Sacramento Lasik CaliforniaSunday, May 11, 2008

Diabetic Laser Treatment Sacramento California

LASIK is now the vision correction procedure of choice for many ophthalmologists worldwide. Instead of removing the surface epithelium with the laser and exposing many nerve endings (as in PRK), the surgeon performing LASIK uses a motor-powered microkeratome to create a "flap." The flap is then lifted and reflected back, allowing a computer guided Excimer laser (cold laser) to use light pulses to remodel the corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the flap is gently positioned back onto the cornea. Since this procedure is less traumatic to the outer surface of the eye, vision is restored more quickly and the patient's discomfort is reduced. Most patients report greater comfort after surgery and can generally drive two to three days after the surgery.

LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION

Photocoagulation is usually effective in the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy. The progressing damage to the blood vessels in the eye can be slowed with this treatment.

Before the surgery, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and to numb the eye. A powerful laser beam is then focused on the damaged retina. The laser beam seals the weak or leaking blood vessels, stopping their growth.

In advanced cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be recommended. Vitrectomy removes the blood-filled vitreous and replaces it with a clear solution. A sophisticated microscopic instrument is used to extract blood and scar tissue along with the natural vitreous gel of the eye. This microsurgical procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical operating room.