What is a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser?

Since its invention in the 1960s, the laser device has become popular for use in surgery on soft tissue. The first published reports about using lasers for eyelid surgery already appeared in 1984.
The laser device produces a focused light beam that vaporizes tissue cleanly and sharply. In addition, the laser beam seals blood vessels along the incision, thereby minimizing bleeding. In fact, the laser replaces the use of the standard surgical blade.

Is laser use safe?

When lasers are used according to established procedures and by a professional surgeon, they are as safe as any other surgical tool.
During the operation, the eyeball is protected by a dedicated corneal shield to prevent any possible damage to the eye from the laser beam.

What are the benefits of using a laser during eyelid surgery?

• Less bleeding: The laser seals small blood vessels as it evaporates and cuts tissue, thus giving the surgeon a clearer anatomical view of the surgical area.
• Less post-surgical swelling: Laser surgery is less traumatic for the surgical tissue. There is no tearing or shearing of the tissue, and blood and lymphatic vessels are sealed. As a result, there is reduced post-surgical swelling.
• Less invasive: The focused laser beam allows for very precise cutting, as the width of the laser beam is only 0.2 mm. This precision prevents damage to the deeper tissue that is close to the eyeball.
• Less postoperative discomfort: The reduced bleeding and tissue swelling resulting from laser surgery means less postoperative discomfort.
• Less surgical time: Due to the reduction in intraoperative bleeding resulting from laser surgery, the surgery time itself is shortened. There is no need to stop the tissue from bleeding, or to replace surgical instruments during surgery. All of the surgery is done by the laser. The surgical area is then sewn by the accepted methods.