ASSOC.PROF.
AYŞE ÇİÇEK , MD

What is NoTouch Laser?

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Transepithelial PRK, commonly known as "NoTouch laser", is actually a PRK method. In the standard PRK procedure, the surface cell layer is removed with alcohol or a tool, and in the NoTouch laser, the eye is removed without touching the eye. Since the eye is not touched in this method, the patient is more comfortable during the procedure. After laser and its results are no different from the standard PRK procedure.

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Who Can Be Applied to NoTouch Laser Eye Surgery (eye drawing)?

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People who want to have NoTouch Laser must meet 3 conditions:

• be 18 years or older,

• Stability of the eye number, that is, the eye disorder does not increase more than 0.5 in a year,

• Appropriate eye structure.

 

Apart from these conditions, NoTouch Laser is not recommended for people with diabetes, connective tissue disease, rheumatism, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

It should not be forgotten that one of the basic rules of medicine is the rule "There is no disease, there is a patient". Each patient is unique and should be evaluated individually. Therefore, it is not the right approach to say that everyone who meets these criteria will have a laser, or those who do not can definitely not have a laser.

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How is NoTouch Laser Made?

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In this method, firstly, the superficial cell layer of the cornea is removed by laser without touching the eye, and then the number is reduced by applying the excimer laser. The contact lens is then placed. The laser process takes about 3 minutes for one eye. 3-5 days after laser treatment. Control examination is carried out between days.

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How is the Preparation Process for NoTouch Laser Eye Surgery?

The most important criterion of the NoTouch Laser procedure is the determination of the appropriate patient and the appropriate method. For this reason, NoTouch Laser should definitely be performed by physicians experienced in laser and cornea. Before the laser procedure, the patient should be discussed in detail and a detailed eye examination should be performed. Many subjects such as why the patient wants to have a laser, his expectations after the laser procedure, his profession, his hobbies, sports activities, the diseases he has, and the drugs he uses should be discussed during the examination phase.

In the preliminary examination, numbers are determined, eye pressure is measured, strabismus examination and microscopic examination are performed. In the next step, it is checked whether the corneal structure is suitable for the laser with the topography film. If the corneal structure is suitable for laser treatment, drop measurement and retinal examination are performed. Drop measurement is mandatory for every patient who will have a laser.

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What are the conditions that the patient should pay attention to before the NoTouch Laser Procedure?

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• Discontinue the use of lenses at least 2 days before the laser examination and procedure.

• Do not use perfume, deodorant, and do not make eye and face make-up on the day of laser operation.

• Come to the laser procedure with your companion.

• You cannot drive immediately after laser treatment. It would be right to come with a relative who will drive. 

• There is no harm in eating before the laser procedure.

• It would be good to have sunglasses with you.

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How is the process after NoTouch Laser?

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After the PRK procedure, the patient has stinging, watering, and light sensitivity for about 2 days. Therefore, a rest period is required. The person can return to his daily life from the 3rd day. In addition, there will be slightly hazy vision that does not affect daily life but can be felt for about 1 month after PRK procedure. The contact lens worn during the laser procedure is removed on the 5th day. The patient uses artificial tear drops for approximately 1.5 months. The control examination continues for a certain period of time.