What is Silk Eye Surgery in Full Form?

Explore the in-depth details of Silk Eye Surgery. Unravel its full form, procedure, benefits, risks, and recovery process.

Silk Eye Surgery (ELITA), also known as Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis (SILK), is a revolutionary laser vision correction procedure that offers a minimally invasive, bladeless, and flap-free approach to correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision, SILK utilizes the state-of-the-art ELITA femtosecond laser platform to create a precisely shaped lenticule within the cornea, which is then carefully extracted through a small incision. This unique technique eliminates the need for a corneal flap, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster healing times.

• Silk is an acronym for Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis. It is a term used to describe a specific type of laser vision correction procedure.
• Smooth Incision: This refers to the fact that the procedure is performed without the use of a blade; instead, a femtosecond laser is used to create a smooth and precise incision in the cornea. Blade can cause microkeratome-related complications (MCRCs) like epithelial ingrowth.
• Lenticule: A lenticule is a small, round-shaped fragment of corneal tissue that is precisely shaped and removed during the procedure to correct refractive errors.
• Keratomileusis: Keratomileusis is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. The word "keratomileusis" is derived from the Greek words "keratos" (cornea), "milos" (to reduce), and "leusis" (to loosen).

ELITA is an acronym for Endothelial Lenticule Interaction Technology Advanced. Here's a breakdown of the acronym:

• Endothelial: The endothelium is the single layer of cells that lines the inner surface of the cornea. It plays a crucial role in maintaining corneal clarity and hydration.
• Lenticule: A lenticule is a small, disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue that is removed during the Silk Eye Surgery procedure. The shape and dimensions of the lenticule are precisely determined based on the patient's refractive error.
• Interaction: The ELITA technology employs a unique interaction between the femtosecond laser and the corneal tissue to create the lenticule. This interaction allows for precise control over the shape and depth of the lenticule.
• Technology: ELITA represents an advanced technological advancement in the field of laser vision correction. It offers a minimally invasive, flap-free approach to correcting refractive errors with enhanced precision and accuracy.
• Advanced: ELITA signifies a cutting-edge technology that incorporates the latest advancements in femtosecond laser technology and corneal tissue interaction.

Procedure Details

The Silk Eye Surgery procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis in an ophthalmologist's office. The process involves the following steps:

• Preoperative Consultation: An eye exam is conducted to determine the patient's candidacy for Silk Eye Surgery and evaluate their overall eye health.
• Anesthesia: Topical anesthetic eye drops are administered to numb the eyes.
• Lenticule Creation: Using the ELITA femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a precisely shaped lenticule within the cornea.
• Lenticule Extraction: The surgeon gently extracts the lenticule through a small incision.
• Post-Procedure Care: Eye drops and protective shields are provided to promote healing and protect the eyes.

Benefits of Silk Eye Surgery

Silk Eye Surgery presents several compelling benefits over traditional laser vision correction methods such as LASIK and SMILE:

• Flap-free procedure: Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, SILK is a flap-free procedure, minimizing the risk of flap-related complications such as flap dislocation or epithelial ingrowth.
• Minimally invasive: SILK's bladeless and flap-free approach reduces the invasiveness of the procedure, leading to less discomfort and a faster recovery time.
• Precision and Accuracy: The ELITA femtosecond laser employs high-precision technology to create a perfectly shaped lenticule, ensuring accurate vision correction and minimizing the risk of overcorrection or undercorrection.
• Suitable for Thin Corneas: SILK is particularly well-suited for patients with thin corneas who may not be eligible for traditional LASIK due to insufficient corneal tissue.
• Quicker Recovery: Silk Eye Surgery typically offers a faster recovery time compared to LASIK, allowing patients to resume their normal activities sooner.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, Silk Eye Surgery carries potential risks and complications, albeit with a very low incidence. These may include:

• Temporary dryness or discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Halo or glare around lights
• Infection
• Rare complications such as corneal ectasia or vision loss

Recovery process

Silk Eye Surgery typically offers a quick and comfortable recovery process. Patients may experience mild discomfort, such as dryness or sensitivity to light, which usually resolves within a few days. Vision improvement is typically noticeable within 24 hours, with continued improvement over the next few days to weeks. Most patients can return to work or school within a day or two, and full recovery is generally achieved within a few weeks.