Karnataka - Bangalore   

Hospital acquires machine for LASIK surgery

Staff Reporter

It is used to treat eye conditions such as myopia and hyperopia

Bangalore: The Ophthalmology Department at Manipal Hospital has acquired a state-of-the-art Excimer Laser machine for conducting high precision "Laser-Assisted In-Site Keratomileusis" (LASIK) surgery. The Excimer Laser machine-MEL 80 was inaugurated at Manipal Hospital by danseuse Vani Ganapathy on Saturday. The MEL 80 laser machine is housed in the upgraded Ophthalmology Out-Patient Department of the hospital.

The procedure is used to treat eye conditions such as myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness) and astigmatism. Over the years, spectacles have been used for correcting these defects and in the last four decades contact lenses were the only alternative.

"We envisage patients coming over the weekend and getting the procedure done. They can get back to work on Monday after being treated," said Manoj Mathai, consultant ophthalmologist, Manipal Hospital. "The MEL 80 will enable our surgeons to set new standards in accurate vision correction which is safer. According to the hospital authorities, the equipment costs Rs.2 crore and incorporates the latest "wavefront technology" which allows customised treatment for every patient.

In LASIK surgery, the ophthalmic surgeon uses a microsurgical instrument and a specialised Excimer Laser beam to reshape the cornea which alters the focusing power of the eye. This allows patients with defective eyesight to become less dependant on spectacles or contact lenses. After a LASIK surgery, the visual recovery is rapid and most people will be able to see clearly within a day or two, doctors at the Ophthalmic Department at Manipal Hospital said.

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