Laser Eye Surgery: Its Types and Functions

The rise in the demand for laser surgery continues to increase because the outcome of the procedure when performed correctly is incredible. As a matter of fact, every year, the UK records around 100,000 procedures.

Patients who sometimes have issues with wearing glasses and contact lens or just won’t feel up to it opt for laser eye surgery. Sometimes, this decision is influenced by the choice of career: fire service, military, or police force.

Defining laser eye surgery

Sheraz Daya, a medical director of Centre for Sight, introduced laser eye surgery to the UK in 1995. It’s a treatment for short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism, and currently presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).

Here, the cornea is reshaped to correct refractive errors. To do this, an excimer laser is used. It creates a visual focus and consequently enhances natural eyesight.The LASIK type of laser eye surgery procedure in the UK involves the use of another laser called the femtosecond laser to create a thin flap. This laser was introduced in 2004 to the UK by the Centre for Sight.

A patient’s eyes are kept open using a small device, and anaesthetic eye drops are applied to relieve any discomfort.During the LASIK (IntraLASIK) surgery, the femtosecond laser is first used to produce a thin flap. Next, the excimer laser capable of recognising and tracking the eye will be used to reshape the eye. The flap is folded at this time. In a minimum of 7 minutes, the procedure is completed for each eye.

There’s no pain associated with laser eye surgery. But you may experience slight pressure when the flap is created by the laser. Post-treatment, the eyes may begin to sting for a couple of hours.

Several laser procedures for various refractive issues are applied. We’ll discuss the most common ones below.

LASIK

An acronym for Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It’s very common in the UK. Patients with myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and those needing reading glasses are treated with this procedure. But patients whose prescriptions are very high, for instance, above +5.00 or -8.00, are not good candidates for LASIK. They may go for an Implantable contact lens as an alternative treatment.

A layer of thin corneal tissue is made into a flap in this procedure. The femtosecond laser is used to do that. Next, the surgeon reshapes the cornea tissue and replaces the flap.For effective repositioning of the tissue and less healing time, the flap is connected like a hinge to the cornea using natural suction during LASIK.

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)

This procedure precedes LASIK. Presently, it’s used to help patients with poor prescriptions see clearer.There’s no creation of a flap in this procedure. After removing the whole epithelial layer to have access to the area, the surgeon will use the laser to change the shape of the cornea.
Recovery time takes longer because the regeneration of new epithelial cells takes time. Between 5 to 7 days, the eyes may heal.

LASEK

An acronym for Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis. It combines both LASIK and PRK treatment methods. Patients having mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism are treated using LASEK. During this procedure, a corneal flap is created when the epithelial tissue is separated.

The cornea is now reshaped using the laser. Post-surgery, the epithelial tissue is repositioned. The surgeon will place a bandage contact lens on the eye to hold the epithelium in position as healing takes place.

What’s the duration for laser eye surgery effects?

As a non-temporary refractive error treatment procedure, laser surgery is entirely stable in most patients. With time, certain eyes can change. This is caused by the crystalline lens in the eye. Patients above 42 years may have a need for reading glasses. To fix the need for glasses, a fresh treatment like Supracor LASIK will be done. Those who have been treated with laser eye surgery may get this treatment too.

Is laser eye surgery risky?

It’s uncommon to have complications. It happens in less than 1% of cases. You’ll be thoroughly assessed to check your eligibility for the treatment. You may experience side effects like dry eyes, infection, halos around lights, over-correction, or under-correction.

What’s the cost of laser eye surgery?

Depending on your case, our surgeon will customize your treatment. We also offer different payment options. Be wary of laser eye surgery centers offering deals and discounted prices. See that the surgeon has experience and qualifications before getting treatment.

Are there benefits of laser eye surgery?

Yes.

• You get treated quickly, and it’s pain-free.
• Recovery time is short.
• Vision is permanently fixed
• Patients don’t do glasses or contacts
• Faster results
• Ability to participate in sports and physical activities

What to expect before and post-surgery

At your initial consultation before surgery, the expert will:

• Run an intensive eye check
• Evaluate your eligibility and discuss your options for treatment
• Explain the risks, side effects, and perks of treatment
• Explain what to look out for prior to, during, and post-surgery
• Expect questions from you

For patients using contact lenses, avoid wearing them for a week before consultation if you wear soft lenses. For hard lenses, stop usage at least 4 weeks before the consultation.

What to do a day before surgery

• Lotion, perfumes, makeup, and creams disturb surgery. Avoid using them.
• Get someone that will drive you home as you may not be able to drive yourself

To help the corneal flap remain in place, please don’t rub your eyes though it may be itchy and quite uncomfortable. A few hours post-treatment, these sensations will disappear. Try taking one or two days off work even if recovery time is fast.

To avoid inflammation and infection, your doctor may recommend eye drops or artificial tears to moisten the eyes. For chronic pain, redness, or poor sight, see a doctor fast.

You can contact your nearest laser eye surgery clinic to get a free consultation for LASIK laser eye surgery.