Laser eye surgery is used to correction visual errors by reshaping the clear corneal tissue at the front of the eye by means of an Excimer laser. Vision focussing errors are then corrected without the need for wearing of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
A lot of people who decide to have this type of surgery do so because they are fed up wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses or because they are involved in activities which make the wearing of optical appliances unsuitable.
The correction of short-sightedness, a condition also known as myopia, is the most common use for laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is also used in the treatment of long-sightedness and mild astigmatism.
Laser vision correction is most often used in the correction of myopia, also known as short sight. The procedure can also be undertaken to correct long sight, hyperopia and also lower levels of astigmatism.
Reading vision correction for older people and very high complex eye prescriptions are not normally remedied with laser eye surgery, but instead non laser surgical procedures such as contact lens and intra ocular lens implants are used.
More than 90 per cent of people who undergo laser eye surgery are happy with the final results..
Anyone who is considering laser vision surgery should carry out thorough research to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision. They should balance all these factors against drawbacks and advantages of wearing eyeglasses or contacts.
Modern advancements in the technology behind eyeglasses and contact lens may in fact negate a lot of the issues you might have with their wear. In all cases you should speak to your optometrist about developments in optical appliance technology and about laser eye procedures. With this information you will be in a better position as to what might suit your needs.
Before you decide on laser eye surgery you should talk to people who have previously had the treatment and ask about their experiences and recommendations. There is also a lot of information about laser eye surgery on the internet.
Laser Eye Surgery Procedures
To speed up healing and improve laser results the fine outer layer of the cornea is shifted aside prior to treatment with the laser treatment. Afterwards this thin layer is then gently replaced. The two most popular forms of laser vision surgery used are LASIK and LASEK. The two procedures differ in how the corneal surface layer is moved aside. There is also a third type of treatment called PRK, but this not so common.
With Lasek a very thin corneal layer, called the epithelium is removed. The laser then reshapes the underlying cornea and a bandage contact lens is worn until healing is completed.
With Lasik a thicker flap of corneal tissue is moved aside and then the laser is used.
Which type is used to correct your vision either Lasek or Lasik will be ascertained by the ophthalmologist who carries out the procedure.
The whole surgery procedure normally takes around 15-20 minutes including anaesthesia with eye drops.
Before undergoing surgery visit a couple of laser eye clinics where they can assess your suitability. Find out about the equipment they use and their success rates.
Discuss all the choices available and ask lots of questions before deciding whether or not to proceed.
After Surgery
As with most surgery, after laser you will need post-operative check-ups. These are normally carried out at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 3wks, 6 weeks and 3-6month intervals.
This after checks will make sure that your eyes are healing properly and that your vision is satisfactory.