Post - Femto LASIK Eye Care Instructions
Femto LASIK is a vision correction procedure that uses bladeless surgical technology. It is suitable for individuals with vision problems or those who have limitations in wearing glasses or contact lenses.
The eyes are one of the most important organs, allowing us to perceive and accurately interpret what we see. However, eye problems can occur due to various factors such as aging, injury, or medical conditions. Common vision problems include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
What is Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a bladeless eye surgery technology that uses lasers instead of a surgical blade. This method offers high precision, enhanced safety, and minimal pain. It is used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
During the procedure
- A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap on the cornea
- Then, an excimer laser reshapes the curvature of the cornea to improve vision
- the corneal flap is repositioned back to its original place
This process helps restore clearer vision effectively and safely.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are several types of laser eye surgery, each using different technologies and techniques, as follows
1. ReLEx SMILE
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a modern laser eye surgery technique that builds upon traditional LASIK methods. It uses a femtosecond laser to perform the procedure. With the precision of this laser, surrounding tissues are minimally affected. The incision is very small, pain is minimal, and recovery is faster.
Advantages of ReLEx SMILE
- Small incision, leading to faster recovery and reduced risk of scarring
- Lower risk of dry eyes after surgery
Suitable For
- Individuals with nearsightedness (myopia) up to -10.00 diopters or astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters, or both
- Those who want a quick recovery and reduced risk of dry eye symptoms
2. Bladeless Femto LASIK
Bladeless Femto LASIK, also known as Femto LASIK, is a bladeless surgical technique. It uses a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap, followed by an excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea for vision correction.
Advantages of Bladeless Femto LASIK
- High precision with reduced risk of flap displacement or improper attachment
- Fast recovery
- Low complication rates
Suitable For
- Individuals with nearsightedness (myopia) between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters, or astigmatism up to -6.00 diopters
- Those seeking a highly precise and safe procedure
- Individuals with relatively small eyes
3. Microkeratome LASIK
Microkeratome LASIK is a procedure that uses an automated blade (called a microkeratome) to create a corneal flap, followed by a laser to reshape the cornea.
Advantages
- Lower cost compared to Bladeless Femto LASIK
- Faster recovery than ReLEx SMILE
- Less irritation than PRK
Suitable For
- Nearsightedness (0 to -10.00 D)
- Farsightedness (0 to +5.00 D)
- Astigmatism (0 to -5.00 D)
4. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a laser procedure that removes a thin outer layer of the cornea and reshapes it directly—without creating a corneal flap.
Advantages
- No corneal flap, eliminating flap-related risks
Suitable For
- People with thin corneas
- Those who had flap-related issues from LASIK
-Occupations such as pilots, military personnel, or police
Who is Suitable for Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK is suitable for individuals with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, especially when glasses or contact lenses are not effective or practical—such as in certain professions (e.g., pilots, police officers, military personnel, or athletes).
Ideal candidates should:
- Be over 18 years old with stable vision for at least 1 year
- Have nearsightedness up to approximately -10.00 to -12.00 D, or other refractive errors within treatable range
- Have no eye diseases such as eye inflammation, glaucoma, or corneal degeneration
- Have no health conditions affecting healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders)
- Be in good overall health with healthy corneas
- Be unable to rely on glasses or contact lenses due to lifestyle or profession
How Femto LASIK Works
Patients should fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations. Consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist and a well-equipped medical facility is essential.
Pre-operative Evaluation
A comprehensive eye examination includes:
- Computerized vision test
- Visual acuity assessment
- Intraocular pressure measurement
- Dry eye evaluation
- Retinal examination
- Pupil dilation
Procedure Steps
1. Numbing eye drops are applied
2. A femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap
3.The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea
4. The flap is repositioned and a protective eye shield is placed
5.The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes per eye
Risks of Femto LASIK
Although generally safe and effective, potential risks include:
- Infection (rare but possible)
- Corneal scarring
- Temporary blurred or double vision during recovery
- Glare or halos in low-light conditions
- Flap complications (especially with trauma to the eye area)
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Immediately – First Day
- Mild burning, irritation, or tearing may occur
- Use prescribed eye drops and wear sunglasses for UV protection
- Rest and avoid heavy eye use for the first 24 hours
First Week
- Avoid prolonged screen time, reading, or TV
- Avoid dust and touching or rubbing the eyes
- Strictly follow prescribed eye drop regimen
1–3 Months
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Vision will gradually stabilize and improve
- Normal activities can be resumed
Self-Care Recommendations
- Get adequate rest and avoid excessive eye strain
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV and bright light
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
- Use prescribed eye drops consistently and attend all follow-ups
Summary
Proper post-operative eye care after Femto LASIK is essential for optimal recovery and vision outcomes. Patients must strictly follow medical advice to minimize risks and ensure the best possible results.
Source : Eye Bangkok Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team
Bangkok Eye Hospital
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