last?
Excimer laser is usually permanent and can provide lifelong freedom from glasses.
How many sessions do you need for an excimer laser?
It depends on the degree of correction, amount of astigmatism and whether eyes regress over time.
What is the cost of Excimer Laser eye surgery?
The cost of Excimer Laser eye surgery varies depending on the location, surgeon, and technology used.
