What Are the Laser Treatment Methods?

FEMTOSECOND LASER (INTRALASE)

Femtosecond Laser is an advanced laser technology designed to maximize the safety and precision of laser vision correction procedures. Also known as bladeless laser technology, this method creates the corneal flap—one of the most critical steps affecting the success of LASIK surgery—without the use of a surgical blade.

Thanks to Femtosecond Laser technology, risks associated with mechanical blade use, such as incomplete flap creation, irregular flap edges, excessively thin or thick flaps, and flap tears, are significantly reduced. This allows for the creation of a highly precise corneal flap, resulting in greater surgical accuracy, improved safety, and a faster recovery process.

EXCIMER LASER

Excimer Laser is a specialized laser technology used in refractive eye surgery to reshape the cornea, the transparent outer surface of the eye. It is used to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by improving the eye's ability to focus light accurately on the retina.

During the procedure, the Excimer Laser precisely removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea without affecting the surrounding eye structures. This enables light to be focused at the correct point on the retina, providing clearer and sharper vision.

NO TOUCH LASER

No Touch Laser, also known as TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy), is a laser vision correction technique used to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in patients whose eye structure is suitable for the procedure.

As its name suggests, No Touch Laser is performed without any physical contact between a surgical instrument and the eye. The procedure is carried out entirely using laser technology, without the need for a surgical incision or mechanical instruments.

How Is No Touch Laser Performed?

Application of Anesthetic Eye Drops

Before the procedure, anesthetic eye drops are applied to the patient's eye. This numbs the surface of the eye and helps prevent pain or significant discomfort during the treatment, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient.

Laser Treatment

The treatment is performed by applying precisely controlled laser energy directly to the eye. The laser removes the epithelial layer covering the surface of the cornea and reaches the underlying stromal tissue, where the necessary reshaping is performed to correct the refractive error.

No surgical incision is made in the cornea, and no mechanical instrument comes into contact with the eye during the procedure. Since No Touch Laser is a non-contact technique, the risk of mechanical trauma to the ocular surface is minimized.

Short Treatment Time

No Touch Laser is a relatively short procedure and is generally completed within a few minutes. Depending on the patient's individual condition and the treatment plan, recovery and post-operative care may vary.

Recovery After No Touch Laser Treatment

Early Post-Treatment Symptoms

After the procedure, patients may experience symptoms such as stinging, sensitivity to light, watering of the eyes, and blurred vision for approximately 2–3 days. These symptoms are generally associated with the natural regeneration of the corneal epithelium during the early healing period.

Return to Daily Activities

One of the notable features of No Touch Laser is its relatively rapid recovery process. Patients can generally begin returning to their daily activities around the fourth day following treatment, depending on their individual recovery.

Visual acuity gradually improves throughout the healing process and may continue to stabilize over the following weeks.

Advantages of No Touch Laser

Because No Touch Laser is performed without physical contact between the eye and a mechanical surgical instrument, the risk of mechanical trauma to the ocular surface is minimized. This may be particularly advantageous for patients with certain corneal or ocular characteristics.

The use of anesthetic eye drops helps ensure a comfortable treatment experience. As a surface laser technique, No Touch Laser may also provide an appropriate alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for certain other refractive surgery procedures.

The recovery period varies from patient to patient. Many patients begin to experience improved visual clarity within the first few days, with vision continuing to improve during the following weeks.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for No Touch Laser?

No Touch Laser may be considered for patients whose eye structure is determined to be suitable following a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and detailed diagnostic testing.

It can be used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in appropriately selected patients. It may also be considered for individuals who are not suitable candidates for certain other laser vision correction techniques.

The suitability of No Touch Laser depends on several factors, including corneal thickness and structure, refractive error, overall eye health, and the results of detailed ophthalmological examinations. The most appropriate treatment method is determined by the ophthalmologist based on the individual characteristics of each patient.

No Touch Laser is a non-contact laser vision correction technique that can offer an alternative treatment option for appropriately selected patients. A comprehensive eye examination and diagnostic evaluation are essential to determine whether the procedure is suitable.

For detailed information about No Touch Laser and other laser vision correction procedures, you can contact Göz Akademi Hospital via the hospital's official website or by calling 444 91 93.

i-LASIK (iDesign WAVEFRONT)

FDA-approved i-LASIK is an advanced laser vision correction technology performed with computer-guided systems. It is one of the modern laser treatment options used in refractive eye surgery and is widely used worldwide for the correction of refractive errors.

i-LASIK is a personalized treatment that combines bladeless femtosecond laser technology (IntraLase) with Wavefront-guided treatment. By combining precise corneal flap creation with customized Wavefront technology, the procedure can be tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient's eyes.

Each stage of i-LASIK treatment is planned according to the patient's individual eye structure, refractive error, and diagnostic examination results. This personalized approach aims to provide effective correction of refractive errors and a comfortable recovery process.

Who Is i-LASIK Suitable For?

Patient suitability is one of the most important factors in i-LASIK treatment. The decision to perform the procedure is made following a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and detailed diagnostic tests, taking into consideration the patient's eye health, refractive error, corneal structure, and overall suitability for laser treatment.

i-LASIK may be considered for individuals aged 18 and over who have completed ocular development, provided that their eyes are suitable for the procedure. In addition to age requirements, factors such as the stability of the refractive error, corneal characteristics, and certain systemic or chronic conditions are also evaluated.

Following i-LASIK treatment, attending scheduled follow-up examinations and carefully following the ophthalmologist's recommendations are essential for a healthy recovery and optimal treatment outcome.

Refractive surgery is performed to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting refractive errors. It is generally used to treat conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Patients who are considered suitable following a detailed ophthalmological examination and diagnostic evaluation may undergo refractive surgery.

