Laser Eye Surgery

SUMMARY

Laser eye surgery reshapes the transparent dome-shaped structure in the front of your eye (cornea) to correct vision problems (refractive errors). Laser eye surgery is a permanent change that reduces or eliminates your need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING LASER EYE SURGERY?

The laser eye surgery treatment process is usually carried out on both eyes during the same visit. You are in the treatment room for approximately 20 minutes, with the laser being applied for only one or two minutes. Most techniques are performed with the aid of anaesthetic drops to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.

To promote faster healing and better results, the thin outer surface layer of the cornea is moved aside before the laser treatment is performed, and then gently moved back into place. There is also another type of treatment called PRK (Lasek), but this is used less frequently.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR SURGERY?

You must:

  • be over 20 years old
  • not be pregnant
  • have eyes in the correctable range
  • have had a stable refraction (glasses or contact lens strength) for the past year
  • have eyes with no complicating injuries or diseases (this will be assessed)

BENEFITS OF LASIK

Laser vision correction surgery offers you a number of advantages, including:

  • Better eyesight, without glasses or contacts
  • Financial savings — you don’t have to buy glasses or contacts anymore
  • Expanded career opportunities (military professionals, pilots, firefighters, police officers and others)
  • Greater freedom during recreational activities, such as water sports, hunting, skiing or other active sports
  • A new and improved look without glasses
  • Safer than a lifetime of wearing contact lenses

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASIK AND LASEK

With LASIK, a thin flap is cut into the eye’s surface and then lifted. An Excimer cool laser is applied to the eye for reshaping, and the flap is replaced, working as a natural bandage, so healing is swift.

IF you have PRK, the ophthalmic Surgeon doesn’t cut a flap in the eye; he applies the laser directly to the eye’s surface. The ultra -thin, outer layer of the eye (epithelium) is removed completely with the laser and eventually grows back.

A LASEK procedure may be performed during which the surgeon lifts it form the eye’s surface before laser is applied for re-shaping. A special cutting tool is used to remove this very thin layer, called a trephine. When he’s finished, he simply paces the epithelium on the eye’s surface.

AFTER THE TREATMENT

The majority of people who have laser eye surgery are happy with their results.

As with any medical treatment you’ll need to have regular check-ups to make sure that your eyes are healing correctly.

If you regularly exercise or play sports, you will need to discuss when you can resume these activities with your optometrist or surgeon.It is also important to bear in mind that it may take up to a few months for your vision to completely stabilise after your procedure. Another thing to note is that you may still require corrective lenses for reading in your 40s or 50s if you have laser eye surgery to correct your distance vision.

Laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure to correct your vision.

What is LASIK surgery?

A LASIK surgery procedure is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. An excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea with computer-controlled precision to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism

Is LASIK surgery right for me?

LASIK surgery has great potential to give you a life where putting your contacts in and reaching for your glasses in the morning is a memory of the past. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction.
In general, you must be at least 18 years old, have healthy eyes and a stable eye prescription for the last twelve months. Those with certain medical conditions and women who are pregnant or nursing (within the last 3 months) are not the best candidates.

Will I have 20/20 vision after my LASIK surgery?

Although some of our world renowned LASIK surgeons can provide you with data on the outcome of your surgery, no one can guarantee you perfect vision. However, we are pleased to announce that following laser vision correction, a vast majority of our patients are able to drive, play sports and watch TV without glasses! Our patients are overwhelmed with this life-changing event and enjoy referring their friends and family.

Is LASIK a safe procedure?

With laser vision correction surgery complications are very rare. At The LASIK Vision Institute®, we have some of the most experienced independent LASIK surgeons in the industry. The risk of sight threatening complications is less than 1% overall.
In making the decision to undergo LASIK surgery, be sure to do your research. Choose a LASIK surgeon who is experienced and well respected in the industry and be sure to have a list of questions to ask about the procedure.

Is the LASIK procedure painful?

Many patients comment on how surprised they are of not feeling pain with their LASIK surgery. Anesthetic drops are used to fully numb the eye before LASIK eye surgery begins; during the laser correction you may feel a light pressure sensation around your eye. Prior to surgery you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
After your laser eye surgery, your eye may feel a bit irritated for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. You will be prescribed drops for your eyes to provide comfort and healing in the days following your surgery.

How soon after Laser eye surgery can I resume normal activities?

There are some minimal restrictions in the first weeks following laser surgery, but many LASIK patients are able to resume normal activities the following day! Vision corrective results from LASIK surgery are typically very rapid and many patients are able to see clearly 24-48 hours after surgery. Further vision improvement may continue over several months. Your doctor will recommend avoiding certain activities, like swimming or contact sports for several weeks.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time?

Yes. Most patients find it much more convenient to have both eyes treated on the same day.

How does PRK compare to LASIK?

In many situations PRK surgery and LASIK surgery can have comparable results although your doctor can discuss which is most appropriate for your condition during your free consultation. PRK is a predecessor to LASIK so many doctors have lots of experience with both procedures using the latest excimer lasers. A major difference is that in LASIK surgery a hinged flap is created on the cornea while in PRK, rather than creating a flap, it involves polishing the surface of the cornea. In general, custom LASIK patients report minimal irritation, and their vision stabilizes more quickly than PRK. PRK recovery can take a few days with hazy vision and some discomfort. PRK is often recommended when the patient’s cornea is too thin for LASIK.

How long will vision correction last?

The distance vision correction is fairly permanent following laser vision correction. However, as with the course of nature, there are some age related changes that will occur regardless of whether or not you had LASIK surgery.

How long will vision correction last?

The distance vision correction is fairly permanent following laser vision correction. However, as with the course of nature, there are some age related changes that will occur regardless of whether or not you had LASIK surgery.