Laser Refractive Surgery

What is Laser Refractive Surgery?

Laser eye surgery has advanced dramatically in the last decade. Technological and scientific discoveries have led to a huge range of treatments, which means that many vision problems that were considered inappropriate in the past can now be successfully corrected with vision correction with the use of state-of-the-art lasers.

This means that ophthalmologists who specialize in providing laser eye surgery no longer have to disappoint many who would like to live a life without glasses or contacts lenses. In the majority of cases, they can now use a number of alternatives that are best suited to each person’s situation.

The latest techniques can accurately correct vision problems resulting from myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, with each having very high levels of success (>95%). The advantages of laser refractive surgery are many. For most people, a life without (or much less dependent on) contact lenses and glasses is a life-changing experience for them, allowing them to more easily follow an active lifestyle.

Before laser eye surgery

Your vision is blurry and you find it difficult to see objects up close or farther away. Vision problems vary per individual.

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After laser eye surgery

Your vision will clear without the use of visual aids. If you were myopic or hyperopic, you would see more clearly nearby objects.

How do I know if I need laser eye surgery or laser vision correction?

Laser treatment for the eyes works by changing the curvature of the eye and focusing the strength of the cornea to correct vision problems. Many people who are suitable for such surgery already use contact lenses and / or glasses.

Laser eye surgery is usually performed on people suffering from age-related vision problems.

Other reasons why you may need such treatment include:

Having a prescription for myopia, hypermetropia and/or astigmatism.
Contact lens wearers who have difficulties with their use

What happens during laser eye surgery?

There are several types of laser refractive surgery, depending on which one is best suited for your needs, the complications of the procedure will vary slightly, however, whichever treatment you undergo, you can expect the following:

Both eyes are often treated in a single session
The process takes about 30 minutes
Your eyes will become numb before treatment with the use of anesthetic eye drops
You will lie down during the procedure
Special spring clips (speculums) will be fixed to the eyelid to allow you to blink safely during the procedure
You will be able to return home on the same day

Different types of refractive surgery

LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomileusis): Used to treat myopia and, sometimes, hypermetropia and astigmatism. A laser is used to remove very thin layers of tissue from the cornea to reshape the cornea.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Similar to LASIK but the thickness of tissue removal is slightly greater. It can also be removed from deeper into the cornea. The procedure is used to correct myopia.
Surface treatments with laser—PRK, LASEK & TransPRK: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and all of the surface laser treatments remove a fine layer of tissue beneath the clear layer of the cornea. This then regrows, smoothing off as it does. This allows the eye to work at an optimal level. Such treatments are generally used for those with moderate myopia, although in some cases it can be used to treat hypermetropia and astigmatism.