Lepto Lasik Treatment for Vision Correction

Excimer laser refractive surgery has evolved a lot since its earlier times. After conventional Lasik where a mid-stromal (middle layer of cornea) flap was created to perform Lasik, the interest shifted to doing surface procedures in a controlled way. Though we saved corneal tissue with surface procedure, the prolonged visual recovery prompted to find a mid way solution for thin corneas with high numbers. The new tendency is going closer to the Bowman’s membrane which is closer to outermost layer of cornea.

In this context of continuous movement back to Bowman’s membrane, LASIK surgeons preserve more the integrity of the cornea, providing a higher degree of safety for their patients, with an additional speed of visual recovery. The concept of a thin-flap LASIK was born, called SBK or ‘Sub Bowman’s Keratomileusis’. The procedure of Lasik done using the technique of SBK is known as Lepto Lasik.
 Lepto Lasik Procedure is performed upon the patient having very thin cornea with moderately high refractive error. It can be performed also in the patients, who want to save maximum corneal tissue, and obtain the benefit of Wavefront method. It is performed by creating the corneal flap of 70-90 microns and treating the patient by wavefront technology. In contrast, a conventional LASIK flap has a thickness of 120 to 180 microns. No matter how thin the cornea is, we can correct refractive error of the patient safely and successfully.

Indications 

• Treatment of refractive defects.   

Patient’s selection 

• Inclusion criteria 
  – Patients suitable for LASIK or surface ablation, 
  – Keratometries between 39 – 48 D when using single use rings and between 39 – 49 D when using reusable rings.
• Exclusion criteria 
  – Patients with any pathologies such as pterygium, keratoconus, corneal ulcers, corneal scars etc. that could have damaged Bowman’s membrane, 
  – Patients who have had a foreign body removed. 

Advantages of LEPTO LASIK compared to conventional LASIK

• We can save more corneal tissue with Lepto Lasik as compared to conventional Lasik
• Less weakening of corneal biomechanics, less risk of ectasia, better stability. 
• Greater flap thickness predictability.
• Ability to treat more patients, and higher levels of myopia. 
• Can treat thinner corneas. 
• Reduced enhancement rate.

Comparison of Lepto Lasik with Trans PRK (Surface Ablation) Procedure:

•         Corneal saving is more with Trans PRK as compared to Lepto Lasik.

•         Corneal biomechanics are least disturbed by Trans PRK.

•         Visual recovery is faster with Lepto Lasik as compared to Trans PRK.

•         Both are used to treat thin corneas with high numbers. But as the number treated increases the speed of visual recovery becomes lesser with Trans PRK.

•         Post-operative pain and discomfort is much less with Lepto Lasik.

TO LEARN MORE, GO TO ‘Understanding Laser Vision Correction Page’

TO GET THIS TREATMENT, GO TO ‘Getting Refractive Services at Angel Eyes Page’