LASIK

LASIK
Excellence in Eye Care... Comprehensive Refractive Solutions... Expert Surgeons

Laser in situ Keratomileusis

LASIK is a relatively recent procedure first being performed in 1992. The procedure uses a combination of sophisticated microsurgery and a laser to reshape the cornea. LASIK involves putting the laser treatment not onto the surface of the cornea but under a protective corneal flap. An automated microkeratome is used to create a thin, hinged layer of the cornea (the flap) approximately 1/3 corneal thickness. The surgeon then uses the Excimer laser to sculpt a thin layer of the underlying cornea, and the top flap is placed back into position.

Suitability

Unfortunately not everybody is suitable to benefit from laser treatment. Suitable candidates must be 21 years or over with healthy eyes and a stable prescription within the treatable range ( -1.00 to-10.00 for myopes And +1.00 to +5.00 for Hyperopes). As well as establishing suitability LaserSight Consultants conduct a thorough eye examination to establish the precise nature of your refractive error, fully brief you regarding treatment and answer your queries.

LASIK can provide several advantages over PRK

	Less postoperative discomfort - as the cornea is only slightly disturbed it is rare for the LASIK patient to experience discomfort. Minimal irritation is expected initially.
	Faster visual recovery - as the epithelium is only minimally disturbed during the procedure recovery is usually very fast with the majority of patients having a good level of unaided vision by the next day. Useful vision in PRK occurs only when the epithelium has regrown, this usually takes between 48 to 72 hours.
	Lower incidence of corneal haze and scarring with LASIK - corneal haze is a significant side effect of PRK, particularly with higher refractive errors. Haze can cause or exacerbate symptoms such as glare and haloes, and contribute to myopic regression. LASIK allows surgeons to approach higher errors with greater confidence in relation to the end refractive result.
	Faster stability - less fluctuation through the healing process (i.e. regression) and decreased corneal haze or scarring offers a faster and more stable correction with LASIK.
	For mild to moderate degrees of myopia (up to -5.0 diopters) LASIK provides similar clinical results to PRK but visual rehabilitation is improved.
	For severe degrees of myopia (over -5.0 diopters) improved clinical results and a lower incidence of complications such as haze and steroid usage make LASIK the procedure of choice.

Treatment

LASIK should take less than 20 minutes with the actual application of laser taking typically less than a minute, depending on your prescription.

LASIK is completely painless as the eye is anaesthetised using drops, however, minimal discomfort or grittiness will be experienced after treatment. This will not last long and can be minimised by resting both eyes and taking the prescribed medication.

We suggest a friend or relative be available to accompany you home. Vision should be significantly better the next day. We also suggest that you take 2 days off work and refrain from driving for the same period.

Send mail to info@lasersightessex.com with questions or comments about this web site.