SILK or Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis is one of the most technologically advanced techniques to improve vision. The laser surgery is slowly gaining popularity with the high rates of success and speedy recovery stories.
However, if you're not sure what this hype is about, this guide will share all the details!
Understanding SILK Eye Surgery & its Benefits
SILK is a minimally invasive and precise vision corrective surgery where a thin lenticule (disc) of tissue is created under the surface of the cornea – the clear/white part of the eye. It's then removed through a small incision.
It has several benefits compared to other options, as follows:
1. Flapless
Currently, SILK eye surgery is one of the most minimally invasive processes known till now. Compared to the common option – LASIK, the surgeon won't make a flap in your cornea.
Instead, a thin lenticule is created inside the cornea using a femtosecond laser and is effortlessly removed. As a result, there's minimal discomfort and the recovery rate is also faster compared to other approaches. Thus, most patients feel satisfied with it.
2. Comparably Higher Comfort
No big incision or corneal flap is created in SILK. This ensures that your eyes won't dry out as much as in other options that require flap-making or incisions.
Patients feel bare minimum discomfort during and after the surgery. Eventually, it also leads to improved night vision.
Compared to LASIK and PRK, there is also lesser inflammatory markers in the tear film. The minimal invasion makes it painless.
3. Less Complications
In surgeries where the flap is created on the cornea, patients often face complications like epithelial ingrowth and flap dislocation. Another major issue is corneal ectasia, in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward.
However, SILK being a no-flap surgery, this process significantly minimizes all sorts of flap-related risks. As a result, the process preserves the strength of your cornea.
4. Quicker Recovery
If you opt for LASIK, you need at least a few days to have stable vision. On the other hand, patients who opt for SILK surgery usually notice a comparatively quicker recovery. They also notice an improvement in their vision within a few hours to days post-surgery.
This is because the process is minimally invasive, and comparatively, a lot less surface area needs healing. So, the patients can resume their daily routine quickly.
Doctors recommend taking a break from contact sports (sports which may lead to poking the eye) for at least 2 weeks.
However, this is just a standard rule, and there's no issue with resuming contact sports within 2 days. After all, no flap is created that could get hurt when your eye gets poked. You only need to wait until 2 days to let the epithelium or outer layer heal and block the wound entry.
5. Better Precision
SILK surgery involves an advanced femtosecond laser technology for cornea reshaping. This technology is highly precise and accurate. In fact, patients generally get excellent visual results in less than a month.
6. Improved Vision
SILK helps you achieve supervision of 6/5. 6/5 vision refers to the improved vision that 10% of the population has. In simpler words, it's way better than regular vision. LASIK or other corrective surgeries can't produce such results.
7. No dry eye
One of the greatest side effects of LASIK is dry eye. On the other hand, you won't face the same with SILK. This is because the flapless procedure doesn't impact the corneal nerves that control tear production. Since these nerves are preserved, there's no dry eye issue.
8. Compatible for Many
Patients who have thin corneas or pre-existing dry eye issues can't undergo flap-related surgeries. Thus, the SILK procedure is a great option for several people.
9. No Allergy
The material used in SILK surgeries is biocompatible. Hence, they don't cause allergic reactions in patients.
Is SILK Surgery Safe?
SILK surgery is absolutely safe, but this also depends on the hospital and surgeon you connect with. Since the facility is new, not everyone has mastered the skill properly. So, it's always advised to book an appointment with a well-reputed eye hospital.
Remember, your eyes are one of your most precious wealth.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
While SILK is a great procedure, remember that you also must do your part to aid the recovery phase. In addition to strictly listening to your doctor, here are some key tips to treat your eyes gently and thus facilitate smoother healing.
● Generously use artificial tears during the healing time as directed by your ophthalmologist.
● Protect your eyes with UV-protective sunglasses whenever you go out during the day until you're completely healed.
● Don't rub your eyes. Otherwise, they can get irritated and reduce the rate of healing.
Conclusion
From the wide range of benefits, it's obvious that SILK is truly much better than other options, So, if you're considering vision corrective surgeries, you must mention this amazing procedure to your health provider and check whether you're eligible for it.
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