Doctor Marc Carbonell is part of the medical team of the Santa Creu Ophthalmological Institute of the Santa Creu Clinic in Figueres, together with doctors Jordi Juvanet, Sergi Prades, Cristina Comas and Lisa Pilar Sturchio.

All the ophthalmological tests performed at the centre use the most modern and advanced technology. One of the techniques included in the list of specialities is refractive surgery.

Refractive surgery is the set of surgical techniques aimed at correcting refractive errors, i.e. myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Its purpose is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

These techniques include procedures performed on the cornea (laser surgery) and procedures to implant intraocular lenses (intraocular surgery), and are indicated depending on the type of refractive defect and the anatomical characteristics of each eye.

These are Excimer Laser based techniques, i.e. we use Lasik or FemtoLasik, PRK or Advanced Surface Ablation or Intraocular Phakic Lens implantation (ICL, EYECRYL, IPCL).

Techniques include procedures performed on the cornea (laser surgery) and procedures to implant intraocular lenses (intraocular surgery).

Lasik (Laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most widely used techniques in the world for the correction of refractive defects, and has been used for more than 30 years. It consists of lifting a thin layer of corneal tissue to a depth of about 100 microns (which we call a flap) and then applying the excimer laser to shape the corneal curvature and eliminate the refractive error. Finally, the corneal flap is repositioned and adheres without the need for stitches.

That it is a safe, quick (lasting about 5 minutes per eye), simple and effective technique, and allows the patient to quickly return to his or her activities.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) consists of removing the corneal epithelium (which is like the skin of the cornea) and then applying the excimer laser to shape the corneal curvature. Subsequently, a therapeutic contact lens is placed until the corneal surface heals (2-3 days).

In patients with low prescriptions, thin corneas or with biomechanical alterations (even in cases where Lasik would be contraindicated) and also in patients who practise contact sports. In this type of surgery, visual recovery is more progressive and, during the first 2-3 days, the patient may experience some discomfort.

This surgery is indicated for patients who have high prescription defects or who, for some reason, are not suitable for laser surgery. It consists of inserting a flexible intraocular lens made of biocompatible material through a small incision and placing it behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens, without the need to modify any ocular structure.