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Ophthalmologists are pioneers in laser surgery—their clinical experience with lasers dates back to the early 1960s. Almost all types of lasers have found application in ophthalmology, and innovation in laser techniques continues at a rapid pace.
Lasers use high-energy light waves in order to cut through tissue in a very accurate manner, and to coagulate and remove tissue. Lasers have produced dramatic surgical effects that have improved the quality of care for patients. As with any surgical procedure, the key to a successful outcome is a knowledgeable, experienced and skillful surgeon.
The following types of laser treatment are performed at Vijaya Eye
Clinic :
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VISU-150 Zeiss
operating microscope from Germany with zoom and XY coupling.
Used to perform all ophthalmic surgeries. |
ARGON Laser Treatment
YAG Laser Treatment
Lasik® Surgery
Argon Laser Treatment
Argon laser treatment is used to treat retinal problems. Beams of the Argon laser are used to seal weak blood vessels in the eye, repair retinal damage, and treat certain types of glaucoma.
Commonest indication for ARGON laser treatment is retinopathy.
Since 1980, argon laser surgery has been used to reduce intraocular pressure-the main danger of glaucoma. The pressure can damage optic nerve fibers and cause progressive vision loss.
During argon laser trabeculoplasty, the surgeon applies a special mirrored contact lens to the patient's cornea. This device allows direct observation of the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye. Laser applications are made to specific areas of the trabecular meshwork in order to create a very subtle but definite burn of tissue Studies have shown that intraocular pressure is reduced in approximately three-quarters of the cases treated.
Yag Laser Treatment
Patients with angle-closure glaucoma (the pathways for drainage of eye fluid are significantly narrowed or completely blocked) can benefit from Yag laser treatment. In this surgical procedure, the ophthalmologist performs a series of carefully focused laser applications to restore clarity to the optical path of the eye. During Yag laser iridotomy, the ophthalmologist applies a special contact lens to the patient's cornea, which helps to focus the laser, allowing the creation of an opening in the iris. Yag laser treatment also assists in remedying cloudy, post-surgical membranes from the eye after cataract surgery.
Additionally, Yag thermal laser surgery can be used when other surgical procedures have failed to halt the advancement of glaucoma. Laser energy is applied through the sclera (outer layer of the eye) to the ciliary body (produces fluid which maintains the intraocular pressure). The selective destruction of the ciliary processes reduces intraocular pressure. Because this procedure can be painful, an anesthetic is administered.
Lasik® Surgery
People with myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism are candidates for Lasik surgery. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap in the cornea. He then folds the flap back out of the way, and removes some corneal tissue underneath using an Excimer laser. The laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. When the cornea is reshaped the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before. With this surgical advancement, no sutures are needed and most people experience minimal or no pain.
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