LASER EYE SURGERY
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What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser refractive eye surgery is a specialized form of vision correction that involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. These errors occur when the eye's shape prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurred or out-of-focus vision. By altering the corneal structure, surgeons can significantly improve how the eye processes light.
Refractive errors addressed by this surgery include short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, which often occurs alongside other vision issues. Additionally, laser surgery can treat presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. Understanding the different types of procedures is essential for determining the most suitable treatment for your specific ocular needs.
LASIK: Laser In Situ Keratomileusis
LASIK is the most frequently performed type of laser eye surgery and is ideal for patients with adequate corneal thickness. This sophisticated two-step, two-laser vision correction procedure is tailored to the individual requirements of each patient through precise pre-programming by the surgeon.
The LASIK Procedure and Technology
Before the treatment begins, an infrared eye tracker is locked into position to monitor eye movements. This technology is capable of actively adjusting the laser beam in response to even the tiniest movements, ensuring extreme precision. The patient is prepared with anaesthetic eye drops and a mild sedative before being placed in the laser suite.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the top layer of the cornea (the epithelium and stroma). Once the tissue bed is exposed, an excimer laser gently reshapes it to correct the refractive error. The flap is then repositioned, where it adheres naturally, allowing the healing process to begin immediately.
ASLA/PRK: Advanced Surface Laser Ablation
ASLA, also known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), is the preferred procedure for patients with thin or unusual corneas. Unlike LASIK, this method does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a topical solution is used to soften and remove the top layer of corneal cells.
Once the corneal tissue bed is exposed, the excimer laser is utilized to reshape the area and correct the vision. To assist with the recovery, a 'bandage' contact lens is placed on the eye for four days following the procedure. This helps protect the surface while the new epithelial cells regenerate.
Monovision and Blended Vision
Monovision is a specialized technique where the surgeon corrects the dominant eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. The brain learns to process these images as one blended image, relying on the eye that is best focused for the task at hand. Most patients adjust to this change within a few days and find they can minimize their reliance on glasses.
| Feature | Monovision Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Minimize use of reading and distance glasses |
| Method | Correcting one eye for distance, one for near |
| Adaptation | Brain blends two images into one clear view |
| Trial Period | Usually tested with contact lenses before surgery |
| Techniques | Achieved via LASIK, ASLA, or artificial lenses |
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
On the day of the procedure, patients receive anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to ensure comfort. A sedative may also be administered, requiring approximately 30 to 45 minutes to take effect. While the specific steps depend on the type of surgery, the experience is designed to be efficient and professional.
- Preparation: Numbing drops and optional sedation are administered.
- The Procedure: Patients spend 10 to 20 minutes in the laser suite.
- Recovery: A short recovery period follows, especially if a sedative was used.
- Discharge: Patients receive protective glasses and medicated eye drops.
- Follow-up: A post-operative appointment is scheduled for the same or next day.
In total, patients should expect to be at the day surgery center for approximately two hours. LASIK patients, in particular, often find they can return to most daily activities the very next day due to the eye's remarkable ability to heal itself.
