Laser Thermal Keratoplasty surgery

LTK procedure

· Uses a Holmium laser (an infrared laser that emits heat to reduce the size of the corneal tissue) to reshape the cornea for correction of low ranges of hyperopia (farsightedness).

· The Holmium laser gently heats stromal collagen in a circle around the outside of the pupil. The heat results in the tissue becoming much smaller, forming a tightening effect.

· The side of the cornea is pulled, causing the center to protrude. Because the cornea of a farsighted eye is too flat, this bulging effect, when carefully controlled, corrects the problem.

Use of LTK procedure

• Treat people who are far-sighted.

Advantages

• Quick
• Simple
• Causes little pain
• Low rate of infection
• The recovery period is also much quicker, usually only taking around 2 days

Side-effects of LTK procedure

• After LTK surgery, subsequent appointments are needed for the very next day and for one week, one month, and 3-6 months after the procedure.
• Even an object in your eye may be felt for the first 24 hours following LTK.
• Eye drops can help relieve this, but only to a certain extent.
• Light sensitivity may also be felt for the first 24 hours and sunglasses may be advisable.

http://www.healthcentre.org.uk/laser-eye-surgery/laser-thermal-keratoplasty.html

http://www.visionrx.com/Library/enc/enc_ltkeratoplasty.asp

www.visionrx.com/library/.../innov_laser_thermal.asp

http://www.youreyeguide.co.uk/ltk/ltk-sideeffects-aftercare.html

http://www.urologicinstituteofnj.com/images/stonesLaser.jpg

http://www.visionrx.com/library/enc/tableac.asp