JOEUNNUN VISION CLINIC

Is Corneal Strengthening Necessary After Vision Correction Surgery? After any type of laser vision correction surgery, the cornea inevitably becomes thinner. To withstand this, the cornea must maintain a certain level of strength. If a specific part of the cornea becomes too thin, that area can weaken, bulge outward, and lead to irregular astigmatism known as keratoconus. Corneal strengthening can help reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. Today, corneal strengthening is performed not as a treatment, but as a preventive procedure. By combining corneal strengthening with vision correction surgery, the weakened cornea can be better protected against future instability. What are the Benefits of Corneal Strengthening? Corneal strengthening helps reinforce the cornea, which may have been weakened during vision correction surgery. Research shows that corneal tissue treated with strengthening is less prone to regression after surgery. While it can be beneficial for anyone, not under...

What is Suction Loss? In SMILE LASIK, the laser penetrates inside the cornea to separate and remove corneal tissue. For this to happen, the device must dock securely with the eye. The laser can only enter the cornea properly when firm suction keeps the eye and the device in close contact. If this fixation is lost during surgery, it is called suction loss . Why is Suction Loss a Problem in SMILE LASIK? If suction loss occurs, the laser settings used before the interruption must be reproduced exactly, which is a complicated process. Repeating the laser treatment risks overlapping with the previous laser spots, which can lead to unwanted corneal tissue patterns. These irregularities may affect vision. Therefore, if suction loss occurs, the surgery must be stopped immediately. In many cases, SMILE cannot be continued once suction loss happens. To correct vision afterward, the patient usually has to wait until the cornea has stabilized over time, at which point LASEK may be performed instea...

What is the Difference Between Lens Implantation and Cataract Surgery? Although both procedures involve placing a lens inside the eye, they are fundamentally different surgeries. Lens implantation is performed for vision correction purposes, with the artificial lens placed in front of the natural crystalline lens. Cataract surgery, on the other hand, is required when the natural lens becomes cloudy. In this procedure, the original lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. The types of lenses used and the surgical methods are also completely different. Cataract surgery offers a variety of lens options, such as monofocal and multifocal lenses. However, lens implantation surgery typically uses lenses designed only for refractive correction, not for replacing the natural lens.   If cataract surgery is performed too early, it may cause unnecessary discomfort, while delaying it too long can make the procedure more difficult. That is why it is important for patients to have r...

Will I Be Able to See Both Near and Far Clearly After Presbyopia Surgery? The main goal of the surgery is to allow patients to live comfortably without relying on reading glasses or regular glasses by correcting both near and far vision. However, in some cases, patients may still need glasses occasionally after the surgery. Do I Still Need Cataract Surgery After Presbyopia Surgery? Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens, which has lost function, and replacing it with an artificial lens. If presbyopia surgery is performed on the cornea (such as presbyopia LASIK), the natural lens will continue to age, and cataracts may still develop later, requiring cataract surgery. If cataracts are already progressing and you also want to correct presbyopia at the same time, there is a combined procedure called presbyopia-cataract surgery, in which cataract removal is performed along with implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens to address both issues simultaneously. Is It Too Early ...

Did LASIK Surgery In The Past Involve Shaving The Cornea? LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, lifting it, reshaping the cornea with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. In the past, however, the flap was created using a blade. Because of this, LASIK was not widely preferred, and LASEK was considered safer, so it was performed more often. Over time, femtosecond lasers were introduced to create the flap, which significantly improved the safety and precision of LASIK, allowing surgeons to make flaps with consistent thickness and accuracy. What Problems Can Occur When Creating The Flap With a Blade? A laser-made flap has uniform thickness and shape, whereas a blade-made flap could be less precise. The desired flap thickness might not be achieved, and differences in the speed of the blade at the start and end of the cut could make the flap irregular. Also, when stopping at the hinge portion, depending on the corneal shape, tissue could detach unexpectedly. In fact, most of the comp...

Why Is SMILE Surgery Sometimes Considered Difficult at Eye Clinics? The reason is that each hospital has different types of vision correction equipment. If only an excimer laser is available, then only LASEK can be performed. If the clinic has a femtosecond laser, then LASIK is possible. To perform SMILE, however, even more specialized and delicate equipment is required. If SMILE Is Not Possible, Does That Mean You Must Undergo LASIK or LASEK Instead? In reality, most people who are eligible for LASIK or LASEK are also eligible for SMILE. Patients often choose SMILE because it is more precise and maintains stable vision. However, in cases of high myopia, the cornea may become weakened. To avoid further weakening, LASEK might sometimes be chosen. But LASEK in high myopia carries a risk of corneal haze, and in such cases SMILE may actually be the more suitable option. In contrast, there are cases where LASIK and LASEK are possible but SMILE is not, because SMILE does have limitations in ...

If both LASEK and Lens Implantation are Possible, Which is Better? It may be better to choose lens implantation if cost is not an issue. In cases of very high myopia, LASEK can lead to vision regression, and if a large amount of the cornea is removed, there is a high possibility of haze formation. Haze increases the likelihood of vision deterioration. On the other hand, even if myopia progresses after lens implantation, additional correction with LASEK is possible. Therefore, if cost is not an issue, it is better to choose lens implantation. Could There Be Eyes Unsuitable For Aqua ICL? Lens implantation does not affect the eye’s structures. However, sufficient space must be secured for safe insertion. If the lens vault is low, the endothelial cells can be damaged. Even if the smallest size lens is inserted, if there is still insufficient space, the lens will bend. Debris from friction can cause pigmentary glaucoma. Therefore, space is the most important factor, and measuring the space ...