What is SILK Eye Surgery?

SILK (Subepithelial Intralaminar Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a refractive surgery technique used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It’s a type of surface ablation procedure that involves reshaping the cornea’s surface to improve vision.

During SILK surgery, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to precisely remove a thin layer of the cornea’s surface (epithelium) and then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. This reshaping aims to correct the refractive error and improve how light focuses on the retina, thus improving vision.

Criteria for SILK Laser Surgery

silk Surgery
  • Patient must be at least of 18 years of age.
  • Myopia up to -12.00 D with and without astigmatism up to -6.00 D.
  • Patient should have stable refractive error for 6 months
  • Patients who are not pregnant, lactating, or of child-bearing potential and practicing a medically approved method of birth control
  • No previous history of intraocular or corneal surgery of any kind

How does SILK work?

Create

Create:

SILK relies on the advanced ELITA laser technology to delicately craft a small, disc-shaped lens, known as a lenticule, within the cornea.

Remove

Remove:

The ELITA laser creates a minute incision through which the lenticule is delicately extracted.

Reshape

Reshape:
Once the smooth lenticule is removed, the cornea undergoes reshaping, granting the patient clear and improved vision!

SILK Eye Surgery Benefits

About half the population of India has a vision problem. But, this is now easy to correct as SILK surgery provides a safe and proper solution for practically all vision problems. Some of the benefits for SILK surgery are:

  • Precise Correction: SILK surgery uses advanced laser technology, allowing for precise reshaping of the cornea, leading to accurate vision correction.

  • Flap-less and Blade-free: Unlike some other procedures, SILK doesn’t involve creating flaps or using blades, minimizing certain risks and discomfort associated with those techniques.

  • Quick Recovery: Patients often experience a relatively quick recovery after SILK surgery compared to other procedures. Discomfort and healing time can be shorter.

  • Vision Improvement: The surgery aims to enhance vision significantly, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses.

  • Versatility: SILK surgery can correct various refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.

  • Low Risk of Complications: With advancements in technology and techniques, SILK surgery has a relatively low risk of complications when performed by a skilled surgeon.

  • Long-term Results: Many individuals experience long-lasting improvements in their vision post-SILK surgery, providing lasting benefits.

SILK Doctors

Doctor Shweta Jain
Dr. Shweta Jain
Cataract, Retina, Glaucoma, LASIK
Neha
Dr. Neha Wadhwa
LASIK
Dr. Saurabh Jain
Cataract, Retina, Glaucoma, LASIK
Dr. Harleen Kaur
Cataract, Retina, Glaucoma, LASIK

SILK Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

SILK is a surface ablation technique similar to PRK but uses specific laser technology and a flap-less, blade-free approach, distinguishing it from LASIK or PRK.

Not all individuals are ideal candidates for SILK surgery. Factors such as eye health, corneal thickness, and other medical conditions will determine candidacy. A consultation with an eye care professional is essential to assess suitability.

Recovery times can vary, but many patients experience noticeable vision improvement within a few days to a week. Full stabilization and optimal vision might take several weeks.

As with any surgical procedure, potential risks exist, such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or temporary discomfort. However, complications are relatively rare with advancements in technology and skilled surgeons.

The surgery involves numbing the eye with drops, reshaping the cornea with the laser, and removing a tiny disc-shaped lens within the cornea to correct vision—all typically completed within a short time frame.

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