SILK SPECS REMOVAL
SILK is the newest laser vision correction technology in the World. Based on the principle of corneal lenticule extraction, it’s performed by the ELITA Femtosecond Laser Platform released by Johnson & Johnson Vision.
How does SILK vision correction work?
Create: SILK uses a precise Femto Laser eye technology called ELITA. The laser creates a small disc-shaped tissue in the cornea (called a Lenticule) and a microscopic incision on the corneal surface.
Remove: Our refractive surgeon delicately removes the lenticule through the microscopic incision.
Reshape: The Silky-smooth lenticule removal leaves reshapes your cornea and corrects your eye power.
What does SILK correct?
SILK can correct your eye power by changing the shape of your cornea.
- Myopia (Minus number) correction
- Astigmatism or cylindrical power correction
Why choose SILK?
SAFETY: It’s safer than LASIK for sportspersons, those in active combat or those in professions where there are chances of injury. This is because we do not make a corneal flap- which means the cornea remains more stable.
SWIFT RECOVERY: The recovery time is rapid and comparable to LASIK. Most patients are able to see clearly within 24 hours with vision continuing to become clearer over the next 7 days.
SATISFACTION: Transient post-LASIK/PRK dryness is a common issue faced by many. However, SILK causes the least dry eye issues out of all as the front layer of the cornea is minimally handled. This means the recovery period of patients is faster.
Why choose shroff eye centre?
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Pioneers in
Refractive
Surgery -
Patient-
centered
care -
Highly Skilled
Doctors & Staff -
Ethical &
Transparent
Approach
SILK advantages
- Less dry eye : because corneal surface is handled minimally
- Less discomfort : during the procedure as well as during recovery (this is because the corneal surface is minimally handled)
- Better Corneal stability & strength
- No flap related complications (flap related complications are Uncommon to begin with)
- Better for people who are in combat professions as there is no risk of injury to the flap.
- Better for sports persons as there is no risk of injury to the flap.
Risks of SILK
The safety profile of SILK is very high and comparable to other lenticule based procedures. However, as it is a procedure, it carries an inherent risk. Although rare, complications and risks such as infections etc do sometimes occur. Please speak with our ophthalmologists to understand the risks of SILK.
Planning for specs removal?
Here’s what you need to know
Eligibility: You should be at least 18 years of age and your spectacles power should be stable for the last one year. Read more here for detailed eligibility criteria for SILK.
Assessment: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to be examined by our refractive specialists. You will also undergo extensive eye testing. This is to make sure your corneal biomechanics and retina are in good shape.
Discussion:With investigations done, our refractive specialists will discuss specs removal options which would be safe for you. We have all options for specs removal at Shroff Eye Centre- SILK, Bladefree LASIK (Femto Contoura), Blade LASIK, Streamlight PRK, Conventional PRK and ICL.
Post-assessment: If you are fit for SILK, you can book your date for your procedure. It is done on another day after the assessment as there are some pre-procedure guidelines you must follow.
Procedure: You reach our eye hospital on the date & time of your procedure, change and relax. Our refractive surgeon will call you into the theater when they are ready. We numb your eyes with topical anesthetic eye drops right before the procedure. The procedure itself takes only around 10 minutes.
Post-operative care: While SILK has minimal postoperative dryness, you do still have to observe some precautions. Our refractive surgeons will prescribe some eye drops and explain how to care for your eyes till your eye heals. You also have to visit us for post procedure eye checkups.
FAQs
What is SILK?
SILK or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is the latest refractive laser procedure introduced by J&J Vision. It is a corneal lenticule-based procedure (without corneal flap) which corrects myopia (near-sightedness) and astigmatism by changing the corneal shape. SILK is performed by the ELITA Femtosecond LASER platform- one of the most advanced laser vision correction technologies available for specs removal.
Am I a candidate for the SILK procedure?
There are some basic criteria you must meet before SILK.
You must: 1. be over 18 years of age and have stable eye power for a year at least.
2. Meet the corneal safety parameters
3. Not have other eye problems such as keratoconus or retina problems
4. Not be Pregnant or Lactating
5. Not have any chronic systemic conditions such as Autoimmune diseases
Read here if you are planning for SILK. (Link to planning for Specs removal)
Can i start looking at my phone after SILK?
While most people are able to see without their glasses immediately after the procedure, we ask you to avoid screens on the day of the procedure. Your vision will clear up more by the next day and continue to improve over the next 7 days.
Is SILK painful?
Patients usually experience minimal discomfort during the SILK Procedure. Your eyes are numbed with eye drops which makes the surgery pain-free. However you may feel a pressure sensation on your eye- this lasts for a very short time. Post surgery, the discomfort is usually minimal too. If required, you’ll be prescribed medication by our refractive surgeons.
When can i wear makeup after SILK specs removal?
You’ll receive detailed post-procedure instructions. Usually we ask you to refrain from wearing eye makeup for 4 weeks.
Is there an age limit for the SILK procedure?
Yes, you must be over 18 years of age.
What is the cost of the SILK specs removal procedure?
Refractive procedures start from upwards of Rs. 50k. As the technology is new the cost of SILK is more. Call us Now to get an estimate.
How long does SILK take?
The actual procedure usually takes less than 15-20 minutes.
Can i drive home after SILK?
No, Someone else must drive you home as your vision will be a little blurry right after surgery.
How soon after LASIK may i resume driving?
You may start driving as soon as you see well. This is usually 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Please discuss with your surgeon after as everyone is different.
Can i go back to work right away?
We recommend that you take the day off on the day of surgery. Most people who have SILK can work from the very next day. There may be some restrictions on driving, hair wash and makeup - so please keep this in mind and discuss with your doctor.
How soon after SILK Laser eye surgery can i resume normal activities?
There are a few small restrictions in the first few weeks following laser surgery, but many SILK patients are able to resume normal activities the following day!
Most patients recover rapidly post SILK eye surgery and are able to see clearly 24-48 hours after surgery. Further vision improvement will gradually keep happening. Your doctor will recommend avoiding certain activities, like swimming, contact sports etc for several weeks.