Methods

Intralase

Eurocanarias Oftalmológica has a new laser made using the latest technology, the first laser on the Canary Islands that enables 100% blade-free surgery in Lasik treatments of sight problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. This is a definitive improvement in terms of safety and precision. The Intralase can also be used for different procedures such as intracorneal ring implants and lamellar keratoplasties.

The LASIK technique, which is the most frequently used technique to correct refractive errors, is composed of two stages: the first stage consists of cutting the cornea to create a flap of corneal tissue. Until today, it was only possible to carry out this step using conventional microkeratome technology, which was done with the help of a sterile oscillating blade. This first stage is the part of the process that has the greatest possibility of complications, since successful completion depends on a mechanical instrument. The second stage of the treatment consists of using an Excimer laser to remodel the corneal stroma and thereby fix the refractive error. Now, Eurocanarias Oftalmológica has incorporated the Intralase®FS Laser to perform the first step of the procedure using a laser, without the need to use a blade. In this way, the entire treatment benefits from laser technology, which enables greater precision, safety and control when correcting the patient’s vision.

Lasik

The use of the excimer laser through Lasik (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the most widely-known and widely-used surgical technique to correct refractive errors. In 1991, the University of Crete and the Vardinoyannion Eye Institute of Crete developed and presented the LASIK, which was a considerable improvement on the PRK. This technique consisted of making a fine incision in the lenticulo, then applying the laser to cut from the cornea and, lastly, replacing the lenticulo again so that it is perfectly integrated with the cornea surface. This allows for proper scaring and limited pain. The LASIK technique has become the safest and most effective solution used to correct refractive errors. Over 1,000,000 people around the world have already used this procedure to eliminate their dependency on glasses or contact lenses. With the procedure, it is possible to obtain good results with myopias between 1 and 8-10 dioptres, with hyperopias between 1 and 3-4 dioptres and with astigmatisms between 1 and 6 dioptres. Contrary to common belief, results are better and sight recuperation is quicker the larger the dioptre is to correct. In addition, most patients with between 1 and 8-10 dioptres of myopia are able to drive without using their glasses the day after the treatment.

Excimer laser. At Our Ophthalmologic Service, we have been working with the excimer laser since the beginning of the 90s, pioneers on the Canary Islands in the application of the LASIK technique. During this time, we have performed procedures on thousands of patients and we have used different state-of-the-art lasers in order to improve our results every day.

Ladar Vision, Custom Cornea

The refractive surgery unit currently uses the Excimer laser LADAR VISION and  femtosecond laser INTRALASE, in addition to various state-of-the-art microkeratomes, that make it possible for us to offer the entire range of refractive options using a laser, including personalised treatments with the CUSTOM CORNEA system. This enables most refractive errors to be corrected with excellent results, since we can provide each patient with the most suitable treatment for his/her degree of error. 


Risks. Even though results obtained are good, this type of surgery should not be taken lightly, since, although uncommon, there are certain risks involved.

Our ophthalmologists will give you a detailed explanation of the entire surgical process, including its risks and reasonable expectations in each situation. Eurocanarias Oftalmológica uses some of the most highly-experienced surgeons in Spain and the latest technology for these treatments, offering the right option for each patient. With the incorporation of the INTRALASE femtosecond technology, our service has become part of a small group of international refractive centres that are able to offer 100% blade-free LASIK surgery that is entirely computerised. In addition to LASIK, there are also other options with Excimer laser, such as the PRK procedure or the new EPILASIK technique. Each treatment is used for specific purposes and all of them are available at Eurocanarias Oftalmológica. Although the goal of refractive surgery is for the patient to have good vision without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses, this is not always achieved with a single procedure. Therefore, in a small number of instances, it is necessary to re-treat the patient in order to correct the remaining refractive error, which is carried out when vision strength is stable, normally three to 12 months after the first procedure.