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Welcome to Our Refractive Surgery /
Laser Vision Correction / LASIK Centre, Chennai, India |
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Inauguration of the ‘Laser Vision Correction Center’
at the main campus in year 2001 by the
President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam |
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Laser Vision Correction is an outpatient procedure that is capable of correcting a
wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
LASIK is the acronym which stands for Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK was
first performed in clinical trials in the U.S. in 1991. The term refers to the use of
a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the neighboring cell layers. Now it has
expanded to other methods of Laser vision correction (LVC) as well. Laser vision
correction has fast become the most preferred procedure for the treatment of myopia,
hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure is safe and the visual recovery is rapid
which is why patients are undergoing this procedure the world over.
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Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasan & Dr. S.
S. Badrinath |
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Our Laser Vision Correction
Team |
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What is Refractive Error? |
Normally, the rays of light entering the eye are
brought to a precise focus on the retina – the light sensitive layer lining the back of
the eye. When such a focus is not achieved, a refractive error results and vision is not
clear. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive
errors. |
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Fig 1: Normal eye |
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The common refractive errors are:
- Myopia, or Nearsightedness;
- Hyperopia, or Farsightedness;
- Astigmatism
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Myopia |
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Fig 2: Myopic eye |
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A myopic eye is longer than normal or has a cornea
that is too steep, as a result of which the light rays focus in front of the retina.
Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred. |
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Hyperopia (Farsightedness) |
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Fig 3: Hyperopic eye |
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Hyperopia is a term used to describe the condition of
farsightedness. The causes of hyperopic are typically genetic and involve an eye that is
too short or a cornea that is too flat, as a result of which images focus at a point
behind the Retina. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have
trouble focusing on nearby objects |
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Astigmatism (Distorted vision): |
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Astigmatism (cylindrical error) occurs when the
incoming light rays are unable to reach a common focus within the eye. Astigmatism
distorts or blurs vision for both near and far objects. The cornea is the clear front
window of the eye. When you have astigmatism, the cornea curves more in one direction
than in the other, like a rugby ball. It is possible to have astigmatism in combination
with myopia or hyperopia. |
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What are the options to correct Refractive Error?
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There are several alternatives to correct your vision.
Spectacles or contact lenses are the most common methods of correcting refractive
errors. Refractive surgery is also an option to correct or improve your vision. These
surgical procedures are used to adjust your eye’s focusing ability by reshaping the
cornea, or front surface of your eye. |
What is Laser vision correction surgery? |
Refractive surgery is a procedure intended to reduce a
person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea to enable light
entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. |
What is the type of Laser vision correction
surgery available? |
The most common refractive surgical procedures performed today are:
- LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis):
It is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependence on spectacles or
contact lenses. In this procedure a thin hinged flap of cornea (the cornea is the
transparent, dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye) is created and lifted
to one side to access the underlying cornea (called the stroma) and remove some
corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The flap is then repositioned in its original
position.
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Fig 5: LASIK |
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The primary advantage for the use of femtosecond lasers in
corneal refractive surgery is the improved safety over microkeratomes in creation of
the lamellar flap. Additional advantages includes
1. Increased precision
2. Customization
3. Ease of surgery
Femtosecond lasers allow for customization of the flap for each patient. In addition
to producing reliable flap thicknesses, the flap diameter can be selected to one-tenth
of a millimeter.
Femtosecond lasers are (state-of-the-art) instruments that offer more
surgical precision than current manual techniques.
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- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) / LASEK
It was the original kind and is still sometimes used. It involves gently scraping the
surface layer off the cornea and then using a laser beam to re-shape it.
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- Epi LASIK ( Epithelial Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis: EPI
LASIK)
It is a procedure, which combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK, Epilasik involves
the use of an epikeratome, only the superficial epithelial layer of cornea.
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Fig 6: Epi LASIK involves lifting just the skin
(epithelium) of the cornea. |
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It is also referred to as custom LASIK or wave front LASIK, is similar to
conventional LASIK, except that in addition to treating a patient’s basic refractive
error, specific distortion in a patient’s eye (high order aberrations) can also be
treated.
With the development of SMILE, a minimally invasive and flapless procedure has become
available. It has quicckly established itself as a gentle treatment option.
SMILE is also a flapless procedure, meaning that there are no flap-related
complications and side effects. As a result, corneal sensitivity, for the most part,
is quickly recovered.
* Minimal invasive and gentle with only a small incision.
* Generally fast visual recovery within a few days
* Predominantly excellent visual outcomes with high predictability
* Interesting treatment option also for athletes engaging in contact sports, flight
crews, military and rescue personnel.
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Step 1
Lenticule creation
A small piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) and a small incision are created inside the
intact cornea. |
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Step 2
Lenticule removal, the lenticule is removed through the incision with minimal disruption
to the corneal biomechanics. |
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Step 3
Impairment is corrected Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby
achieving a vision correction. |
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Our LASIK consultant / counselor will have detailed discussion
about the appropriate procedure based on the eye measurements, glass power and
refractive surgery safety tests preoperatively.
