Limbal relaxing incision

Limbal relaxing incisions are a type of surgery used in treating astigmatism. Limbal relaxing incisions are a form of astigmatic keratotomy. The incisions in LRIs are made on the very far parts of the cornea. LRIs are made in order to create a more rounded cornea. These types of incisions are created in certain types of astigmatism in persons with certain corneal surface thinness.

Limbal relaxing incisions help with astigmatism and also have been shown to have fewer side effects, such as glare or discomfort, than other incisive astigmatic surgeries. The wounds from limbal relaxing incisions also tend to heal faster than other surgeries.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is misshapen. Parts of the cornea are steeper than others, more like a pyramid than a half circle. The limbal relaxing incisions are made around the edges of the cornea and work by relaxing the protrusion of the cornea. Vision is restored with corneal adjustment due to the LRIs.

The patient is given a few eye drops of an anesthetic solution before the surgery. Limbal relaxing incisions are often very non-invasive and have a rare occurrence of side effects. Before the surgery your doctor will go over all of the steps you need to take to prepare yourself. This may include not wearing contact lenses. There is little occurrence of corneal shifting as well. This means that the cornea tends to take shape correctly very quickly after the limbal relaxing incisions are performed.

Patients' eyes are kept open, usually only one at a time, with a speculum. This allows the doctor to peer down at the cornea and keep it still. Small incisions are made with a very tiny blade around the exterior of the cornea in limbal relaxing incisions. These incisions allow the protruding cornea to "relax" and settle into a more spherical shape.

Limbal relaxing incisions are often part of a combined treatment. For some patients LASIK and LRIs are used together and often result in a much stronger recovery than just LASIK alone. These patients usually have compound myopic or mixed astigmatism. A comprehensive diagnosis by your doctor is key in determining what types of treatments you will need.

Limbal relaxing incisions are currently gaining popularity within the surgical, particularly the cataract, community. LRIs are seen to be especially effective in conjunction with other cataract operations that can result in an astigmatic reduction. The result is a better vision without the need for glasses or other eyewear. Contact an experienced and up to date doctor with years of limbal relaxing incision and LASIK experience through this Web site for a consultation.

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