What is an Excimer Laser?
The word LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

The word EXCIMER stands for Excited Dimers of Inert Gases.

A laser device is designed to produce and control a beam of coherent light. Laser light can be directed, focused and controlled more accurately than normal light and is generated in very brief and intense pulses. With each pulse, a tiny fragment of tissue is removed as a result of evaporation from very low heat release, leaving the underlying tissue unharmed. The laser that is most frequently used in corneal surgery is argon fluoride Excimer laser that emits at 193 nm and operates on the basis of a photomechanical mechanism of action.

What is monovision?

Yes, there are several brands of Excimer laser devices that vary in their stage of development. Overall, most machines are suitable for routine procedures; however the experience of the surgeon is a very important factor regardless of the machine.

Are there different kinds of lasers?

Si, existen varias marcas en equipos de láser Excimer y con diferente estadio de desarrollo entre ellos En general, para los procedimientos de rutina la mayoría de estas maquinas son adecuadas; pero con cualquiera de ellas la experiencia del médico cirujano es un factor muy importante.

In what cases can Refractive Surgery be performed?

There are three ways to correct refractive errors: glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Consequently, the operation is one of the treatment options and may be offered to all people who choose to have it done, as long as it is performed in a healthy eye.

For this reason, specialized tests are performed before surgery in order to determine if a case can be elected for to kind of surgery.

In what cases should refractive surgery not be performed?

This form of surgery should not be performed in people with corneal deformities, with prior inflammatory diseases of the eye, or with severe tear secretion impairment because these are cases that do not comply with the primary requirement for refractive surgery: “a healthy eye”.

As in everything else, there are exceptions where the surgeon may recommend the procedure despite the risks, if the patient agrees.

What are the risks of this surgery?

Every surgery entails a risk of complications during or after the procedure. In lamellar refractive surgery (LASIK), since it is an extra ocular surgery, the risk of complications is limited to the superficial layers of the cornea, and any inadequate may be corrected with one or more additional surgeries.

Outcome predictability at preset is greater than 85%, depending on the defect and the technique used for the correction; therefore, there is a possibility of requiring a retouch in order to attain the desired correction.

Intraocular refractive surgery, as is the case with phakic lenses, may entail other complications that need to be clearly explained by the ophthalmologist.

During the post-operative period, it is important to follow medical orders closely even if vision is good and there is no discomfort.

What will vision be like after surgery?

Refractive surgery does not work miracles and best corrected vision will be the same as before surgery or slightly better. The main difference is apparent in vision without glasses. Post-operative vision will usually allow the person to lead a normal life without the need for glasses.

Can astigmatism and myopia be corrected at the same time?

The existing Excimer Laser algorithms make a total correction of the refractive defect, both for myopia as well as for hyperopia. Therefore, astigmatism, whether myopic or hyperopic, will be corrected within the same procedure. However, it is important to know that astigmatism is the most difficult defect to correct fully and there is usually a small remnant left behind.

Is there an additional charge in the event a reoperation is required in order to increase correction?

There are technical expenses that need to be covered, but no additional medical fee is usually charged.

Who are the best people and what are the best places to perform this operation?

This kind of surgery must be performed by ophthalmologists trained in corneal and refractive surgery techniques. Not all ophthalmologists have the required training. The ideal place is a medical center that fills the usual requirements of an operating room in terms of hygiene and sterility in order to avoid complications.