Is Silk Eye Surgery Permanent?

Explore the permanence of silk eye surgery in our comprehensive guide. Learn how this innovative procedure can transform your vision permanently.

SILK, a revolutionary laser eye surgery, operates by generating a slender lenticule, or disc, under the surface of the cornea, which is then extracted via a small incision. The procedure involves the use of a femtosecond laser, a highly precise instrument that creates microscopic bubbles within the cornea. Through the subsequent removal of the corneal lenticule, the cornea is flattened. This alteration directly tackles the root cause of nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism. As a result, the patient’s vision is significantly improved, often eliminating the need for corrective lenses.

What is the Procedure of SILK (ELITA) Eye Surgery?

The SILK Eye Surgery, also known as ELITA, is a laser-based procedure designed to improve vision. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to how it works:

1. Preparation: Your eye surgeon will apply anesthetic drops to numb your eye, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
2. Creating the Lenticule: The surgeon uses a highly precise femtosecond laser to create a microscopic disc, known as a lenticule, beneath the surface of your cornea.
3. Making the Incision: The surgeon then makes a small incision, just large enough to remove the lenticule.
4. Removing the Lenticule: The surgeon gently extracts the lenticule through the incision using a special tool. This does not harm the rest of the eye.
5. Reshaping the Cornea: The removal of the lenticule flattens the cornea, which corrects the light-refracting error causing nearsightedness.
6. Recovery: There are no stitches required. The incision will heal naturally over time, with full recovery usually within a few days.

This Silk Eye Surgery is permanent as the cornea cannot revert back to its preoperative shape once the lenticule has been removed. Regular follow-ups post-surgery ensure optimal healing and vision correction.

Safety and Accuracy of SILK Eye Surgery (ELITA)

1. Highly accurate: The femtosecond laser used in SILK surgery allows for extreme precision, significantly reducing the chances of error.
2. No physical contact: The procedure is entirely laser-based, resulting in less physical contact and, hence, reduced risk of infection.
3. No stitches: The incision heals naturally, eliminating the need for stitches or bandages.
4. Fast recovery: Most patients return to their normal routine within a few days.
5. Minimal pain: Anesthetic drops make the procedure virtually painless.
6. Follow-up checks: Regular post-operative check-ups ensure optimal healing and vision correction, thus mitigating long-term risks.

Does the Effect of Silk Eye Surgery Last Permanently?

Yes, SILK eye surgery is generally considered a permanent solution for nearsightedness and astigmatism. Here are the key reasons why:

1. Permanent Shape Alteration: The surgery permanently modifies the cornea’s shape, addressing the root cause of vision issues. The cornea does not typically revert back to its original shape post-surgery.
2. Stable Results After Healing: Once the healing process completes, which can take several months, vision typically stabilizes. Subsequent changes in vision are minimal and usually due to natural aging, not regression of surgical effects.
3. Rare Need for Further Procedures: Only a small percentage of patients require additional operations. In most cases, these are to fine-tune the results rather than correct substantial vision changes.
4. Long-Term Studies Confirm Permanence: Studies following patients 10 years after surgery confirm stable, lasting corrections to vision.

While it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and there can be exceptions based on unique eye conditions or health factors, the overwhelming majority of patients experience permanent vision correction through SILK eye surgery.

Comparison of the Permanence Between SILK Eye Surgery and ZEISS SMILE Pro Eye Surgery

Both SILK (or ELITA) and ZEISS SMILE Pro eye surgeries are innovative approaches to correcting vision, particularly for nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, there are differences regarding their permanence.

SILK Eye Surgery (ELITA): As previously discussed, SILK eye surgery is generally considered a permanent solution. The procedure involves the creation and removal of a corneal lenticule, resulting in a permanent reshaping of the cornea. This directly addresses the root cause of vision impairment, and the cornea does not revert back to its pre-surgery state. Changes in vision post-healing are usually negligible and related to aging, not surgical regression.

ZEISS SMILE Pro Eye Surgery: Similar to SILK, ZEISS SMILE Pro also uses a lenticule removal method and is considered to have permanent outcomes. The procedure involves making a smaller incision compared to SILK, which might lead to slightly faster recovery times. In terms of long-term stability, several studies have shown stable results for a decade or more after the procedure.

Both methods are effective and offer permanent solutions for vision correction. It’s important to note that the choice between SILK and ZEISS SMILE Pro should be based on a comprehensive examination and discussion with your eye surgeon, as individual eye conditions and health factors may influence the results and recovery.