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Who are eligible candidates for corneal
refractive surgery? |
- Be atleast 18 years of age, with a stable refraction for the past 1 year.
- Have healthy eyes that are free from any eye diseases or corneal abnormalities
(Eg: scar, infection etc.)
- All other Parameters in the eye being reasonably normal.
- Normal pre-operative refractive surgery safety tests.
- Should not have any connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), auto immune
(SLE) and immunodeficiency diseases (AIDS).
- Should not be pregnant or a nursing mother.
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What is the procedure and follow up? |
Procedure:
- Please remember that if you are a contact lens wearer you have to discontinue the
use of the same atleast 2 weeks prior to your Lasik consultation (As the contact
lens can alter the shape of the cornea). During this period you can wear spectacles.
- As a part of Comprehensive Eye examination for Lasik, we dilate your pupils for
retinal evaluation, since we dilate the pupils, we request you to have someone
accompanying you to drive you back as you will not be able to self-drive. This is
because the vision is slightly fuzzy for an hour or two. Hence avoid going back to
office work after the evaluation is completed.
- The primary objective of this consultation is to determine whether you are a
suitable candidate for laser vision correction (LASIK), and if so, which procedure
is most appropriate for you.
- The treatments we apply are customized for the person’s needs, age and glass power
of eye to give a precise result.
- Lasik information brochure giving details of our treatment procedures is available
at the LASIK reception desk.
- Our LASIK Secretary will provide you an Outpatient information sheet to be filled
for your medical record. Kindly complete all applicable details in capital letters,
then you will be given a hospital MRD number mentioned Identity Card along with
LASIK visiting card.
- Start preliminary examination with our Optometrist.
- Your eyes will be dilated with eye drops. You will be asked to keep your eyes
closed for a brief period of time to aid the dilation.
- During the consultation with your Refractive Surgeon, the pros and cons of
different types of refractive procedure will be discussed and the choice of
procedure will be decided based on the tests.
- Your counselor will explain in detail the most appropriate process, cost involved,
and finalize the same with your concurrence.
- Appointment for the LASIK procedure, fee structure and payment procedure will be
explained by our LASIK clinic receptionist.
- You should plan on being at the LASIK Wing approximately 1 to 2 hours prior on the
day of your procedure. Please be accompanied by an attendant. Do not drive by
yourself after your treatment.
- When you arrive at our LASIK Center, on the day of your procedure, you will
complete a brief check-in process and if required tests may be repeated. You will be
asked to sign your consent forms prior to the procedure. We want you to be as
comfortable and relaxed as possible. Our attentive staff will be on hand to cater to
your needs and to keep you informed and comfortable through every step of the
process. You will also meet with our refractive surgeon prior to your procedure.
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What to expect during the procedure?
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- Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops will be applied to prevent any
discomfort during the procedure.
- Your eyes will be positioned under the laser and an instrument called the lid
speculum will be used to keep the eyelids open.
- Based on the type of refractive procedure the surgeon will create the flap or the
bed for the laser. After creating the flap, the surgeon will then adjust the eyes to
align with the laser.
- You will be asked to look at a green target light for a short while as the laser
sends pulses of light to your cornea.
- You will also hear a sound while the laser is operating.
- Lasik will be performed on each eye separately starting with the right eye
followed by the left eye in the same sitting.
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Immediately after the procedure: |
- Once the procedure is done, the surgeon will take a look at your eyes on the slit
lamp.
- Post LASIK instructions will be given by our LASIK OT staff.
- After resting for a short period of time you will be able to go home.
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Follow up: |
- Post LASIK. the patient will be reviewed on the day following the procedure. We
would ideally prefer to review the candidate after the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of the
procedure.
- Patients coming from a long distance / outstation can have these checkups with
their local eye specialist and send the follow up report in a prescribed format (you
can collect from our secretary / down load it from our website) to us by letter /
mail (lasik@snmail.org )
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Post Operative Follow-Up Form |
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Post-Refractive surgery instruction:
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- Mild / Moderate tearing is expected after the procedure.
- A sense of foreign body presence and irritation are common.
- Small red spots on the white surface of the eye – occasionally appear.
- Sensitivity to bright light / corneal Haze – on the day of the procedure.
Do’s
- Instillation of eye drops as per the prescriptions.
- Cleaning of the lid margin gently with sterile tissue from the following day.
- Have normal food / no restrictions.
- Can have below neck bath from the following day.
- Blink your eyes gently & frequently on the day of treatment.
- Can read, watch TV and use computer, couple of days after the treatment.
- Use sunglasses when you go out and plastic shield while sleeping for 2 weeks.
Don’ts
- Do not expose your eyes to dust / pollution.
- Do not touch or rub your eyes.
- Do not take head bath or splash water into the eye and face for 2 weeks.
- Do not keep your eyes open for long duration.
- Do not clean the eye on the day of your treatment.
- Do not swim for one month.
- Do not use eye cosmetic /eyeliner for 2 months.
- Avoid exercises for 1 week.
