No Touch Laser is a surface laser procedure that uses a technologically advanced excimer laser to remove the surface cells before performing the reshape of the cornea to treat myopia and astigmatism.
By using a technique in which the eye is treated from beginning to end with lasers, this treatment is a ‘non touch‘ treatment.
Unlike Intralase SBK or conventional blade LASIK which create a hinged pocket or flap, PRK is performed on the surface of the cornea. It involves the removal of the cornea’s epithelial (skin) layer. No flap is created. The excimer laser then sculpts the underlying tissue to correct the patients’ visual error.
On the day of your procedure, you will be at the clinic for about 90 minutes. You will be awake during the procedure, but a sedative is available for patients who are anxious or nervous.
After a second set of thorough measurements and discussion with your surgeon, your eyes will be numbed using only drops, and every step of the procedure will be explained in detail so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Once in the treatment room, a small retainer will be placed on your eyelids to prevent you from blinking or closing your eye. PRK is done in 2 steps. The first is to remove the surface skin cells on the eye, called epithelium. This takes approximately 30 seconds.
Once removed, the laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, creating a new curvature. Laser time is dependent on prescription amount but generally ranges from 10-40 seconds.
Procedure time is usually less than two minutes per eye. You will not feel or see the laser while the correction is taking place but you will hear a pulsing sound and notice a mild odor from the laser. Most patients who require both eyes corrected will have them treated on the same day.
The advantages over LASIK/IntraLASIK:
- It is a ‘no touch’ procedure.
- It avoids the potential for any flap complications either during or after surgery.
- There is less risk of long-term corneal ectasia.
The advantages over other surface laser eye treatments (LASEK)
- No alcohol or mechanical separation of the epithelial layer occurs.
- Quicker healing occurs following treatment.
- Less pain and faster vision stabilisation.