About laser eye surgery

What is laser eye surgery?

In longsighted and shortsighted patients, the focus point for light entering the eye falls either in front or behind the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Glasses or contact lenses correct these eye conditions using a prescription lens that compensates for the cornea being either too flat or too round. With laser eye surgery, the surgeon uses a laser to gently sculpt the cornea (the window at the front of the eye) into the correct shape so that patients no longer require contact lenses or glasses, yet still enjoy the same accuracy of vision that their prescription provided. Eyes recover very quickly from the surgery and patients can expect to return to work within 3 days.

What types of laser eye surgery do we offer?

During your first consultation with one of our highly trained consultants, they will discuss with you the best course of treatment dependant on your situation. The treatments we offer are: LASIK, LASEK, Laser blended vision, SMILE, KERARING, PTK, cross linking, Lens exchange, Enhancement and ICL. For more information on each of these treatments, see below:

LASIK

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is typically performed using 2 lasers: one (femtosecond laser) to prepare a thin protective layer (the LASIK flap), which is lifted up before a second (excimer laser) removes a lens shaped piece of tissue to reshape the cornea beneath. The protective layer is then smoothed back and sticks in place without stitches.

Information taken from The Royal College of Ophthalmology laser vision correction leaflet

LASEK

Surface laser treatments (PRK, LASEK, and TransPRK) use the same excimer lasers to perform an identical removal of a lens shaped piece of tissue immediately beneath the clear skin layer of the cornea. The clear skin layer regrows over a period of about a week, then smooths off optically to complete the visual recovery over the next three months.

Information taken from The Royal College of Ophthalmology laser vision correction leaflet

Laser blended vision

For more information on this procedure please see the leaflet below.

SMILE

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser of the same type used to create a LASIK flap to define a lens shaped piece of tissue that is removed by the surgeon through a small incision to correct focus. This is like LASIK without the LASIK flap, but the thickness of tissue removal is slightly greater and the tissue may be removed from slightly deeper in the cornea. End results are similar to those for LASIK and surface laser treatments.

Information taken from The Royal College of Ophthalmology laser vision correction leaflet

KERARING

KERARING is a surgical procedure in ophthalmology that utilizes small, clear, crescent-shaped implants made of a biocompatible material, to reshape the curvature of the cornea and improve vision in patients with certain types of refractive errors, such as keratoconus and corneal ectasia. The surgery is minimally invasive and can be done under local anaesthesia. The implants offer a safe and effective solution to improve vision, reduce the need for corrective lenses, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with these conditions.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a type of laser eye surgery used to treat a variety of corneal conditions, including corneal dystrophies, scars, and other surface irregularities. During the procedure, a laser is used to remove damaged or abnormal tissue from the cornea, which can improve vision and reduce symptoms such as pain, glare, and light sensitivity. PTK is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting, and patients can typically return to their normal activities within a few days. If you are experiencing corneal problems, PTK may be a good option to help restore your vision and improve your quality of life.

Cross linking

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a non-invasive procedure that is used to treat keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia by strengthening the cornea and preventing further progression of the condition. During the procedure, riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea, which is then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This causes the riboflavin to cross-link with the collagen fibers in the cornea, making them stronger and more stable. CXL is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, with a short recovery time. Patients who undergo CXL typically experience improved vision and a reduced need for other forms of treatment such as corneal transplantation. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or other forms of corneal ectasia, CXL may be a good option to help preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

Lens exchange

Lens exchange, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE), is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is typically performed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia, or to remove cataracts. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery, and involves making a small incision in the eye, removing the natural lens, and replacing it with an IOL. RLE is a safe and effective procedure that can provide long-lasting vision correction for patients with a wide range of refractive errors, and can significantly improve their quality of life.

Enhancement

Enhancement is essentially the LASIK procedure (see above), this procedure is performed when a 1st surgery has left you under/over corrected.

Implantable contact lenses (ICL)

Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are a type of vision correction procedure that involves surgically implanting a small, flexible lens into the eye to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the surface of the eye, ICLs are implanted in front of the eye’s natural lens, and can provide superior vision correction for people with high prescriptions or thin corneas. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and is minimally invasive, with a short recovery time. If you are looking for an alternative to glasses or traditional contact lenses, ICLs may be a good option to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.

Are you suitable?

Before you can have laser eye surgery – you will need to know if you are suitable. Fortunately, this part of the pain-free process costs nothing but your time and is conducted by the surgeon who will be performing your treatment.

Basic Suitability Requirements

• You should be at least 21 (there is no upper age limit)
• Have a suitable prescription within the range of correction (shortsight or longsight with or without astigmatism)
• Have healthy eyes and good general health
• Have realistic expectations

Recovery and aftercare

• For the majority of procedures you will be seen 1 day post-op and then 7 days post-op
• You can expect to have regular check-ups within the 1^st year
• We ask that you refrain from exercise and swimming for 2 weeks and that you are not planning on flying for 3 weeks post surgery
• Please note that the “surgery cost” covers all follow-ups and any necessary medication prescribed by our staff

Do you have more questions?

We appreciate you want to be fully informed before making big decisions, especially in regard to your health. Head over to our FAQ page to find answers to questions our patients have previously asked us.