- Avoid self-driving for 1 week.
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What are the side effects? |
- There is a possibility that you may still need spectacles or contact lenses to
attain good vision following the treatment.
- Patients may have light sensitivity, halos, dryness and glare after the refractive
surgery.
- Very rarely severe complications during or after corneal refractive surgeries (eg.
flap problems, infections etc.) and can result in a need for extensive treatment.
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What are the alternatives? |
There are some alternatives to correct your vision.
Spectacles or contact lenses are the most common methods of correcting refractive
errors. The other option to correct your vision is called ICL (implantable contact
Lens), When laser refractive surgery is contraindicated, ICL is a kind of lens which is
implanted into the eye and does not require frequent removal like a normal contact lens.
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About the SN Laser Vision Correction centre: |
- We use the Alcon Allegretto Eye q500Hz, the world’s most advanced Lasik machine
capable of analyzing multiple parameters and providing you with the best vision
correction.
- With years of experiences and excellent technology, we have been successful in
carrying out Refractive Surgery treatment for shortsightedness, farsightedness, and
astigmatism.
- The new Wavefront Technology (using the Wave Light Allegretto Excimer laser
Machine) allows us to treat a range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- A well-experienced Refractive Surgery team, combined with state-of-the-art
technology and our quality Protocols ensures you have an unmatched edge over other
centers.
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Our Laser Vision Correction team: |
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Consultant Doctors: |
Dr. Prema Padmanabhan (Medical Director) |
Dr. Rama
Rajagopal (Director) |
Dr.
Radhika N (Deputy Director) |
Dr.
Sudhir R R |
Dr.
Niveditha Narayanan |
In-Charge |
Mr. Vijayakumar |
Optometrists: |
Ms. Deepa M |
Ms. Sivashankari |
Ms. Hemalatha |
Ms. Priyadarshini |
Secretaries: |
Mr. Sambasivan |
Mr. Lakshman Raj |
Ms. Sangeetha |
OT
Team: |
Mr. Balaji |
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Ms. Rudradevi |
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Mr. Selvakumar |
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Highlights |
- Over 27,000 Refractive surgeries (LASIK) have been performed so far.
- Versatile Range of Treatments: - We have treated spherical numbers as high as -12
D and + 6 D as well as astigmatism as high as 6 D with excellent results. The extent
to which an eye can be corrected is determined by our refractive surgeon after
pre-procedure evaluation.
- We use completely disposable instruments and drapes. Our institution has had no
record of infection over the 27,000 procedure carried out.
- Allegretto eye q 500 is also the fastest LASIK machine in the world, which means
the shortest treatment time, lesser strain, better comfort and the least chance of
error.
- The fast eye trackers will ON/OFF the laser if there is any accidental eye
movement making treatment extremely safe.
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What are the benefits of Laser Vision Correction
care at Sankara Nethralaya? |
- Femtosecond laser delivers precise, predictable outcomes and a comfortable
surgical experience.
- Greater machine speed – Enables faster treatment time leading to a quicker
process.
- Fastest Eye Tracker ensures that laser treatment is perfect even if involuntary
eye movements occur.
- Faster visual recovery results in better visual outcome.
- Earliest appointment schedule for Lasik consultation.
- Clearing the pre & post op queries through helpline numbers and e-mail.
- Counseling the patient during consultation.
- Procedure payment can be made through a Demand Draft in favour of the ‘Medical
Research Foundation’ payable at Chennai.
- Credit Cards – All Credit Cards are accepted.
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How to plan your Laser Vision Correction at SN in
many easy ways? |
- Please feel free to email us with your queries and we would be happy to clarify
them.
- Appointment schedule for Laser Vision Correction / LASIK consultations: Monday to
Saturdays from 8.00 am to 3 pm.
- Laser Vision Correction / LASIK will be performed on Mondays / Wednesdays &
Fridays for scheduled candidates.
- We look forward to your joining Sankara Nethralaya’s family of happy and satisfied
Laser Vision Correction / LASIK candidates.
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FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE & BETTER CARE KINDLY
FIX AN APPOINTMENT FOR LASIK CONSULTATION |
Mobile Numbers:
Mr. Vijayakumar (In-Charge) : 0 9382277727
Mr. Sambasivam : 0 93801 07258
Mr. LakshmanRaj : 0 93802 88188
Website information collated by Dr. N. Radhika & Ms.
Gunasundari.
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What do our patients say? |
Testimonial – I
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to register our sincere appreciation of the professional services
rendered by the counsultant and the entire panel of doctors who took care of my son,
Adhitya, who underwent epi-lasik surgery performed by the consultant.
I must register the counseling services provided by Ms. Subhajaya from the time we
met her during pre-surgery phase till my son got the post-surgery ailments completely
cured. She was ready to respond to us whenever we contact her, irrespective of the
date and time.
Sankara Nethralaya is standing by its policy purely because of the panel of doctors
and support personnel who give care and compassion. Very happy that my son had his
surgery in Sankara Nethralaya with clearly laid down procedures and processes.
Regards,
S.B
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