What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery or laser vision correction, is a common surgical procedure aimed at improving vision and reducing the dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While there are many types of laser eye surgery, it is a typically quick and painless procedure with little recovery time, making it an incredibly popular treatment for those with vision impairments such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

What are the Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery?

There are several different types of laser eye surgery, each tailored to address specific clinical and vision needs. One type is lenticular extraction, also known as SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). This procedure involves using a femtosecond laser to create a a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a small opening, reshaping the front of the eye to correct refractive errors.

Another very commonly performed procedure is LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis). LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, which is then lifted to allow an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The flap is then repositioned, resulting in improved vision. Surface laser procedures, such as LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), are performed without creating a corneal flap. Instead, the laser is applied directly to the surface of the cornea to reshape it.

Lastly, for individuals with presbyopia, a condition that usually affects those over 40’s affecting near vision.  There are presbyopic laser procedures, such as monovision LASIK or Presbyopic laser, which aim to correct both distance and near by creating a balanced binocular vision between the two eyes.

Am I Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?

As such a transformative procedure, many patients question whether they are suitable for laser eye surgery. Determining who is suitable for laser eye surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation by an ophthalmologist at Vision Care Clinic. Generally, candidates for laser eye surgery are adults who have stable vision and good overall eye health. Suitable candidates should have refractive errors, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism, within a certain range that can be effectively corrected by the procedure.

Factors such as corneal thickness and health, pupil size, and the presence of certain eye conditions or diseases may also be taken into consideration. However, it is important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Certain conditions, such as severe dry eyes, unstable eye prescription, or autoimmune disorders affecting the eyes, may make you unsuitable for the procedure. A consultation with an Ophthalmologist at Vision Care Clinic will evaluate your vision and overall health to determine if you are suitable for laser eye surgery.

What if I’m Not Suitable For Laser Eye Surgery?

Alternative vision correction procedures are available for those patients who are not suitable for laser vision correction.  These are usually lens based procedures, including implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) and lens replacement surgery.  Both offer long term solutions and freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

What Is The Next Step?

To find out if laser eye surgery is a good procedure for you, it is important to undergo a thorough ophthalmic examination, which includes specialised scans to assess suitability and discuss all aspects of the procedure with your treating doctor so you can make an informed choice which will meet your expectations.

Laser Eye Surgery at Vision Care Clinic

Vision Care Clinic are leaders in laser eye surgery procedures and offer the fullrangeof treatments, listed below:

• Lenticular Extraction
• Surface
• LASIK
• Presbyopic Laser

Also, all lens based alternatives.

Vision Care Clinic places patient safety at the forefront of all our laser eye surgery procedures, ensuring a comfortable and trusted relationship between patient and surgeon. We pride ourselves on our consultant lead care, meaning you will meet with your surgeon from initial consultation right through to post procedure. Our expert consultants will determine the optimal type of laser eye surgery treatment for your vision and expectations to ensure optimal results.

To book in for your consultation for laser eye surgery, call our friendly team today on 0117 905 7722 for your expert recommendation or click here to view our laser eye surgery fees.