Femto-LASIK - further development of classic LASIK
We can offer our patients the latest development in the area of refractive laser treatment, the so-called femtosecond-LASIK procedure. The precision of the treatment method and the certainty of achieving the desired result are considerably improved.
The difference between LASIK and Femto-LASIK
Unlike conventional LASIK, in which the corneal flaps are formed with a microkeratome, an extremely precise cutting instrument, the femtosecond laser makes a "laser only" treatment possible. The corneal flaps are cut gently with the laser and without direct contact. Thousands of laser impulses separate the cornea of the eye precisely at a certain, defined level.
The result for your eyes
Thanks to the Femto-LASIK method, the surface of is considerably finer and the quality of the cornea flaps can be more precisely predicted.
Good to know
In general, LASIK, with 32 million satisfied patients around the world (Source: VSDAR 2010), is the most commonly used treatment method, in order to correct visual defects with the Excimer laser.
The newer method of Femto-LASIK is becoming increasingly more common. Already, 5 million people have been treated with the Intralase system from AMO (Source: AMO 2010). Studies have shown a 100x greater accuracy in cuts than with conventional LASIK. In September 2007, the American space agency NASA declared that its astronauts would be able to have visual defects corrected using a femotsecond laser.
More information at: http://nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/content/faq.htm
Prerequisitions for Femto-LASIK
Femto-LASIK treatment is possible and scientifically-recognised with the following visual defects:
- Short-sightedness up to approx. -10 dpt
- Far-sightedness up to approx. +2.5 dpt
- Astigmatism up to approx. -5 dpt
Individual reasons such as ability to wear contact lenses/spectacles as well as business and personal reasons are often of extreme importance.
Exclusion criteria:
Even if your visual defect is within the correctable area, it is not always possible to apply the Femto-LASIK method.
Indications to the contrary are:
- Insufficient corneal thickness
- Age below 18
- Incidence of a visual impairment (e.g. cataract/glaucoma)
- Incidence of a general illness (e.g. rheumatism, diabetes)
- Pregnancy or lactation period
- Unstable refraction values (visual defect changes continually, +/- 0.5 dpt. per year)
Femto-LASIK treatment procedure
The entire laser treatment is completely painless for you in all phases!
Phase 1
Unlike the usual LASIK, in Femto-LASIK the corneal flap is formed with the laser instead of with a microkeratome (special knife). At the start of treatment, a fixation ring is placed on the eye and a contact glass placed on that. Using this contact glass, the laser rays are positioned at the pre-calculated depth in the cornea under computer control. You will feel a slight pressure. Then, the corneal flap, which is created by a sequence of thousands of laser impulses, is folded to the side.
Phase 2
Now, as with the usual LASIK method, the Excimer laser is used. It removes part of the corneal tissue, without any pain. The portion to be removed is precisely calculated in advance. This corrects your visual defect and your visual aids are a thing of the past.
Phase 3
After the laser application has been completed, the corneal flap is repositioned like a natural bandage. The corneal flap immediately nestles in place and completely seals the surface of the eye. This natural bandage is one of the greatest advantages of the Femto-Lasik. You feel no pain and are soon ready for action.
After treatment
At the end of treatment, we give you a short rest and the first post-procedural control is made after about 30 minutes.
Dr Haug will explain how to use the medication and give you important behavioural information.
At home, you should try to keep your eyes closed as much as possible. Try to avoid squinting or rubbing your eyes.
For the next 2-3 hours, your sight will be somewhat fuzzy and a slight feeling of having something in your eyes, as well as a slight burning or tears, is normal.
Usually, these problems cease within a short time and your sight increases. You will be able to see almost clearly without a visual aid the very next day. The complete healing process is completed after approx. 2 to 3 weeks.
Usually, post-procedural checks are made at the following intervals:
- On Day 1 after the procedure
- After 1 week
- After 6 to 12 weeks
- After 1 year
