Hello,
this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
When you consult about vision correction surgery, you may come across names of surgical devices that are unfamiliar to you.
You may think, “Isn’t the type of surgery more important than the equipment being used?”
However, even when the same type of vision correction surgery is performed, the functions available during treatment may differ depending on the laser system used to reshape the cornea.
In particular, if you are looking into Today LASEK at an eye clinic in Ilsan, one name you may frequently come across is the AMARIS RED.
Today LASEK does not involve creating a corneal flap.
Instead, it uses an excimer laser to reshape the necessary area of the cornea.
For that reason, it is also important to consider factors such as the laser pulse rate, treatment range, and eye-tracking capabilities.
So, what features of the AMARIS RED make it suitable for use in Today LASEK?
1. How Vision Correction Surgery Works
The cornea plays an important role in refracting incoming light so that it can focus properly on the retina.
However, when refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism are present, light does not focus at the correct point on the retina.
As a result, objects may appear blurry or out of focus.
Laser vision correction surgery improves these refractive errors by reshaping the cornea and changing its refractive power.
2. What Is LASIK?
LASIK is a vision correction procedure in which a corneal flap is created first.
An excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue and correct the refractive error.
After laser treatment is completed, the flap is repositioned over the cornea.
LASIK is generally associated with relatively mild postoperative discomfort and a fast initial visual recovery.
However, because the procedure involves creating a corneal flap, strong external impact may potentially cause the flap to shift or become damaged.
In addition, the creation of a flap may reduce the biomechanical stability of the cornea.
Rare complications such as corneal ectasia may also need to be considered.
3. What Is LASEK?
LASEK is a vision correction procedure in which the corneal epithelium is removed before an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
After surgery, a recovery period of approximately 5 to 7 days may be necessary.
During the healing period, symptoms such as pain, stinging, foreign-body sensation, and light sensitivity may occur.
Therefore, if you are considering LASEK at an eye clinic in Ilsan, it is important to plan your schedule while taking both the surgical method and postoperative recovery period into account.
4. What Is SMILE?
SMILE is a vision correction procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule within the corneal stroma.
This lenticule is then separated and removed through a small incision to correct the patient’s refractive error.
SMILE is generally associated with relatively mild discomfort and fast initial visual recovery.
However, before deciding on the procedure, it is important to carefully assess corneal structural stability and residual corneal thickness.
Rare complications such as corneal ectasia may also occur.
In addition, SMILE uses suction to stabilize the eye during laser treatment.
If the patient moves the eye significantly or fixation is lost during the procedure, a phenomenon known as suction loss may occur.
The suction interface used for SMILE is also disposable.
Because of this, the cost of the procedure may feel burdensome for some patients.
5. What Is Today LASEK?
Today LASEK is a vision correction procedure that uses an excimer laser to correct refractive errors.
It is based on the principles of conventional LASEK and does not involve creating a corneal flap.
Instead, the laser is precisely applied to the necessary optical zone to reshape the cornea.
When considering Today LASEK at an eye clinic in Ilsan, one of the factors worth checking is the excimer laser system used during surgery.
At our clinic, we use the AMARIS RED.
The AMARIS RED features a fast laser repetition rate and a sophisticated eye-tracking system.
Compared with conventional LASEK, it may allow the corneal epithelial removal area to be reduced by approximately 40%.
It also minimizes mechanical stimulation during epithelial removal.
As a result, depending on the patient’s condition, it may be possible to return to daily activities approximately 2 to 3 days after surgery.
6. Why Do We Use the AMARIS RED for Today LASEK at Our Ilsan Eye Clinic?
The AMARIS RED used at our clinic provides a laser repetition rate of up to 1050 Hz and uses 0.54 mm Gaussian Flying Spot technology.
These features help the system reshape the cornea precisely according to the planned ablation profile.
It also incorporates a real-time eye-tracking system.
During surgery, this system detects subtle eye movements and compensates for them so that the laser can remain aligned with the intended treatment position.
In this way, Today LASEK does require a certain period of recovery immediately after surgery.
However, it has the advantage of correcting vision without creating a corneal flap and of using a precise excimer laser system to reshape the cornea.
If you are comparing the price and recovery period of SMILE and Today LASEK while searching for an eye clinic in Ilsan, it is important not to make your decision based solely on cost or on a specific surgical method.
The first step should be a thorough examination of your eyes to determine which method is suitable for your individual eye condition.