Here’s what you need to know about laser vision correction surgery！
China Health Trip provides essential health tips and expert guidance to support your medical journey. Keep reading to discover more valuable information.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common eye condition. Many people seek alternatives to glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision. Laser eye surgery is a popular method for correcting myopia, but it still raises questions and concerns for many individuals.
What Is the Principle Behind Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
Laser vision correction surgery is categorized into corneal stromal surgeries and surface-based surgeries. The former includes SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), while the latter mainly refers to the advanced Smart Surface Ablation procedure.
The principle is to reshape and thin the cornea, altering its curvature and thickness to focus light precisely on the retina, thereby improving vision.
SMILE: This procedure uses femtosecond laser technology exclusively. It involves creating a lenticule within the corneal stroma by “penetrating” through the epithelial and Bowman’s layers. A 2mm micro-incision is then made to extract the lenticule.
LASIK: LASIK begins with the creation of a 20mm incision using a femtosecond laser to lift a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal stroma beneath the flap, correcting refractive errors by altering the corneal structure.
Smart Surface Ablation: This non-invasive procedure does not require corneal cutting. It directly treats the corneal epithelium in a single step, simultaneously removing the epithelium and correcting refractive errors. The process is blade-free, flap-free, gentle, and contactless. Moreover, the corneal epithelium fully regenerates post-surgery, leaving no scars and significantly reducing surgical risks and potential complications.
Who Is Not Suitable for Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
The following groups may not be eligible for laser vision correction surgery:
- Age Requirements
Laser vision correction is typically suitable for individuals aged 18 to 40, whose eyes have fully developed, and whose myopia is relatively stable.
- Insufficient Corneal Thickness
As the procedure involves thinning the cornea with a laser, adequate corneal thickness is essential to minimize surgical risks.
- Corneal or Ocular Diseases
Those with corneal diseases (e.g., keratitis, corneal scars) or other eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, retinal disorders) may face increased surgical risks.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect eye conditions and the stability of myopia. Surgery is generally not recommended during these periods.
Here’s what you need to know about laser vision correction surgery！
China Health Trip provides essential health tips and expert guidance to support your medical journey. Keep reading to discover more valuable information.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common eye condition. Many people seek alternatives to glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision. Laser eye surgery is a popular method for correcting myopia, but it still raises questions and concerns for many individuals.
What Is the Principle Behind Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
Laser vision correction surgery is categorized into corneal stromal surgeries and surface-based surgeries. The former includes SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), while the latter mainly refers to the advanced Smart Surface Ablation procedure.
The principle is to reshape and thin the cornea, altering its curvature and thickness to focus light precisely on the retina, thereby improving vision.
SMILE: This procedure uses femtosecond laser technology exclusively. It involves creating a lenticule within the corneal stroma by “penetrating” through the epithelial and Bowman’s layers. A 2mm micro-incision is then made to extract the lenticule.
LASIK: LASIK begins with the creation of a 20mm incision using a femtosecond laser to lift a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal stroma beneath the flap, correcting refractive errors by altering the corneal structure.
Smart Surface Ablation: This non-invasive procedure does not require corneal cutting. It directly treats the corneal epithelium in a single step, simultaneously removing the epithelium and correcting refractive errors. The process is blade-free, flap-free, gentle, and contactless. Moreover, the corneal epithelium fully regenerates post-surgery, leaving no scars and significantly reducing surgical risks and potential complications.
Who Is Not Suitable for Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
The following groups may not be eligible for laser vision correction surgery:
Age Requirements
Laser vision correction is typically suitable for individuals aged 18 to 40, whose eyes have fully developed, and whose myopia is relatively stable.
Insufficient Corneal Thickness
As the procedure involves thinning the cornea with a laser, adequate corneal thickness is essential to minimize surgical risks.
Corneal or Ocular Diseases
Those with corneal diseases (e.g., keratitis, corneal scars) or other eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, retinal disorders) may face increased surgical risks.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect eye conditions and the stability of myopia. Surgery is generally not recommended during these periods.
