Eye laser surgery and refractive surgery are becoming more and more advanced. They can improve a range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism! However, can laser eye surgery truly rejuvenate the eyes and solve any problems? Chi-Chin Sun, chairman of the Taiwan Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and attending physician at the Department of Ophthalmology at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, emphasized the importance of post-operative care following ophthalmic laser surgery. Without proper care, the refractive index may rebound and the eyes may become dry, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the surgery!
Chi-Chin Sun added that laser surgery technology is advancing every day towards minimally invasive, precise and personalized treatments. This results in smaller wounds, more precise positioning, shorter recovery times, and reduced chances of post-operative pain, dry eyes, and nighttime glare, compared to traditional treatments. The range of laser surgery treatments is expanding. All patients who have been evaluated as suitable for laser surgery can have their high myopia, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and even cataracts treated and improved.
Don’t let your eyes get hurt again after you regain your vision!
Laser surgery is not a panacea! Chi-Chin Sun remembered observing some patients who immediately partied all night and strained their eyes excessively after undergoing surgery to “regain sight.” Despite being advised to use eye drops to keep their eyes moist or rest their eyes, they failed to follow the doctor’s instructions due to their excitement.
The patients experienced discomfort and frequently rubbed their eyes due to dryness and fatigue following the surgery. During the follow-up examination, it was discovered that the corneas of these patients, which had been repaired smoothly, were unexpectedly pitted and perforated, with torn membranes. If left unaddressed, this could lead to further dryness and an increase in prescription. As patients age, the situation becomes more complex and eye health deteriorates.
Laser surgery is not a panacea for all eye diseases
“I have heard that high myopia can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and macular hemorrhage. Will myopic laser surgery solve all of these issues?” In Chi-Chin Sun’s clinic, he has also encountered such questions and requests from patients.
Regarding this matter, Chi-Chin Sun stated that high myopia is likely to cause early onset of cataracts and glaucoma, as well as macular hemorrhage. However, in cases where high myopia has caused such issues, the eye may already have structural abnormalities. Laser surgery can only correct the cornea, which is located at the front of the eye. In such cases, the entire eye remains structurally defective. The damage has already been done and will not be rectified by laser surgery.
Proper post-operative care will ensure lasting results
Chi-Chin Sun emphasized that preoperative evaluation and postoperative care are indispensable, and patients must also have a good understanding of their needs and actual conditions. After surgery, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for applying eye drops and keeping your eyes moist. This will alleviate and relieve dry eyes within six months. Additionally, it is important to rest your eyes as advised by the doctor and avoid rubbing them. Use proper eye protection and sun protection to prevent damage from ultraviolet rays. If you notice any abnormalities, you should promptly return to the hospital to ensure the effect of the surgery lasts for a long time and your eyes truly “regain sight.”
About Chi-Chin Sun
Current position:
Chairman, Taiwan Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Attending physician, Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Education:
School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University
Ph.D., Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University
Work experience:
Chairman, Keelung Memorial Chang Gung Memorial Research Project Review and Evaluation Committee
Deputy Secretary-general, Ophthalmological Society of Taiwan
Researcher, Cornea/External Eye Division, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Podcast personnel
Health Department, United Daily News
Producer: Li-Wen Wei
Host: Hsiang-Yun Su
Audio editing: Chi-Shu Kao
Script writing: Hsiang-Yun Su
Audio recording: Pei-Yi Chou
Special thanks to: Taiwan Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Reference: https://health.udn.com/health/story/123161/7488667?from=udn-indexnewnews_ch1005
