What Is Refractive Laser Surgery?

Are you tired of reaching for your glasses first thing in the morning? Do you wish you had good natural vision? Refractive surgery may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Vision Care Clinic, we offer a range of advanced procedures designed to correct your vision and enhance your quality of life; our treatments include lenticular extraction, LASIK, surface laser, and presbyopic laser treatments, to correct most prescriptions.

Lenticular Extraction

Lenticular extraction, also known as SMILE, is the latest laser eye surgery technique, with well over 10 million procedures already performed globally.  The method uses just one femtosecond laser in a keyhole surgery technique; firstly, the laser creates a small disc-shape of tissue in the cornea, which your surgeon then removes through a small opening to realign vision.  This leads to quick recovery and rapid visual results, with minimal long-term integrity of the eye.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is perhaps the most well-known form of refractive surgery, and for good reason. This minimally invasive procedure utilises a suite of lasers to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to correct refractive errors and improve vision. LASIK is a quick and virtually painless procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients experience improved vision almost immediately, with minimal downtime and rapid recovery. LASIK is an excellent option for individuals with short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism who are looking for a long-term solution to their vision problems.

Surface Laser

Surface laser procedures, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), are the original refractive laser treatments that are performed directly on the front surface of the eye. Surface laser treatments are particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas or those involved in contact sports or activities where increased risk of trauma to the eyes is a concern. While the recovery period for surface laser procedures may be slightly longer than other laser techniques, many patients achieve excellent visual outcomes and long-term satisfaction with their results.

Presbyopic Laser

This procedure is suitable for patients over the age of 40.  This is due to the eyes undergoing natural changes, that can lead to difficulty with near vision tasks, such as reading, using a smartphone or menus. This is known as presbyopia and affects nearly everyone as they age.  It is characterised by the loss of elasticity in the eye’s lens, making it harder to focus on close objects. Presbyopic laser treatments, such as monovision LASIK or multifocal lens implants, can help restore near vision and reduce the need for reading glasses, as well as distance vision, if required. By correcting both distance and near vision, presbyopic laser procedures offer a comprehensive solution for a full range of focus.

Refractive Surgery at Vision Care Clinic

At Bristol’s leading private eye clinic, our team of experienced ophthalmologists and refractive surgery specialists are dedicated to helping you achieve your best possible vision. Whether you’re considering lenticular extraction, LASIK, surface laser, or presbyopic laser treatments, we offer personalised consultations and comprehensive pre-operative evaluations to determine the most suitable treatment option for your individual needs.

Say goodbye to the limitations of glasses and contacts and hello to a world of clear, vibrant vision with refractive surgery at Vision Care Clinic. Call us today on 0117 905 7722 to book your comprehensive consultation.

Published 4th November 2024
by Rebecca
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Are you tired of reaching for your glasses first thing in the morning? Do you wish you had good natural vision? Refractive surgery may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Vision Care Clinic, we offer a range of advanced procedures designed to correct your vision and enhance your quality of life.

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