How to choose laser surgery for myopia? Understand the principles, characteristics, and risks of "Three Mainstream Surgeries" at once
Myopia laser surgery is a technology that improves vision by changing the thickness and curvature of the cornea. With the advancement of technology, its treatment methods have become more diverse. Xu Chengru, director of the Medical Department of Weishi Ophthalmology Taipei Tung Hsing Hospital, said in an interview that the current mainstream myopia laser surgeries can be divided into three major types: SMART TransPRK, LASIK and SMILE Pro. Choosing the appropriate surgery is crucial to ensuring stable vision. It’s important.
What is the best choice for myopia laser surgery? This procedure is highly safe and stable
First of all, Director Xu Chengru explained that “SMART TransPRK” was developed from “PRK” and “TransPRK” and has a history of more than 30 years. Just as mobile devices have evolved from BB calls to push-button phones and even smartphones, SMART TransPRK surgery has also become increasingly intelligent and automated; compared with traditional PRK surgery, pain and recovery time have improved significantly.
The main feature of SMART TransPRK is that it is equipped with a “fully intelligent laser system” that does not require direct contact with the eyes. It uses precision instruments to control the surgical process and reduce human errors. Director Xu Chengru pointed out that compared with traditional PRK surgery or other surgical procedures, SMART transPRK not only significantly reduces postoperative discomfort, but is also a relatively safe and stable procedure that preserves the most stratum corneum.
As for LASIK surgery, which has been around for more than 20 years, it requires the use of instruments to create a corneal flap and laser cutting of the cornea. LASIK surgery has a faster recovery time and is suitable for people who need to quickly restore their vision, or for office workers who spend most of their time doing static work. However, although its technology is mature and widely used, it will leave permanent scars after surgery and also bear the risk of corneal flap displacement.
SMILE Pro is a relatively new surgery with a history of about 15 years. This surgery does not require the creation of a corneal flap, but uses minimally invasive surgery to cut a 2-4mm gap in the eye to complete the surgery. SMILE Pro also has a good recovery speed, but the preserved thickness of the corneal stromal layer is not as good as SMART TransPRK surgery, and the range of powers suitable for the surgery is relatively limited.
Achieve “zero wounds” after customized sculpted cornea recovery! SMART transPRK preserves space for secondary surgery
What are the key differences between traditional PRK surgery and SMART transPRK? Director Xu Chengru said that the former requires scraping the cornea with alcohol and a razor blade, which can easily cause strong pain after the operation and the recovery period is relatively long; the latter uses a fully intelligent instrument system to sculpt the eye’s cornea with zero contact and customization; Lei There is zero corneal contact during the injection process, and SMART TransPRK does not leave any wounds after recovery. In addition to retaining more of the corneal stromal layer, it also has the opportunity to reserve the opportunity for a second surgery.
LASIK surgery requires the creation of a corneal flap, and there is a risk of corneal flap displacement due to larger wounds; SMILE PRO surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, which helps reduce the risk of postoperative complications because the wound is smaller, but it will still leave 2 -4mm wound. If there is residual power after surgery resulting in blurred vision, Smile Pro will not be able to perform another surgery using the same technology because the corneal layer that is pulled out again is too thin.
Do I need to reserve at least six months before surgery? “3 Big Myths” about SMART transPRK
What are the common myths people in the clinic have about SMART transPRK? Director Xu Chengru explained that first of all, he mistakenly thought that this procedure was a “medical surgery”, which is different from the principles of LASIK and SMILE PRO, which are “cosmetic surgeries”. In fact, any type of myopia laser is a medical eye surgery. SMART transPRK, in addition to refractive correction, is also a tool used by many international ophthalmologists to clinically treat corneal diseases.
Secondly, many people will ask whether only SMART TransPRK can damage the “Decemet membrane”. Director Xu Chengru pointed out that the Descemet’s membrane is a structure on the cornea with a thickness of about 10 microns. When undergoing SMART TransPRK surgery, the Descemet’s membrane will be directly vaporized and eliminated; while LASIK and Smile Pro will destroy its supporting force. Therefore, no matter what type of myopic laser surgery is used, the Descemet’s membrane will be affected. At present, academic circles still have different opinions on the role of Descemet’s membrane. However, the intraocular pressure related to corneal stability actually has the greatest impact on the stromal layer. The retained thickness of the stromal layer is positively related to the intraocular pressure. In other words, the retained thickness of the stromal layer is positively related to the intraocular pressure. The thicker the stromal layer, the more stable the structure of the eyeball will be.
Finally, there is the time reserved before and after myopia laser surgery. Director Xu Chengru said that it is not safe to say that “you can go to work the next day” after myopia laser treatment is circulated on the Internet. It is recommended to set aside a preparation period of six months before the operation, thoroughly discuss the treatment course with the doctor, and take a complete fundus examination; after the operation, Allowing a recovery period of 1-3 months and following the doctor’s instructions for eye care and medication can minimize the risk of postoperative complications.
Director Xu Chengru reminded that after myopia laser surgery, you should return for regular follow-up visits, and develop good eye-use habits such as taking regular breaks, looking far away, staying away from screens, and getting in touch with nature. It is recommended that regardless of the degree of myopia, you can actively consult an ophthalmologist to regain clear vision through proper treatment channels, and avoid mistaking unidentified online rumors or folk remedies and damaging your eye health.
