LIMBAL RELAXING INCISIONS (LRIs)

Limbal Relaxing Incision is a surgical technique used to correct astigmatism, a condition in which the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurry vision. During the procedure, the ophthalmologist makes one or more small incisions in the cornea near the edge of the iris, called the limbus. These incisions are placed in a specific pattern to alter the shape of the cornea, making it more spherical and reducing astigmatism.

Here are some things to know about LRIs:

Procedure: LRIs usually only take a few minutes to execute and are frequently performed under local anesthetic. The ophthalmologist will use a diamond blade or a femtosecond laser to make one or more tiny incisions in the cornea. Usually, the incisions are no longer than 1 mm.
Recovery: Patients usually experience mild discomfort and blurry vision after the procedure, but this typically improves within a few days. Eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes, and refrain from swimming or using hot tubs for a few weeks after the procedure.
Results: The degree of astigmatism correction achieved with LRIs varies depending on the number and location of the incisions, as well as the individual patient's healing response. Most patients experience some improvement in vision, but some may still need glasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal visual acuity.
Risks: Like any surgical procedure, LRIs carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. Astigmatism may sometimes not be fully corrected or worsen after the procedure.

LRIs are a safe and effective option for patients with mild to moderate astigmatism for whom the other types of refractive surgery are not ideal. It's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of LRIs with your ophthalmologist to determine if it's the right option for you.

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Relaxing Incisions: What to Expect

If you are scheduled for (LRIs) to correct your astigmatism, here's what you can expect:

Before the procedure
During the procedure
After the procedure
Recovery after the procedure

Before the procedure

You may need to stop taking certain medications or eye drops before the procedure. Your eye will be examined to determine the best placement and number of incisions.

During the procedure

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. Depending on your prescription, age, and the degree of correction required, the ophthalmologist will make one or more small incisions in the cornea near the edge of the iris, called the limbus.

Before the eyelid speculum and drapes are removed, antibiotic drops are applied to conclude the procedure. The incisions are typically less than 1 mm long and are made using a diamond blade or a femtosecond laser. The process itself usually takes no more than 5 minutes, excluding preparation time.

After the procedure

For a few days after the procedure, you may experience some blurry vision or sensitivity to light along with an itchy sensation. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

You must avoid rubbing your eye and swimming or using hot tubs for a few weeks after the procedure. You may need to wear an eye shield throughout the day and at night to protect your eye. Your ophthalmologist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and assess your vision.

Recovery after the procedure

Following surgery, patients should prepare to unwind for the remainder of the day. Additionally, some patients may have little discomfort, which may typically be treated with a simple over-the-counter painkiller. For the first few days after surgery, it's also not unusual for people to have watery eyes, increased light sensitivity, or eye puffiness.

While for some patients their vision significantly improves within the first day, for others it may continue to be obscure for a number of weeks. Everyone recovers in their own way, although most patients can return to their regular activities the very following day.

For an optimal outcome, it's crucial to adhere to your ophthalmologist's post-operative care guidelines. After LRIs, the majority of patients see some improvement in their vision, although some may still require glasses or contact lenses to attain the best possible visual acuity.