FemtoLASIK

FemtoLASIK

• FemtoLASIK is a treatment for correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, utilizing Femtosecond laser to create the high precision corneal flap, and then, the excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

• FemtoLASIK is a type of LASIK which uses a femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome in creating a flap. Therefore, FemtoLASIK is referred to as “Bladeless LASIK”.

• In both LASIK and FemtoLASIK surgery, a flap must be made on the cornea but using different technology.

FemtoLASIK Technology

• The advanced technology of the Carl Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser from Carl Zeiss, Germany

• A top-quality Mel 80 Excimer Laser from Carl Zeiss, Germany

FemtoLASIK Procedure

• A Visumax Femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap.

• The flap is lifted and folded back, exposing the corneal stroma underneath.

• An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea.

• The flap is closed and left to heal.

Advantages of FemtoLASIK

• Less chance of corneal bruising than LASIK

• Decreased risk of flap related complications during surgery

• More consistency and precision in creating a corneal flap than LASIK

• Can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism

• Able to correct myopia and astigmatism combined up to -12.00 Diopter

Limitation of FemtoLASIK

• Even though FemtoLASIK is more reliable and more precise than LASIK, it does not provide the reduced side effects of ReLEx

The qualifications of a suitable candidate for FemtoLASIK at TRSC generally include

• People who are at least 18 years of age and have had stable vision for at least one year. (All minors under age 20 are required to have a legal guardian present to give consent for medical treatment. TRSC has the right to refuse service if there is no guardian present)

• People who have no corneal diseases or other eye diseases, for example; significant retinal degeneration, severe eye dryness.

• People who have no complicating diseases, which may affect the eye’s healing process, such as SLE (lupus), Sjogren’s syndrome, Psoriasis and diabetes (not well-controlled) or other auto-immune diseases.

• Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Not taking any psychiatric medications or being under the treatment for psychological disorders.

• Must have the pre-operative eye examination performed by TRSC in order to make certain that all measurements meet our standards and a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

• People who have a complete and detailed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of FemtoLASIK and have realistic expectations of the outcomes.

Preparation for the preoperative eye examination (WU) and FemtoLASIK at TRSC

• Refrain from wearing contact lenses prior to the pre-operative eye examination. You may use your glasses during the time you are not wearing your contact lenses. The amount of time required to stay out of contact lenses is the following.

  • Soft lenses: At least 3 days before the examination.

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses or Semi-hard lenses: At least 14 days before the examination.

• Stopping certain medications

  • Oral acne medications in the Isotretinoin group, such as Roaccutane, Acnotin, Isotret, must be stopped at least 1 month before the eye examination and surgery, as this type of medication causes the conjunctiva to become drier than normal, including the corneal surface.

  • If you are taking any other regular medications, please inform the ophthalmologist on the day of the examination, such as diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, thyroid medications, and all types of sleeping pills. However, patients can still take their medications as usual and do not need to stop taking any medications before the examination day and on the examination day.

• The preoperative eye examination will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

• Please note that the doctor who conducts the examination will be your surgeon. If you have a preferred doctor, please specify.

• The results of your preoperative eye examination by a surgeon will be divided into the following 3 categories:

  • Your eyes are healthy and you are a suitable candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. You have a very good chance of success and the risks involved are minimal and fall in the normal range. You may make an appointment for FemtoLASIK right away or at your convenience.

  • You are not a candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. The reasons could be due to your eye health, general health, or mental health. The doctor may advise other ways to treat your refractive errors such as PRK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which is an alternative option for your surgery. The doctor will provide additional details for your consideration.

  • You may be a candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. Depending on your examination results, you may be a candidate if your eyes are treated properly so that your eye health is normal and in good condition for surgery. Some examples include dry eyes, allergic reactions from contact lens wear, and eye diseases such as retinal problems or glaucoma.

FemtoLASIK is a bladeless laser eye surgery using advanced Carl Zeiss lasers to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with precision. Candidates must be 18+, with stable vision, no corneal diseases, and not pregnant or on certain meds. A comprehensive pre-op exam is required.