What Is Refractive Eye Surgery?
Refractive surgery, also known as laser vision correction, is widely recognized today and has become much more common and accessible.
Numerous advances in the field, through both new technology and surgical techniques, have made current treatments minimally invasive, extremely accurate and, most importantly, safer. Dr. Michel Pop is among the pioneers of these surgeries and has helped improve their accessibility in Quebec for the past 20 years. This article will discuss several of these new technologies and surgical techniques including LASIK surgery, femtosecond laser cataract surgery, intraocular lenses, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), clear lens surgery, as well as treatments for keratoconus.
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery
A cataract is the partial or total clouding of the eye’s natural lens, called the crystalline lens. This loss of transparency causes a progressive worsening of vision. Today, it is possible to correct this problem through laser microsurgery.
The procedure involves the following steps:
- First, a tiny incision is made in the cornea with a laser to extract the crystalline lens: The laser is used to perform a procedure called a capsulotomy, whereby an opening is made in the front of the lens capsule (or outer “envelope” of the lens). By means of ultrasonic pulses, the nucleus of the crystalline lens is then broken apart and carefully suctioned out.
- Once the lens nucleus has been completely removed, the intact capsule is cleaned out and a lens implant is inserted into it. Based on your pre-operative appointments with the surgeon and his or her assessment of your particular vision needs, the implanted lens may be a foldable aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (toric or non-toric), or a multifocal intraocular lens (toric or non-toric).
In 1997, Cliniques Michel Pop opened a private cataract surgery clinic, equipped with a state-of-the-art operating theatre (accredited in 2013 by Accreditation Canada). If you would like more information on this topic, please contact us.
Phakic intraocular lenses
Phakic intraocular lenses are used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and are inserted in front of or behind the iris, depending on the type of vision problem. This is a proven, effective solution that makes it possible to correct or improve more severe visual impairments. When inserted, the folded lens then unfolds into position. It corrects vision the same way contact lenses or corrective glasses do. Cliniques Michel Pop offers several types of intraocular lenses, and a consultation will determine exactly which kind is best suited for each individual’s condition.
Clear lens surgery with femtosecond laser
This procedure uses the same surgical techniques as modern cataract surgery in order to correct presbyopia and hyperopia; a multifocal lens is inserted into the crystalline lens capsule. This lens can also correct astigmatism.
Photorefractive keratectomy
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. This approach is frequently employed to treat mild to moderate myopia, as well as in cases where the cornea is too thin for LASIK surgery.
In technical terms, the procedure involves delicately removing the corneal epithelium (outer surface), and then correcting the vision with an excimer laser. A sensor monitors eye movements during the procedure and automatically corrects the alignment of the laser, as needed. The laser is guided by a computerized system that is pre-programmed to remove the exact amount of tissue, based on the refractive error. No incision is made in the cornea.
This treatment has evolved a great deal over the years, and today the recovery period is only 4 to 7 days. Dr. Michel Pop has over 20 years of experience with this procedure. Many patients who believed that they weren’t candidates for laser vision correction because their corneas were too thin or irregular have since benefited from the procedure at Cliniques Michel Pop.
Femtosecond LASIK surgery (iFS 160)
The iFS 160 LASIK is an accurate and safe laser that is used in corrective eye surgery. The iFS 160 LASIK laser has replaced the microkeratome, an instrument used to cut the cornea that is associated with conventional LASIK. Combined with HD technology (Wavefront), the IFS 160 LASIK laser offers greater accuracy and improved visual outcomes than conventional LASIK surgery.
The laser also enables surgeons to operate on eyes that have flatter or more bulging corneas. Cliniques Michel Pop has been treating patients with this technology since 2006, and in 2013 it acquired the most advanced femtosecond laser, the iFS 160.
Treatment of keratoconus through corneal cross-linking
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease, in which the cornea gradually weakens and becomes more cone-like in shape. This deformation deflects light, which ultimately results in distorted vision. The condition can develop in one eye or both and can start as early as adolescence. Thankfully, there are treatments that help improve the condition, including the following:
Corneal cross-linking
This technique consists in increasing the strength of the corneal tissue by administering UV light in combination with vitamin B12 eye drops. Corneal cross-linking stabilizes the deformation of the cornea, which helps maintain the current level of vision but doesn’t actually cure the keratoconus. Cliniques Michel Pop has been offering this innovative treatment since 2009.
Insertion of intracorneal segments (Intacs)
Intacs are ring segments made from PMMA (a transparent bio-compatible thermoplastic) which are inserted into the peripheral cornea. They serve to flatten the centre of the cornea and thus improve the quality of vision. This treatment has also been offered at Cliniques Michel Pop since 2009.
Over 20 years of expertise in laser surgery—and visibly so!
A multitude of new technologies have enabled the advancement of surgical techniques in vision correction. Dr. Pop and his team use the most effective technologies and state-of-the art surgical techniques to deliver successful, accurate and safe treatments. For over 20 years, Cliniques Michel Pop has continuously invested in its equipment and the professional development of its team in order to maintain the highest standards of care and safety for its patients. Recognized as an official Specialized Medical Centre since 2008, our clinics were also accredited by Accreditation Canada in 2013.