Laser Eye

Laser Eye

Understanding Laser Eye Surgery

Those who have long suffered from refractive errors will be glad to know that there are revolutionary laser techniques that can help rid them of the hassle of wearing corrective eyewear and benefit from a newfound sense of freedom. These types of laser eye surgeries have grown in popularity in last couple of years – with the advancement of technology and extensive surgeon research in this field - which has resulted in a broader range of people who fall into the suitability bracket.

The most common (and successful) forms of laser eye surgery used to treat refractive errors are LASIK and LASEK (PRK) procedures. Although very similar in terms of results – with most patients regaining 20/20 or 20/40 (driving standard) vision – the procedures themselves are slightly different. After undergoing a thorough screening process, your surgeon will determine your suitability for one of the above surgeries. While LASIK is the most common of all laser eye surgeries, candidates that have a cornea that is not thick or too flat to withstand the LASIK method can be deemed suitable for the LASEK procedure.

The laser eye surgery procedures

The LASEK procedure entails preserving the corneal epithelium – in this way it differs from LASIK surgery as the ophthalmic surgeon does not create a corneal flap or scrape and remove the epithelium. Instead, your laser eye surgeon will treat the area with a diluted alcohol solution which loosens the epithelium. They will then roll back the loosened tissue and work with a laser on the exposed corneal tissue beneath. One the surgery has been completed, the surgeon simply rolls back the epithelium cells smoothly into their newly reshaped position. This reshaping process changes and channels the refraction of light which results in vastly improved vision.

During LASIK eye surgery, your surgeon would have examined your cornea to ensure that it is thick enough to withstand the treatment which entails a laser or a computer-controlled instrument creating a very thin, circular flap of tissue in the outer epithelium. Once this has been cut away and moved aside, the surgeon is provided with a working space in which he reshapes the cornea to change the light refraction in the eye.

Who has benefitted?

Countless people have benefitted from a revolutionary laser eye procedure. The British television Presenter, Phillip Schofield, featured his laser eye surgery experience on ITV's This Morning Show – where he clearly illustrated his delight in the instantaneous results and drastically improved vision. The world–famous golfer, Tiger Woods, also underwent laser eye surgery to correct his vision – it's no wonder he knows how to keep his eye on the ball. In fact, after undergoing the procedure, he went on to win his next five tournaments! A few years ago, Adam Clayton, who plays the bass guitar for U2 also underwent laser eye surgery to correct his refractive error. He reported an improved ability to play the bass as well as improvement in his vision when driving at night. Some other famous celebs that have benefitted from laser eye surgery include: Drew Carey, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Brad Pitt, Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Michael Bolton, Carlos Santana and Kim Kardashian.

When looking at the list of various international celebrities, it is clear that there are various fields of occupations that can benefit from laser eye surgery. No matter who you are, laser eye surgery can make the world of difference to everyday activities. On top of the vast improvement in vision, many people who have undergone this procedure boast of an improved self-confidence and a mighty boost to their self-esteem.

Which refractive errors are correctable?

Laser eye surgery is one of the ideal options when it comes to correcting the following refractive errors:
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Astigmatism (irregular shaped cornea)

The results, benefits and freedom

Not only are numerous people benefitting from improved vision, but many stand testimony to the incredible difference this procedure can make to everyday life. A LASIK or LASEK laser eye surgery procedure means that the patients who were previously hounded by the financial qualms of glasses or contacts are free of the hassles and afforded the freedom to make their form of corrective eyewear, redundant. Simple tasks like catching a ball, reading the paper or admiring a view are made simpler and more enjoyable. Another fantastic feature of this particular form of laser eye surgery is the fact that patients hardly experience pain, in fact – the procedure involves little to no discomfort.

Post laser eye surgery treatment

To ensure a speedy recovery and relieve any possible temporary discomfort, patients are given prescribed medicated eye drops. To avoid the accidental rubbing of eyes while sleeping, patients are provided with a night shield for roughly the first week. In some cases, patients are fitted with soft contact lenses which also provide further protection and aid the healing process.

About the Author

The world-class ophthalmic surgeons at the London Vision Clinic expertly perform LASIK and LASEK eye surgery, vastly improving the vision and quality of life of their delighted patients. If you suffer from a refractive error and are considering laser eye surgery, contact one of the Patient Education Consultants at the London Vision Clinic today to set up a consultation.

What are the long terms side effects of laser eye surgery?

I am interested in having laser eye surgery to correct short sight but I am concerned about the longer term side effects as I get older. I can't find much information about this subject on the web so I would be really interested to find out.

The risks outlined below apply to both PRK and LASIK procedures. The chances of having a serious vision-threatening complication are minimal, and there have been no reported cases of blindness following either PRK or LASIK, says James Salz, M.D., clinical professor of ophthalmology. However, FDA is aware of a few instances of severe eye injury requiring corneal transplant.
Infection and delayed healing: There is about a 0.1 percent chance of the cornea becoming infected after PRK, and a somewhat smaller chance after LASIK. Generally, this means added discomfort and a delay in healing, with no long-term effects within a period of four years.

Undercorrection/Overcorrection: It is not possible to predict perfectly how your eye will respond to laser surgery. As a result, you may still need corrective lenses after the procedure to obtain good vision. In some cases, a second procedure can be done to improve the result.

Decrease in Best-Corrected Vision: After refractive surgery, some patients find that their best obtainable vision with corrective lenses is worse than it was before the surgery. This can occur as a result of irregular tissue removal or the development of corneal haze.

Excessive Corneal Haze: Corneal haze occurs as part of the normal healing process after PRK. In most cases, it has little or no effect on the final vision and can only be seen by an eye doctor with a microscope. However, there are some cases of excessive haze that interferes with vision. As with undercorrections, this can often be dealt with by means of an additional laser treatment. The risk of significant haze is much less with LASIK than with PRK.

Regression: In some patients the effect of refractive surgery is gradually lost over several months. This is like an undercorrection, and a re-treatment is often feasible.

Halo Effect: The halo effect is an optical effect that is noticed in dim light. As the pupil enlarges, a second faded image is produced by the untreated peripheral cornea. For some patients who have undergone PRK or LASIK, this effect can interfere with night driving.

Flap Damage or Loss (LASIK only): Instead of creating a hinged flap of tissue on the central cornea, the entire flap could come off. If this were to occur it could be replaced after the laser treatment. However, there is a risk that the flap could be damaged or lost.

Distorted Flap (LASIK only): Irregular healing of the corneal flap could create a distorted corneal shape, resulting in a decrease of best-corrected vision.

Incomplete Procedure: Equipment malfunction may require the procedure to be stopped before completion. This is a more significant factor in LASIK, with its higher degree of complexity, than in PRK.

Problems with a Perfect Procedure: Even when everything goes perfectly, there are effects that might cause some dissatisfaction. Older patients should be aware that they can't have both good distance vision and good near vision in the same eye without corrective lenses. Some myopic patients rely on their myopia (by taking off their glasses, or by wearing a weaker prescription) to allow them to read. Such a patient may need reading glasses after the myopia is surgically corrected. Another consideration is the delay between eye treatments. If one eye is being done at a time, then the eyes may not work well together during the time between treatments. If a contact lens is not tolerated on the unoperated eye, work and driving may be awkward or impossible until the second eye has been treated.

How It's Made - Laser Eye Surgery