Laser Eye Surgery – Everything you need to Know before Choosing

There has been a significant advancement in laser eye surgery since it was invented more than three decades ago. These changes have paved the way for a limitless amount of information on the topic to be available.

Sadly, so many lies have surrounded this subject matter. Some could be simple misinformation, obsolescence or myths.

So when it comes to understanding if this procedure is best for you and getting the right Laser Eye Surgery providers, the entire prospect can be a bit confusing. That said, this article aims at demystifying misconceptions about this optical procedure. As we proceed, we will explain how laser surgery works. But first, why would anyone opt for laser surgery?

Why go for laser eye surgery?

There are glasses that are effective and safe for poor eyesight. Contact lens is also another option, especially for sports and other physical activities. With these two, is there any need for laser surgery?

Yes, there is. The major perk of laser surgery is that it eliminates the need for visual aids. It implies that the risks of contacts and hiccups of using glasses will be reduced. You can now enjoy more activities with ease.

Several cosmetic benefits are also attached to laser surgery. Whatever affects your eyes affects all other body parts. When you effect even a slight change, a great impact is felt. Testimonials from most persons who have had laser eye surgery state that the experience was a total turnaround for their lives. Patients even wished they had undergone the treatment earlier on.

With all that advantage, not everyone may be able to get surgery. Yes, there are certain short- and long-term conditions that won’t permit you from having this treatment. But should you stop enquiring? No. Most persons who were denied this treatment at one clinic were found suitable at other clinics.

So what does laser eye surgery involve?

In contact lens and glasses, an external lens is placed over the eye to change light refraction and focus on the retina.

As for laser surgery, a laser is used to change the shape and focusing power of the cornea. The methodology changes effectively to fix problems with vision such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism.

In the UK, three types of Laser Eye surgery are typically performed. They are LASIK, PRK/LASEK, and SMILE. In suitable candidates, each of these surgery types is functional.

To ensure that your treatment is successful, it is very critical that you are thoroughly screened to determine how eligible you are for the procedure.

Having said that, we’ll discuss the three types of laser surgery and see their differences.

PRK/LASEK

The PRK/LASEK is done on the surface of the cornea. Here, the cornea skin layer is taken out or pushed to the side.

When that’s done, the layer will grow back after about one week. It’ll take few months to become smooth and your vision recovered.

You may experience discomfort on the eye surface each time the cornea is re-growing. This clearly differentiates SMILE or LASIK from surface treatment as they preserve the outer layer of the cornea.

The method through which the layer covering the cornea is removed is another difference between surface treatment and the other two. During LASEK/PRK, the skin layer is first diluted in alcohol before removal.

Modern-day excimer laser systems can take out the layer of skin during the procedure of reshaping the cornea.

LASIK

Laser In-situ Keratomileuses or LASIK is usually performed with two lasers. One is a femtosecond laser to carve out a thin flap from the cornea skin layer, while the second one is the excimer laser to change the cornea’s shape.

Once the treatment is done, the surgeon will return the flap to its former position. The flap is given time to heal.
Since there is very little disturbance to the outer layer, patients undergoing this procedure have a better experience, and recovery time is quicker than in PRK/LASEK.

ReLEx SMILE

SMILE is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is the most recent laser surgery technology where a single femtosecond laser does the entire work from A to Z.

The laser identifies the tissue to be taken out. A tiny incision on the cornea is made after the tissue is removed.Going by this, SMILE is described as a key-hole procedure; it is LASIK-like, but no flap is created.

For patients with dry eyes or a high prescription, SMILE is suitable because it’s minimally invasive.

You can visit this site right here to schedule an appointment with a qualified doctor to know more about laser eye surgery.