LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, an Excimer Laser surgery procedure which reshapes the cornea from the interior stroma as a means of correcting refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism).
LASIK is an outpatient, conscious surgery performed with local anaesthetic (eye drops).
Visual recovery after LASIK surgery is almost immediate. Patients can lead a normal life from the very first day.
LASIK increases life comfort by eliminating the need of optical accessories (glasses, contact lenses) which implies a relief for patients.
Have you considered the yearly cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses? And the cost for the next ten years?
ADVANCED
REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Alonso clarifies the most frequent doubts regarding laser refractive surgery.
The expertise of our medical team combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology guarantee the best results for our patients. Schedule a non-binding consultation and we will recommend you the best treatment option for your condition.
Specialists must conduct a full ophthalmological examination and assessment of patients before reaching a decision on the most adequate procedure. No procedure is more satisfactory than others, but there is a most adequate method for each particular case.
Minimum age required for surgery is 18 years old.
Patients must be affected by a stable refractive error.
Patients must meet ophthalmological requirements.
PRE-OPERATIVE
ASSESSMENT
Patients must discontinue the use of contact lenses in a period of 3-21 days before surgery (depending on the lenses and frequency of use) given the effect known as corneal warpage which might affect the results of the assessment.
LASIK SURGERY – STEP 1
CORNEAL FLAP
The initial step of this procedure includes the creation of a flap on the surface layer of the cornea: once the corneal tissue has been reshaped the corneal flap will be returned to its original position. The patient’s eyelids will be wide opened with the help of an instrument called blepharostat. This will prevent involuntary blinking.
An adjusted suction ring (centred on the pupil) is placed on the eye to prevent movements. The patient will experience a pressure on the eye.
From this point on the corneal flap can be created in two different ways:
Corneal tissue known as flap is folded back and will remain attached like a hinge to the eye by one of the edges. This will facilitate its re-positioning when surgery is complete.
Once the flap is removed the patient’s vision becomes blurry and only white lights around the red laser can be perceived.
LASIK SURGERY – STEP 2
LASER
PHOTO-ABLATION
The second step includes the use of Excimer Laser to reshape the corneal stroma.
A series of laser pulses vaporise corneal tissue in a controlled, precise process without damaging the neighbouring areas. The amount of vaporised tissue is about a few dozen microns thick (depending on the dioptres to be corrected, approximately 17 microns per dioptre).
The process lasts around 10 seconds and during that time a safety mechanism called eye tracking follows eye movements 4,000 times per second, redirecting laser pulses to the areas that need to be treated.
LASIK SURGERY – STEP 3
RE-POSITIONING
OF THE FLAP
After the corneal stroma is reshaped by the laser the flap is folded into its original position and will remain there by natural adhesion (no suturing is necessary) until full recovery.
Most post-operative complications of the LASIK procedure can be corrected with medication in a brief period. The use of the new Wavefront Laser technology prevents other complications. If necessary, complications can also be corrected with a new surgical intervention. The main complications of LASIK procedure include:
PIONEERS IN
OCULAR SURGERY
The expertise of our medical team combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology guarantee the best results for our patients.
“I had LASIK surgery with Dr. Luis Alonso about a week ago. It’s the best medical experience I ever had, 100% proficiency and excellent care. Excellent!”
Jose Hernández.
“Doctor Rahhal is an outstanding professional, he advised me and operated on me later on. I must say that I made the best decision. Thanks to Dr. Rahhal I don’t need to wear glasses anymore. I feel delighted and I’m very grateful to him”
Marian Fons.
“I feel really great since I had surgery with Dr. Rahhal three years ago. It was the best decision I could ever make. Thanks for everything!”
Luis Bullich.
PRICING AND
FINANCING
At CLÍNICA RAHHAL we want treatment to be fully affordable for our patients. Making refractive surgery accessible to all our patients is one of our primary concerns
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Select any of the following FAQs from our patients and check the answers. If your doubts are not solved please use the contact form below to get in touch with us.
Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) can only be corrected when the patient’s prescription is stabilised, which occurs around the age of 20.
Yes, any of the procedures currently used (laser and lens implants) allow the simultaneous correction of both errors.
The eye must remain as stable as possible during surgery, therefore patients lie on a treatment table with their eyes fixed on a red light on the Excimer Laser machine.
A safety device called eye tracker compensates for involuntary eye movements following up the eye at milliseconds intervals and adjusting the direction of the laser pulses. In case of sudden movements the safety system fully stops the treatment.
It is a quick procedure. Patients remain in the surgery room for 15-20 minutes on average. Just a few seconds of that time are used for the application of the Excimer Laser. The remaining time is used to prepare the patient’s eye for surgery.
Refractive surgery procedures are carried out using topical (local) anaesthetics (eye drops). Patients do not experience any pain during the operation.
LASIK and PRK procedures have very simple post-operative processes which require only eye drops and artificial tears.
After surgery it is recommended to rest at least for 24 hours. Most work activities can be resumed after 48 hours. Patients must wait at least a week to resume any sport activity.
During pre-surgery assessment tests, our medical staff will examine the condition of the cornea, namely corneal width and post-operative methods. Laser treatment reshapes corneal tissue. Intraocular surgery (which does not modify ocular structure) may be considered if the cornea does not meet specific safety criteria.
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