Laser Refractive Surgery

What is Laser Refractive Surgery?

Laser eye surgery has advanced dramatically over the last decade. Technological and scientific progress has produced a wide range of treatments, meaning that many vision problems once considered unsuitable for correction can now be treated successfully with state-of-the-art lasers.

Ophthalmologists who specialise in laser eye surgery therefore no longer have to disappoint the many people who would like a life without glasses or contact lenses. In the majority of cases, they can now offer a range of alternatives suited to each person’s situation.

The latest techniques can accurately correct vision problems caused by myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism, each with very high success rates (>95%). The advantages of laser refractive surgery are many: for most people, a life without contact lenses and glasses — or far less dependent on them — is life-changing, making an active lifestyle much easier to enjoy.

Before laser eye surgery

Your vision is blurred, and you find it difficult to see objects up close or in the distance. Vision problems vary from person to person.

After laser eye surgery

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

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

Laser eye treatment works by changing the curvature of the cornea and adjusting its focusing power to correct vision problems. Many people who are suitable for this surgery already wear contact lenses and/or glasses.

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

Other reasons why you may benefit from such treatment include:

• A prescription for myopia, hypermetropia and/or astigmatism.
• Wearing contact lenses but finding them difficult to use

What happens during laser eye surgery?

There are several types of laser refractive surgery, and the details of the procedure vary slightly depending on which is best suited to your needs. Whichever treatment you undergo, however, you can expect the following:

• Both eyes are often treated in a single session
• The procedure takes about 30 minutes
• Your eyes are numbed before treatment with anaesthetic eye drops
• You will lie down during the procedure
• Special spring clips (speculums) are placed on the eyelids to keep your eyes safely open 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, in some cases, hypermetropia and astigmatism. A laser removes very thin layers of tissue in order to reshape the cornea.
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Similar to LASIK, although slightly more tissue is removed and it can be taken from deeper within the cornea. The procedure is used to correct myopia.
• Surface treatments with laser—PRK, LASEK & TransPRK: PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy. All of the surface laser treatments remove a fine layer of tissue beneath the clear surface of the cornea; this then regrows, smoothing as it heals, allowing the eye to work at its best. These treatments are generally used for moderate myopia, although in some cases they can also treat hypermetropia and astigmatism.