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eLearning Series:
Lasik Eye Surgery Questions & Answers
( 50 articles
in this series )
Lasers
Used In Lasik Eye Surgery
The lasers used in Lasik eye surgery represent
some of the most astounding creations in technology! The marvels
of modern medicine are truly at work with these lasers, which
have helped millions of people see better.
Excimer lasers are created for the specific purpose of performing
Lasik eye surgery. Not all lasers, however, are created equally.
The FDA has approved each type of laser, but, for a select
few patients, some lasers are better than others. The greatest
difference between most of these lasers is the way they deliver
the beam to the eye and track the eye’s movement.
There are two broad categories of lasers, broad beam and scanning.
Within the scanning categories, there are two subcategories:
slit scanning and spot scanning.
Broad-Beam Lasers
Broad-beam lasers utilize a somewhat large beam diameter,
ranging from 6 to 8 millimeters, to cut the cornea. Use of
these lasers generally shortens the amount of time necessary
to complete the procedure. These lasers also reduce the risk
of overcorrection due to pupil movement. The larger diameter
of these beams used to make the likelihood of complications
more likely, but improved technique and creation of these lasers
has virtually eliminated this risk.
Slit Scanning Lasers
Slit scanning lasers use a smaller bean to perform the Lasik
procedure. The beam is linked to a rotational device, which
has slit holes to enlarge the area to be cut. This accomplished
by the beams scanning across the holes. Slit scanning lasers
provide a more uniform beam and can create smoother cuts than
broad-beam lasers. There is, however, a slightly greater chance
of overcorrection with a slit scanning laser.
Spot Scanning Lasers
Spot scanning lasers are also referred to as “flying spot”
lasers. These lasers use a small diameter beam of only 0.8
to 2 millimeters. This beam is scanned across the cornea in
order to create the area to be cut. Spot scanning lasers have
the potential to create the smoothest cut. They are also better
capable of producing customized cuts and treating irregular
astigmatism.
Eye-Tracking
Many lasers also contain an eye-tracking system. This system
links the position of the eye to the laser operation. Lasers
without this system make it necessary for the patient to fixate
on a distant object and keep the eye perfectly still throughout
the procedure.
There are two different types of eye-tracking laser systems.
The first is called “open loop.” With open loop tracking, a
video based tracking system monitors the pupil’s location.
If the eye moves beyond a predetermined setting, it stops the
procedure.
The other form of tracking system is the “closed loop.” This
system is capable of tracking the eye’s movement, and it makes
adjustments according to the movement. Unlike the open loop
system, closed loop tracking never stops the procedure completely.
Lasik eye surgery experts agree that some form of eye tracking
is needed when using spot scanning lasers and for when performing
procedures that take long periods of time. This is because
patients simply are not capable of fixating long enough to
complete a procedure that takes more time.
IntraLase Lasers
Many surgeons also use IntraLase lasers to perform Lasik eye
surgery. The IntraLase laser is capable of creating the “flap”
that needs to be cut in order to reach the cornea for shaping.
This laser creates a very precise pattern consisting of small,
overlapping spaces. It works at an extremely high speed with
pulses of one quadrillionth of a second. This allows the tissue
to be both targeted and divided at a moleculer level, which
removes the needs for the use of heat or impact on the tissue.
The IntraLase laser beam system utilizes special computer
software to help guide the beam itself. This software instructs
the beam to apply a series of tiny bubbles on the central layer
of the cornea. This results in a corneal flap that is at a
precise pre-determined depth and diameter. This technology
has helped people with thinner corneas successfully undertake
the procedure.
Laser beams may sound futuristic or straight from a science
fiction book, but this amazing technology is real and here
today. Through the variety of lasers available for use in Lasik
surgery, eye surgeons are capable of creating a better out-look
for millions of people.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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