They see the crisis with different eyes!

An increase of about 200% has been noted for the past two years in laser eye surgeries that treat swiftly and without pain disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Glasses and contact lenses are no longer needed.

An impressive increase up to 200% in ophthalmological procedures has been noted for the past two years in Greece. Interest in them is huge despite the crisis. People between the ages of 18 and 40, mostly women, seek a drastic way to get rid of glasses and contact lenses. The factors that increase demand are aesthetic and pathological.

“Air pollution contributes to the appearance of problems, like allergies and keratitises, from long-term use of contact lenses”, explains to “Ethnos” the ophthalmologist surgeon Dr. George Chronopoulos. According to the doctor, technology now offers the possibility of a painless and immediate treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Such procedures, he explains, are an integral part of refractive surgery: “The results are impressive. The procedure is done fast, painlessly and the patient leaves the clinic immediately without bandages”.

For the proper treatment of refractive abnormalities, thorough preoperative tests are needed. The laser sculpts and gives shape to the corneal surface, in order to correct the refractive abnormality. The technique mainly used worldwide today is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) which is a combination of microsurgery and laser. The creation of the flap is done either with a mechanical microkeratome or with laser use (Femtosecond laser). LASIK is appropriate for myopias from 1 to 12 degrees, while hyperopia and astigmatism have more restrictions (6 degrees). The surgeon creates a flap on the cornea and lifts it up like a cap. The laser acts under the surface and on the corneal layer, sculpting its surface without injuring it; the flap is closed after the procedure has ended.

Laser application lasts less than 30 seconds, while the whole procedure lasts no more than 5 minutes. No protective lens or sutures are needed and there is no pain or discomfort postoperatively. The restoration of vision happens immediately, while the patient leaves the clinic without bandages and without needing his glasses.

CONDITIONS

Procedures are done for people over 18

EVERY PERSON that has a refractive abnormality can undergo a corrective procedure, if he consults with his ophthalmologist and proper indications are present.

According to Dr. Chronopoulos, everyone who is over 18 years of age and their refraction is stable for the past year can undergo this procedure, as well as, in general, all those who are interested in their appearance and want good quality of vision without dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Published in the ewspaper Ethnos on 5 November 2010