What is Silk Eye Surgery Full Form?

Discover the full form of SILK eye surgery and delve into its medical implications and procedures.

SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) eye surgery, also known as ELITA (Epithelial Laser In-situ Keratomileusis), is an innovative ophthalmic procedure that has significantly improved the landscape of vision correction treatments. As an acronym, ELITA signifies the precise removal of the epithelial layer of the cornea and the subsequent reshaping of the cornea using a specialized laser. This surgical technique’s hallmark is its precision and non-invasive nature, resulting in reduced recovery times and improved patient comfort. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those who have been deemed unsuitable for other types of laser eye surgery. Through ELITA, a new realm of possibility has been unlocked in the field of vision correction.

What Do SILK and ELITA Stand For in Eye Surgery? Why These Names?

SILK Eye Surgery stands for Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis.

Smooth Incision refers to the precise and controlled laser incision made during the procedure. The femtosecond laser creates a smooth, flapless incision, reducing the risk of complications and improving healing time.

Lenticule refers to the thin disc of corneal tissue that is removed during the procedure. The lenticule is shaped and sized according to the patient’s refractive error, ensuring accurate vision correction.

Keratomileusis is the surgical procedure of reshaping the cornea to correct vision problems. In SILK Eye Surgery, the cornea is reshaped by removing the lenticule, effectively altering the curvature of the cornea to improve focus.

ELITA is the name of the femtosecond laser used in SILK Eye Surgery. The name ELITA is derived from the Latin word “elite,” meaning “chosen” or “the best.” This reflects the laser’s advanced technology and precision, making it an ideal choice for performing SILK Eye Surgery.

What happens in SILK Eye surgery?

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the SILK Eye surgery procedure:

Preparation:

1. Pre-operative examination: The ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your overall eye health, determine your refractive error, and ensure you are a suitable candidate for SILK Eye Surgery.
2. Numbing drops: Numbing eye drops will be applied to your eyes to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
3. Positioning: You will be comfortably positioned on a reclining chair with your head secured in place.

Femtosecond Laser Procedure:

1. Creating the lenticule: The femtosecond laser will create a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the deeper layers of the cornea. The shape and size of the lenticule will correspond to the power of your eye’s refractive error.
2. Separating the lenticule: The femtosecond laser will create bubbles beneath the lenticule, gently separating it from the surrounding corneal tissue.

Lenticule Removal:

1. Creating a small incision: A small incision is made on the edge of the cornea to allow for the removal of the lenticule.
2. Extracting the lenticule: Using specially designed instruments, the surgeon will carefully remove the lenticule from the cornea.

Post-Operative Care:

1. Protective shield: A protective shield will be placed over your eye to prevent rubbing or injury during the healing process.
2. Eye drops: Antibiotic and lubricating eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing.
3. Monitoring: The ophthalmologist will monitor your vision and healing progress during follow-up appointments.

The entire SILK Eye Surgery procedure typically takes less than 22 seconds per eye. The recovery time is relatively short, with most patients experiencing significant vision improvement within a day or two. However, it may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize fully.

SILK Eye Surgery is a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems such as myopia and astigmatism. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers several advantages over traditional LASIK surgery, including a flapless design, reduced risk of complications, and quicker healing time.

If you are considering SILK Eye Surgery, it is important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you and answer any questions you may have.

Do Eye Specialists Recommend SILK Surgery?

While SILK Eye Surgery has its merits, many eye specialists do not currently recommend it due to several reasons:

1. Lack of FDA Approval: The procedure, at present, needs more approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means it has yet to undergo the rigorous testing and verification processes required to ensure its safety and efficacy.
2. Slower Recovery: Although it’s advertised as having a relatively short recovery period, some patients may experience a slower recovery compared to other procedures like SMILE Pro.
3. Increased Precautions: Due to the nature of the surgery, patients need to adhere to strict post-operative care routines, which can be burdensome for some.
4. Absence of AI or Robotic Precision: SILK doesn’t have AI or robotic technology, which reduces the precision and accuracy of the surgery. Technologically advanced procedures like SMILE Pro utilize these to ensure highly accurate results.
5. Accuracy Concerns: Some studies suggest that SILK may not be as accurate as other laser eye surgeries, such as SMILE Pro, leading to less predictable outcomes.

For these reasons, many eye specialists recommend SMILE Pro instead. With its advanced technology, rapid recovery, and proven effectiveness, SMILE Pro offers a more reliable solution for vision correction.