Limbal Relaxing Incisions

Who is Limbal Relaxing Incisions good for?

This procedure is often ideal for patients who:

• Are age 50 or older
• Have mild to moderate Astigmatism
• Wish to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses
• Are planning cataract surgery and wish to correct their astigmatism at the same time

• Have undergone prior eye surgery and have residual astigmatism 

After performing a comprehensive eye exam, your surgeon will discuss whether this option is the best fit for you. It is important for patients to be in good overall health and to have realistic expectations before undergoing this procedure. While most patients typically experience significant improvements to their vision after an LRI, some may still require vision correction in the form of glasses or contacts.

What are the risks of having an LRI?

The limbal relaxing incision procedure is remarkably safe and complications are extremely rare. That said, possible complications of LRI's can include infection, over-correction, under-correction, micro-perforation of the cornea, induced astigmatism, discomfort, and decreased corneal sensation.

What happens during an LRI procedure?

An LRI procedure performed at AGEI takes about five minutes per eye. It is performed with anesthetic eye drops, does not require stitches and you can go home the same day following a brief examination in the recovery room. Prior to surgery, your doctor uses a special computer to produce a topographical map of your eye and create a template that will guide your procedure.

Here’s what takes place during an LRI procedure:

1. After your eyes are cleansed, your doctor applies numbing eye drops and puts on a device that keeps you from blinking during the procedure.

2. Next, you are asked to look into a light while a femtosecond laser or a Diamond scalpel makes precise incisions in your cornea using the template designed to address the specific amount of vision correction you need. AEI’s Treatment System includes a laser-guided measurement system that provides real-time feedback on the vision change achieved, thus enabling the surgeon to refine the incisions immediately until the desired vision correction is achieved.

3. Once the tiny arc-shaped incisions have been completed, antibiotic drops are placed in your eye, and the eyelid holder is removed. 

4. You will be fitted with eye shields to protect your eyes.

5. Following the procedure, you are taken to the recovery area, where you will receive a final eye check prior to going home.

What can I expect after getting Limbal Relaxing Incisions?

Some patients may experience the following post-operative symptoms for a few days following the procedure:

• Light Sensitivity
• Tearing
• Redness

Any post-operative discomfort will be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol.

Most patients are able to return to work and their regular routine the day after surgery. Vision will likely improve significantly within the first day, although there are a few patients who may experience blurry vision for several weeks after the procedure.

Why choose AGEI for Limbal Relaxing Incision surgery

At AGEI, our LRIs are guided in real time with Intraoperative Aberrometry (a laser-guided system that measures the eye’s focusing power). This system enables us to titrate the astigmatism correction with exquisite refinement, ensuring that the relaxing incisions have the precise angle, depth, and length and are placed in the exact optical zone needed to safely correct your astigmatism.

Because AGEI was the first center in the world to introduce this technology (Wavetec Ora Aberrometer), we have the most extensive experience with this device.

Sources

1. Roberts HW, Wagh VK, Sullivan DL, et al. Refractive outcomes after limbal relaxing incisions or femtosecond laser arcuate keratotomy to manage corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2018;44(8):955-63.