Limbal Relaxing Incisions
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) are a procedure used to help patients with astigmatism see at distances. The result can reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.
LRI is often performed during surgery for implantation of intraocular lenses or cataracts, but can also be done following corneal transplantation.
Getting Ready
Before conducting an LRI, Dr. Besser follows a series of tests in preparation for the procedure.
LRI testing includes
• standard keratometry
• an examination of the areas of the peripheral cornea where the incisions will take place
• pachymetry (to measure the thickness of the cornea)
The Procedure
The procedure entails partial thickness incisions made on the outer, non-seeing corner of the eye, the limbus, which cause the steepest part of the cornea’s curvature to relax and be more evenly round.
The Limbal Relaxing Incisions procedure takes about five minutes per eye, can be performed with anesthetic eye drops solely, and does not require stitches.
The patient can go home the same day following a brief examination with Dr. Besser.
The Recovery
The most common post-operative symptoms for a few days following the procedure are:
Light sensitivity
Swelling in the eyes
Redness
Tearing
Most patients are able to return to their routine the day after Limbal Relaxing Incisions surgery, although some may experience blurry vision for several weeks after the procedure.
To speed up the recovery, Dr. Besser recommends all his patients to apply special drops in their eyes and wear shaded lenses to help protect their eyes.
If you have astigmatism and cataracts and would like to learn more, or to find out if you’re a candidate for Limbal Relaxing Incisions with cataract surgery, schedule a consultation today.