Ophthalmology

Laser eye surgery which uses different methods. Some are performed using just one laser and others use a platform comprising two different lasers. Only the centres equipped with all the necessary technology to perform the different treatments, as is the case with Quirónsalud, can offer patients the most suitable treatment for their case. The medical team works with the latest refractive technology: Excimer laser, femtosecond laser, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASIK, Epicrystalline Intraocular Lens ICL and facorefractive surgery

Cataracts are the clouding and hardening of the crystalline, a natural lens which is part of the eye and which focusses images on the retina.

Cataracts are broken by using ultrasound and the pieces are absorbed through irrigation or suction. Once clean, the intraocular lens is implanted. The method is known as cataract phacoemulsification. If the intraocular lens is multifocal, trifocal or toric due to astigmatism, it becomes facorefractive

Blepharoplasty or eyelid plastic surgery enables us to remove excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids, which causes that look of tiredness, in order to achieve facial rejuvenation by removing unsightly eye bags and shadows. Sometimes, the eyebrows are also lifted, when they droop over the eyelids. Currently, this procedure is performed using non-external scarring techniques, such as the endonasal technique or using diode laser, which reduce patient discomfort.

The sensitive internal eye layer is the object of the retinal sub-speciality, where many advances have been made in recent decades: the posterior virectomy involves inserting three instruments through incisions measuring less than 1 millimetre through the external sclera wall and into the eye, which are observed with a microscope through the dilated pupil; one to illuminate with a fibre-optic, one to irrigate and a third to cut and manipulate.

The surgery aims to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) to levels that no longer damage the optic nerve. To do so, we must create a drainage for the aqueous humour contained in the upper part of the eye. The classic technique is the trabeculectomy, which involves creating a fistula from the Upper Chamber of the eye towards the subconjunctival space, depending on different variants. Another way is to insert valves which control the drainage of the aqueous humour. There are many types of valves; the most modern are relatively simple to implant.

There are no preventative methods against this ailment, but there are surgical processes to stop it, such as implanting intracorneal ring segments (ICRS): pieces of transparent rigid plastic (PMMA) in the shape of an arch, which are inserted into the cornea. Also, the Cross-linking (CXL) or collagen reticulation option is very safe. A simple and effective process to stop the progress of keratoconus. In the most serious cases, when the field of vision is severely reduced, the only solution is keratoplasty or corneal transplant.

We can turn to the surgical treatment that always involves weakening or strengthening one or some of the muscles which control the movement of the eyes.

Weakening can be done by means of an intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin or Botox in mild cases, or by changing the muscle insertion; strengthening is achieved by creating a fold in the muscle, or equally by changing its insertion.

The aim of facorefractive surgery is to insert a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL), which achieves good distance, intermediate and near vision. Over the last few years, multifocal IOL have presented intermediate vision problems; that is, being able to see a computer or mobile phone screen, for example, and often, patients would see halos around rights, which was very restrictive, especially when driving at night. With the new trifocal IOL used by the Quirónsalud ophthalmological team, the halos have reduced so much that they are hardly noticed and do not disturb any activities; distance and intermediate vision is very good in all cases.

Thermaeye is the first ophthalmologically-certified laser, created to treat dry eyes, one of the most commonly-consulted disorders in ophthalmology, and until now, was only treated with eye medicines. Thermaeye treatment (pulsed light) also provides benefits in blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Its therapeutic effects are reflected in the reduction of symptoms, with an improvement in tear quality and eyelid movement; it reduces inflammation, activates meibomian and collagen gland function, and also has an antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect.

Caring for our eyes from childhood is essential for maintaining an optimal quality of vision throughout our lives. Regular check-ups by our team will help to detect any visual alterations in a preventative manner, including squints, and treat them, whether by means of optical devices (glasses or contact lenses), with exercises and prisms, or with surgery, if needed. Detecting and treating sight problems from childhood, such as squints and refraction defects, congenital abnormalities, visual defects, infectious processes and trauma, is essential for maintaining healthy vision and eyes throughout adult life.