What is Z-LASIK?

Z-LASIK (Lasik: Laser assisted in-situ keratomelusis) is the most advanced refractive procedure available that corrects near-sightedness and astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing ability of the eye. 

Z-Lasik is a two step process.  In the first step the outer layer of the cornea is treated and a very thin flap of tissue is created using the LDV Femto-second laser. The LDV Femto-second laser is based on the latest technology developed by the Ziemer Group located in Port, Switzerland and has been in clinical use since 2006.  In the second step the final reshaping of the corneal stroma is performed using an excimer laser. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and is pain-free.

 

What is a Femto-second Laser?

A Femto-second Laser is a high-frequency laser, which uses ultra-short pulses of invisible light.  It is designed to gently separate the outer layers of the cornea, creating a customized flap for each patient, precisely, safely and painlessly.

 

What is an Excimer-Laser?

The excimer laser is used to precisely ablate the corneal stroma.  The laser evaporates microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the front of the eye, enabling the eye to focus light more accurately. The excimer laser targets the desired area without causing damage to the surrounding areas. Most excimer lasers have eye tracking systems to keep the laser beam on target providing very accurate treatments.

 

How does Z-LASIK work?

Z-LASIK is a two-step bladeless procedure using two different lasers. With the LDV Femto-second laser your surgeon creates a thin flap of your cornea. With its extremely high frequency of pulses, the LDV Femto second laser separates the layers of the cornea in only a few seconds creating an ultra-thin flap. Once the layers of the cornea are separated, the flap, remaining hinged on one side, is lifted back uncovering the stroma, or middle section, of the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal stroma based on your prescription and desired visual outcome. The flap is then replaced to its original position, where it adheres naturally.

 

What are the Advantages of Z-Lasik?

The major advantage of Z-Lasik over conventional LASIK is that the entire vision correction treatment is performed by a laser. The use of a mechanical microkeratome using a blade to make an initial incision into the cornea is no longer required. LASIK using femto-seconds lasers has been available for more than 5 years, and more than 2 million LASIK procedures using the  femto-second laser have been performed successfully all over the world.  It provides the most accurate and safest treatment for your eyes.

 

What should I expect before, during and after surgery?

There are 4 Steps in the Z-LASIK procedure

Step 1: Pre-operative Exam

Your physician performs a series of tests to ensure that your eyes are healthy and suitable for laser vision correction. Then, your eye is electronically measured in detail: Thousands of data points are surveyed to create an accurate three-dimensional image of your eye’s surface. From this image, the computer calculates the laser treatment that will best correct your refractive error.

Step 2: Flap Creation

A few minutes before the laser treatment, you are given anesthetic eye drops. A speculum is placed between your eyelids to keep them open and prevent you from blinking during the procedure. The LDV femto-second laser is then used to create your ultra-thin corneal flap.  It is gently laid back to reveal the corneal stroma.

Step 3: Corneal Correction

The excimer laser then reshapes the stromal tissue within seconds and precisely to the hundredth of a millimeter. Finally, the treated area is recovered with the flap that allows for quick healing. The whole procedure takes only a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Easy Aftercare

It is important that you do not rub your eyes after surgery Your eyes will be protected with shields or goggles that you will wear for the first day and while sleeping, usually for the first week..  You will be given eye drops to use during the first few days which will make your eyes more comfortable and promote healing. Avoid contact sports, swimming and hot tubs as instructed by your physician.

What are the risks?

As in all procedures, there are side effects and possible complications after Z-LASIK.  It is important that you follow your physician’s instructions for care to minimize these risks.  While complications are rare, you must be aware of the possibility. The most common side effect is dry eyes. While it may occur after Z-Lasik, it occurs less frequently then with other conventional methods.  In most cases, moisturizing eye drops provide relief for dry eyes, and the eye’s natural lubrication system normalizes quickly. As every eye does not respond equally to laser treatments, your vision might be slightly over- or undercorrected despite extremely precise performance. Such deviations can usually be corrected in a follow-up treatment at a time determined by your physician.

 

Is Z-LASIK surgery right for me?

It is essential that you meet with a physician to find out if your eyes are healthy and suitable for laser vision correction. A good Z-LASIK candidate must qualify for the procedure by meeting the general requirements such as:

-          Minimum age of 18 years.

-          Stable vision for at least one year.

-          No eye infection or injury within the past year.

-          No autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren's Syndrome or Lupus.

-          No history of herpes infections in the eye.

-          No dry eye syndrome.

-          No scarring present on the cornea.

If it is determined that you meet the requirements of Z-LASIK, laser eye surgery preparation will begin. See also Question What should I expect before, during and after surgery?

Will my eyes look different after LASIK?

There are no visible traces of surgery on the eye. An eye doctor who is not looking for the procedure could even miss it with instruments.

Is Z-LASIK painful?

No. The actual treatment is painless. Prior to the procedure you will be given anesthetic drops to numb the eye and optionally a relaxation medication to help relieve anxiety. The only discomfort that may be experienced during the procedure is a light pressure sensation around your eye. After the procedure your eyes will feel gritty and watery for a few hours. During this period of time you should try to rest or sleep, as keeping your eyes closed increases your comfort and promotes the healing process. . The most people experience very little pain, but if needed, you may ask for a pain reliever.

 

How long does the Z-LASIK procedure take?

The entire process usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes which includes the time preparing you for the procedure as well as examination after the procedure.  Actual time in the laser suite is usually about 10 to 15 and   the laser itself only takes 20-50 seconds to correct your vision

 

What happens if I blink during the procedure?

An instrument called a speculum is placed between your eyelids, making it impossible to blink. The numbing eye drops will also reduce the sensitivity of the cornea and you will not feel the need to blink.

During the laser application, you will fixate on a  blinking target light and small movements of your eye will be followed by the lasers tracking system ensuring accurate placement of your treatment.

 

How soon after the procedure will I be able to see?

Usually you are able to see well within a few hours.  The recovery period after Z-LASIK is considerably shorter then with other techniques and most patients resume normal activities one to two days following surgery.. Initially, your vision might not be sharp and may fluctuate slightly. This is normal and will improve day by day. After two to three months your vision will fully stabilize.

 

Will my vision remain stable long time after the procedure?
With Z-LASIK, your vision usually becomes stable within three to six months. Once your vision is stable, your treatment is permanent. Later vision changes are uncommon. Nevertheless, should that occur you may be re-treated at later date as determined by your physician.

Depending on the type of prescription you had before Z-LASIK, you may need to wear glasses for reading afterwards (See Will I need reading glasses below). In extremely nearsighted (myopic) patients the Z-LASIK procedure may not fully correct the preoperative refractive error. Z-LASIK will, however, allow such patients to have thinner, lighter eyewear

 

Will I need reading glasses after Z-LASIK?

At some point in our lives, usually after 40 years of age, almost all of us will require reading glasses. The eye’s ability to focus on near objects decreases with the age - a condition commonly known as Presbyopia. There are some variations of LASIK, such as monovision LASIK, which may lessen your need for reading glasses. Monovision Lasik is a procedure that corrects your dominant eye to see distant objects and corrects the fellow eye to see near objects. This can eliminate the need for glasses after Lasik.