Refractive Surgery

1 What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct the eyeís refractive defects that lead to conditions such as Short-sightedness (Myopia), Long-sightedness (Hyperopia), Presbyopia or Astigmatism. In this type of surgery, the ophthalmologist uses a microsurgical instrument and a laser to reshape the cornea in the front of the eye. This improves the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye.

The two main techniques used in laser eye surgery for vision problems are photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Both forms of laser eye surgery are performed under high magnification with an operating microscope by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Both are day-stay procedures and take approximately fifteen minutes.

2 What are the differences between Contoura Visoin and Conventional Lasik?

	CONTOURA VISION	CONVENTIONAL LASIK
Procedure	Automated procedure with sophisticated computer software	Mechanical micokeratome (blade) procedure.
Removal of corneal surface irregularities	Done	Not done
Use of blade	Bladeless	Microkeratome blade is used
Final vision Clarity	More clear, free of glare	Comparatively lesser .

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CONTOURA VISION?

Can be done at any age between 19 years to 50 years. (confirmed after detailed eye checkup)
Can correct Myopia (minus number), Hyperopia (plus number) as well as astigmatism (cylinder number) with precision and accuracy.
Bladeless
Stitchless
No hospitalization needed- Daycare procedure
No injection for anesthesia- done by instillation of anaesthetic eye drops.
Dependency on glasses/spectacles/contact lenses is reduced.
Decreased chances of glare.
Night driving efficacy not affected.
Painless

3 IntraLase (Blade Free) LASIK Method

What is the IntraLase Method?

The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade ñ free approach to creating your LASIK flap ñ the thin flap of tissue that the doctor flods back in order to perform your LASIK procedure. The IntraLase Method can only be performed using the IntraLase Laser.

Traditionally, doctors have used an instrument called a microkeratome for the creation of LASIK flaps. The microkeratome is a hand held blade that moves across the eye, cutting the LASIK flap as it goes. LASIK is extremely safe, but if complications do occur, the microkeratome is frequently the cause.

The IntraLase Method, by contrast, enables your doctor to create an individualized LASIK flap without a blade ever touching your eye.

How Does it Work?

With the IntraLase Method, tiny pulses of laser light, a quadrillionth of a second each, pass harmlessly thorough the outer portion of your cornea and form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye. The exact dimensions of this layer of bubbles are determined by your doctor based on whatís best for your eye, and are computer controlled for maximum precision ñ things that are not possible with a hand held blade. The IntraLase flap creation process takes about 15 to 20 seconds per eye and a total of 10 minutes for the entire LASIK procedure.

Is it Right for Me?

If youíre looking for a blade free treatment that virtually eliminates the most severe sight threatening complications, the answer is YES. The IntraLase Method also delivers outstanding results ñ it has been shown to improve outcomes for more patients. Conventional LASIK was considered as a reliable option for reducing glasses /spectacles dependency. In recent times (past 15 years) however CONTOURA VISION has emerged as a safer and more precise option in comparison with conventional LASIK. In addition to being technically advanced, CONTOURA VISION has another major advantage of providing consistently accurate results.

The surgery is completely bladeless and has very less post-operative complications. Both the eyes are operated on same day and the entire procedure lasts for about an hour with the patient being discharged home same day of surgery. Anaesthesia can be achieved by topical anaesthetic drops hence no need for anaesthetic injection around eyes.

DOES CONTOURA VISION CAUSE ANY PERMANENT CHANGES IN THE EYE?

CONTOURA VISION minimizes the dependency on glasses/contact lenses by permanently removing tissue (ablating in proportion to the refractive error) from cornea of the eye. The effects of CONTOURA VISION are permanent. As age advances, there may occur age related changes in the lens of the eye causing blurring of vision, if this occurs and the patient experiences significant discomfort then an enhancement procedure may be needed.

4 WHEN CAN I REJOIN WORK AFTER SURGERY?

Work can be resumed 7 days after the surgery.

5 WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IF I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CONTOURA VISION/LASIK?

Implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implant is an option available for reducing dependency on glasses/contact lenses for patients who are not eligible for Contoura vision or Lasik surgery.