Bioptics
In order to achieve the desired focus for an eye it is sometimes necessary to use more than one type of procedure. This may be necessary if the focus error of the eye is too large or complex to be fully corrected by one procedure alone. Combining procedures in this way is called Bioptics.
Different procedures may be used at the same time during a single operation, or used in a sequence of two or more surgeries over time.
An example:
An eye may have too large a degree of short or longsighted-ness to correct with laser (e.g. LASIK or LASEK). Lens Exchange surgery may be performed to correct the majority of the focus error, i.e. to debulk it. Once the eye has recovered from this surgery the eye can be assessed to see what degree of focus error remains. If necessary a laser procedure can then be used to refine the focus of the eye. The relatively small focus error left after the Lens Exchange being within the range for laser treatment.
Combining procedures means a specific (bespoke) treatment plan can be devised for individual eyes and focus corrections can be achieved that would otherwise be beyond the boundaries of any single procedure used alone.
Lens Exchange is often used to correct large refractive (focus) errors. For example relatively high degrees of short-sightedness where laser (LASIK or LASEK) cannot be used because they would thin the cornea too much. These cases are more difficult to fully correct than smaller simpler errors in "one hit", i.e. with a single procedure type performed once. One reason for this is that one is "shooting at the target from a long way off". There is therefore an increased chance that the desired focus result will not be fully achieved after the initial procedure. A further procedure(s) may be needed in order to reach the refractive goal.
Theoretical combinations of procedures involving Lens Exchange include:
"Limbal Relaxing Incisions" is for the correction of astigmatism.
CK, "Conductive Keratoplasty" is for the correction of residual longsight or astigmatism
More information about these surgeries is available from Cataractcare, Visualase or CK.