laser refractive
Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is a surgical treatment method based on reshaping the cornea with a laser to correct vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK, iLASIK, PRK, and SMILE techniques are applied following a personalized evaluation.
Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven
Ophthalmology · Istanbul
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Quick Answer
Laser refractive surgery is a method in which the cornea is reshaped with a laser in order to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The appropriate technique (LASIK, iLASIK, PRK, SMILE) is determined through comprehensive measurements, primarily corneal thickness and topography.
What Is a Refractive Error?
A refractive error is a vision disorder that occurs when the eye cannot properly bend (refract) light. It results from abnormalities in the curvature of the cornea or the length of the eye.
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Characterized by distant objects appearing blurry.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Difficulty seeing nearby objects.
- Astigmatism: Objects at both near and far distances appear blurry.
What Is Laser Refractive Surgery?
Laser refractive surgery is based on changing the shape of the cornea with the help of a laser. The goal is to reduce the patient’s need for glasses or contact lenses.
- LASIK: A flap is created in the cornea, and the tissue beneath it is reshaped with a laser.
- PRK: The surface of the cornea is directly reshaped with a laser.
- SMILE: A thin piece of tissue (lenticule) is created inside the cornea with the help of a laser and removed.
Techniques differ according to how the cornea is accessed: surface ablation (PRK), flap-based techniques (LASIK), and flapless techniques based on lenticule removal (SMILE).
Key Measurements in Candidate Evaluation
Corneal topography and tomography are used to rule out progressive corneal weaknesses such as subclinical keratoconus. Other parameters evaluated include:
- Pupil diameter
- Tear film quality
- Corneal thickness
- Residual stromal bed (remaining corneal tissue)
Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven’s Experience
Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven has been involved in refractive surgery since 1996; in 2001 he performed Turkey’s first WaveLight Excimer Laser LASIK surgery, and later Turkey’s first Intralase Femtosecond Laser LASIK surgery. Between 2003 and 2023 he served as Director of the Refractive Surgery Department at Dünyagöz Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the technique chosen?
The choice is based on measurements performed by the physician. If corneal thickness is sufficient, flap-based methods (LASIK/iLASIK) may be suitable; in thinner corneas, surface ablation (PRK) may be appropriate.
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Can every refractive error be corrected with laser?
No. Laser refractive surgery is defined for a certain range of degrees and corneal structure. Suitability is determined through a comprehensive examination.
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Does the need for glasses disappear completely?
Laser treatment aims to reduce dependence on glasses and lenses; however, the outcome varies from person to person.
Related topics
Treatments often evaluated together
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Keratoconus Treatment
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges forward into a cone shape over time. Early diagnosis and the choice of an appropriate method (crosslinking/CXL, CAIRS, and intracorneal ring segments) are critical for controlling the disease.
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Presbyopia (Age-Related Near Vision Loss) Treatment
Presbyopia is an age-related vision disorder that occurs in individuals over 40 when the eye's lens loses its flexibility. It presents with blurred near vision, eye strain, and headaches. Options ranging from glasses and lenses to laser and intraocular lens treatments are evaluated on a personalized basis.
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Cataract – Intraocular Lens Treatments
Cataract is a disease that occurs when the eye's natural lens loses its transparency. In modern refractive cataract surgery, intraocular lenses (monofocal, EDOF, trifocal, toric) are selected based on the patient's age, corneal structure, and visual needs.
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