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How does SILK work?

The minimally invasive procedure is performed using a special laser system from Johnson & Johnson. It is a femtosecond laser that is used for SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) corrections as well as LASIK treatments.

The laser forms a thin lenticule under the surface of the cornea, which can be removed through a small incision. By creating and removing the corneal lenticule, the shape of the cornea is changed or flattened in such a way that myopia and any parallel astigmatism are corrected.

In the best-case scenario, correction with SILK is so precise that patients no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses after treatment.

Requirements for treatment with SILK lenticule extraction

The innovative procedure has been approved for patients with myopia and possibly in combination with astigmatism. The following requirements must be met for SILK treatment to be considered:

Indications that speak against lenticule extraction with the ELITA femtosecond laser are

  • Abnormal corneal structure (e.g. keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD))
  • Eye pathology such as cataracts
  • Acute or chronic diseases that increase the risk of surgery – dry eyes, immunodeficiency, connective tissue diseases, atopic diseases, diabetes.
  • Unstable / progressive myopia

Whether you are suitable for this procedure must be determined by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon after a thorough preliminary examination. SILK can only be used safely and effectively as a form of lenticule extraction if it is indicated and there are no contraindications.

Advantages of SILK:

Nach der Operation des Grauen Stars

Shortly after approval, Johnson & Johnson spoke of a new, promising procedure that should make lenticel extraction even better. The next few years will show whether this is the case in practice. The general advantages of lenticel extraction are

  • Correcting myopia and astigmatism with a single procedure
  • Painless during and after the procedure
  • Gentle on tissue (without folding down the cornea – flap)
  • ELITA / femtolasers work very quickly and precisely
  • Lower risk with high efficiency
  • Minimal incision ensures rapid healing

Special advantages of the SILK procedure are said to result from the fact that a biconvex lens shape can be created. This has the following advantages for patients:

  • Posterior and anterior corneal surfaces can be aligned without causing corneal curvature when removing the lenticule from the cornea
  • Better preservation of the stability of the cornea and accelerated regeneration, as fewer fibers are severed.

SILK treatment procedure with the ELITA laser

The treatment is basically the same as the other lenticule extractions, is painless and only takes a few minutes.

Preparation for lenticel extraction

To ensure that your vision is corrected precisely and safely, the treatment is preceded by a comprehensive preliminary examination. This determines your suitability for SILK and your eyes are measured precisely. Diagnostic devices are used to determine corneal thickness, corneal surface and many other parameters.

Based on this measurement data, the ELITA laser is later configured so that the visual defect correction by SILK fits your eyes exactly. This greatly reduces the risk of incorrect correction and increases the likelihood of being able to do without visual aids permanently.

Aftercare for rapid healing

After the procedure, you will be given the necessary medication and a drip schedule. Watery and itchy eyes are normal and not a cause for concern. It may take a few hours or even days for your vision to return to its usual level. Over time, your brain gets used to the new stimuli and learns to process them in such a way that you can finally see clearly. Adaptation is usually complete after a month.

Regular check-ups are carried out to ensure a smooth healing process. In the event of complications – such as very severe pain – you should seek the advice of your eye specialist immediately.

Zwei Frauen mit dunklen Ringen unter den Augen abgebildet Ursachen und Lösung für das Problem

What distinguishes the ELITA laser from Johnson & Johnson?

The ELITA laser system from J&J is said to be able to create a smooth corneal surface and facilitate the removal of the lenticule thanks to very precise pulses and a high frequency. This is according to an early press release from the company.

 

 

More about ELITA from J&J

SILK risks & possible complications

Anatomie und Aufbau des menschlichen Auges

Even though the SILK procedure is barely on the market, it can be deduced from the medical approval that it is safe and effective. The initial study results were promising and – as is usual with lenticule extractions – very good optical results were achieved.

There are possible risks with every procedure. However, most of them are temporary and can be treated:

  • Over- or undercorrection: follow-up treatment with Femto-, LASIK- or Trans-PRK possible.
  • Poor visibility in suboptimal lighting conditions (night and twilight)
  • Infection risks – are very low
  • Temporary foreign body sensation in the eye, signs of abrasion, tear formation at the incision

Your laser eye surgery specialists at the Eye Laser Center Austria

Austria’s most popular Femto-Lasik surgeons Dr. Victor Derhartunian FEBO & Dr. Paul Jirak FEBO in Vienna & Linz

Dr. Victor Derhartunian
Dr. Victor Derhartunian
Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery
FEBO

Having learned his craft from the two pioneers of laser surgery, Dr. Victor Derhartunian is one of the leading laser eye surgeons. He runs the practice in Vienna and can advise his patients in five languages.

Learn more
Dr. Paul Jirak
Dr. Paul Jirak
Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery
FEBO

Dr. Paul Jirak ist Mitbegründer eines der renommiertesten Zentren für Augenlaserchirurgie in Österreich und behandelt seit 2014 Patienten in Linz. Er ist spezialisiert auf Augenheilkunde, Optometrie, Augenchirurgie und Augenlasern.

Learn more
Assoc. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Christina Leydolt
Assoc. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Christina Leydolt
Ophthalmologist, specialist in artificial lenses and cataracts
FEBO

Dr. Leydolt is an ophthalmologist and specializes in cataract and lens surgery. She heads a research group with this focus, trains young surgeons and gives international lectures.

Learn more
Dr. Victor Derhartunian
Dr. Victor Derhartunian
Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery
FEBO

Having learned his craft from the two pioneers of laser surgery, Dr. Victor Derhartunian is one of the leading laser eye surgeons. He runs the practice in Vienna and can advise his patients in five languages.

Learn more
Dr. Paul Jirak
Dr. Paul Jirak
Ophthalmologist, specialist in refractive surgery
FEBO

Dr. Paul Jirak ist Mitbegründer eines der renommiertesten Zentren für Augenlaserchirurgie in Österreich und behandelt seit 2014 Patienten in Linz. Er ist spezialisiert auf Augenheilkunde, Optometrie, Augenchirurgie und Augenlasern.

Learn more
Assoc. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Christina Leydolt
Assoc. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Christina Leydolt
Ophthalmologist, specialist in artificial lenses and cataracts
FEBO

Dr. Leydolt is an ophthalmologist and specializes in cataract and lens surgery. She heads a research group with this focus, trains young surgeons and gives international lectures.

Learn more

SmartSight at EYELASER VIENNA:

Whether SmartSight, Clear, SILK, ReLEx SMILE or ReLEx SMILE Pro… These procedures are all medically recognized and effective. They have their raison d’être and are legitimate treatments. Even if SILK has hardly been used to date and has only just been approved. But:

EYELASER relies on SmartSight with the SCHWIND laser!

The specialists at EYELASER favor and use the SmartSight method for lenticule extraction, partly because of its range of functions and tissue-sparing technology. For your safety, the best results and outstanding precision.

Arrange your consultation now and find out whether and how SmartSight can help you to a new life without glasses and contact lenses.

Arrange a non-binding appointment

Lentikextraction process at a glance:

Lenticule extraction has continued to develop over the years and different procedures with different lasers have been established. Lenticule extraction is therefore not just lenticule extraction. In addition to SmartSight, there are three other procedures that are used. You can find out more about them here:

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