Laser Excimer
There are several techniques of refractive surgery using this type of laser – PRK (refractive photokeractomy), and LASIK (in situ keratomilieusis complemented by laser Excimer).
Currently LASIK is the preferred technique, as it provides a painless post-operative, a rapid recovery of vision and a stable result in the future.This type of surgery is composed of three phases:
1. Queratomileusis
consists of cutting a thin flap in the cornea (110 to 180 microns of thickness), which is raised, exposing the underlying corneal layer – the stroma. It can be done in two ways:
- Microqueratótomo: High precision instrument in which the cut is executed by a blade automatically.
- Laser Femtosegundo: Solid laser capable of cutting the thickness of the flap with precision, centering and regularity. IMO pioneered the use of this technology in Portugal, which dates back to 2006.
2. Excimer Laser Ablation
In this phase, the refractive error is corrected through laser remodeling of the previously exposed stroma surface. We have a state-of-the-art platform, which combines the highest speed, accuracy and regularity of the ablation with intelligent control of the thermal effect, as well as an efficient “eye tracking” system, which performs 1050 measurements per second – Schwind Amaris 750S. It is also the only platform that has a particle aspiration system (laminar flow) during ablation.
3. Corneal Flap Replacement
Last phase in which the previously elevated corneal flap is put back on the stroma, leaving the surface of the cornea intact. It is for this reason that after Lasik surgery there are no postoperative pains and the recovery of vision is almost immediate.
