Excimer Lasers
Introduction The possibility of using the excimer laser for the cornea was first raised in the early 1980s. Using Munnerlyn’s equation, which established a relationship between the change in refractive…
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Laser and Mechanical Microkeratomes
Introduction Unlike methods of surface photoablation, the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) technique requires a superficial corneal flap to be created prior to photoablation with an excimer laser. Mechanical microkeratomes…
Corneal Topography
Introduction Corneal topography provides an assessment of the anterior corneal surface shape, and corneal tomography includes an assessment of the posterior corneal surface shape, pachymetry, as well as biometry of…
Physiologic Optics for Refractive Surgery: An Overview
Introduction Clinicians are accustomed to thinking in terms of spherocylindrical spectacle correction of naturally occurring refractive errors. We shall review traditional clinical optics and add to this framework current thoughts…
Corneal Wound Healing Following Keratorefractive Surgery
Introduction Refractive surgery procedures—including incisional radial keratotomy (RK), excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)—are surgical procedures that cut, photoablate, or otherwise damage the cornea, resulting…
Terminology, Classification, and History of Refractive Surgery
Introduction: Why Do Patients Choose Refractive Surgery? Patients desire refractive surgery for a variety of reasons. For patients seeking laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or surface ablation, the most common…
Corneal Surgery
Definition Corneal procedures performed to either restore vision or restore globe integrity. Key Features • Careful preoperative preparation and planning are critical to success. • Understand intraoperative and postoperative complications…
Camera-Based Ancillary Retinal Testing: Autofluorescence, Fluorescein, and Indocyanine Green Angiography
Definition of Fluorescein Angiography Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a diagnostic technique that uses intravenous or oral fluorescein dye to allow the sequential visualization of blood flow simultaneously through retinal, choroidal,…
Anterior Segment Imaging Modalities
Definition Anterior segment (AS) imaging allows topographic, anatomical, and cellular visualization of ocular tissues. Key Features • Anterior segment optical coherence tomography is essential in pre- and postoperative evaluation for…
Macular Dystrophies
Definition The process of premature retinal cell aging and cell death, generally confined to the macula, in which no clear demonstrable extrinsic cause is evident, and a genetically determined defect…