How Is i-LASIK Performed?

i-LASIK is performed by ophthalmologists under sterile conditions using advanced medical technology. The duration and specific steps of the procedure may vary depending on the patient's individual eye characteristics and the treatment plan.

When the patient is considered suitable for the procedure and all surgical requirements are met, the i-LASIK treatment generally takes approximately 15 minutes.

For detailed information about i-LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, you can contact Göz Akademi Hospital through the hospital's official website or by calling 444 91 93.

LASIK

During LASIK surgery, a thin corneal flap is created using a specialized device known as a microkeratome. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer surface of the eye. Creating the flap allows the surgeon to access the underlying corneal tissue.

After the corneal flap is created and gently lifted, an Excimer Laser guided by a computer-controlled treatment plan reshapes the cornea according to the patient's individual refractive error. Once the laser treatment is completed, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned without the need for sutures or adhesive.

The total procedure generally takes approximately 10 minutes.

Vision is often significantly improved as early as the first day after surgery; however, it may take several weeks for vision to fully stabilize. Depending on the patient's refractive error and individual eye characteristics, high treatment success rates may be achieved.

If a residual refractive error is detected during a follow-up examination at least six months after the initial procedure, the patient's eye examinations and diagnostic tests may be repeated. If sufficient corneal thickness is confirmed by Pentacam analysis and the eye is considered suitable for an enhancement procedure, the existing corneal flap may be lifted without creating a new flap, allowing a second laser treatment to be performed.

WAVEFRONT

LASIK treatment can be customized using advanced Wavefront technology, which allows the laser treatment to be tailored to the individual's corneal structure and optical characteristics.

Wavefront analysis evaluates optical imperfections and higher-order aberrations within the eye's optical system. This information can be used to develop a personalized laser treatment plan based on the patient's individual visual characteristics.

At our center, a WaveScan analyzer is used for detailed optical analysis.

Wavefront-guided treatment may help reduce certain optical disturbances, such as glare and light scattering, particularly under low-light conditions, and may contribute to improved visual quality.

PRK AND LASEK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction technique used to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a surface laser technique in which the corneal epithelium is loosened and lifted using an alcohol solution before the Excimer Laser treatment. Following laser application, the epithelial layer is repositioned over the corneal surface.

Unlike LASIK, neither PRK nor LASEK requires the creation of a conventional corneal flap before laser treatment.

In PRK, the thin epithelial layer covering the cornea is removed to expose the underlying corneal tissue, which is then reshaped using the Excimer Laser.

The main difference between PRK and LASEK is the method used to manage the epithelial layer. In LASEK, the epithelium is loosened using an alcohol solution and repositioned after Excimer Laser treatment.

Following both procedures, a therapeutic contact lens may be placed on the eye for approximately 3–4 days to protect the corneal surface and support epithelial healing.

LASEK is a modified surface laser technique that may be considered in certain patients, including those with thinner or flatter corneas or lower refractive errors, particularly when conventional LASIK may not be appropriate.

Patients may experience pain, stinging, watering, increased sensitivity to light, and blurred vision for approximately 2–3 days following treatment. Visual acuity generally improves progressively, with good vision typically achieved within several weeks.

EPI-LASIK

EPI-LASIK is an alternative surface laser vision correction technique that may be considered for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional LASIK, particularly those with thinner corneas.

EPI-LASIK incorporates certain features of PRK and LASEK and is designed to provide an alternative approach to correcting refractive errors while preserving more of the corneal structure.

How Is EPI-LASIK Performed?

One of the key differences in EPI-LASIK is the method used to remove the corneal epithelium.

While the epithelial layer is loosened with an alcohol solution in LASEK, EPI-LASIK uses a specialized instrument called an epikeratome to mechanically separate the epithelial layer from the corneal surface.

After the epithelium is lifted, the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using the Excimer Laser to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Following laser treatment, the epithelial layer is repositioned over the cornea. A therapeutic contact lens may then be placed to protect the surface during the initial healing period.

Because EPI-LASIK involves a thinner epithelial flap compared with conventional LASIK, it may be considered in selected patients with thinner corneas.

EPI-LASIK Recovery and Advantages

Patients may experience mild pain, stinging, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision during the early recovery period. Symptoms generally improve as the corneal epithelium heals.

Visual clarity gradually improves over the following days and weeks. The recovery period varies depending on the patient's individual eye characteristics and healing response.

EPI-LASIK may provide an alternative for selected patients with thinner corneas who are not suitable candidates for conventional LASIK. The appropriate treatment method is determined following a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and corneal evaluation.

Why Choose EPI-LASIK?

EPI-LASIK may be considered an alternative for patients with thin corneas or those who are not suitable candidates for conventional LASIK.

The technique does not require the creation of a conventional LASIK flap and uses a mechanical method to separate the epithelial layer rather than an alcohol-assisted technique.

Today, the use of EPI-LASIK has become less common with the development and widespread adoption of newer surface laser techniques, including No Touch Laser (TransPRK).

SMILE LASER

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction technique that may be considered for selected patients with myopia and astigmatism.

SMILE treatment is generally considered for patients with suitable corneal characteristics and refractive errors within the appropriate treatment range. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination and detailed diagnostic tests are required to determine whether the patient's eyes are suitable for the procedure.

Because SMILE is performed through a small corneal incision rather than the creation of a conventional LASIK flap, it may be considered an option for certain individuals whose lifestyle or professional activities involve a higher risk of eye trauma or physical impact.

The suitability of SMILE Laser is determined individually based on the patient's corneal structure, refractive error, overall eye health, and detailed examination results.