Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser Eye Surgery
The main objective of laser eye surgery is to correct refractive errors and reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. During the surgery, a laser will be used to reshape the clear outer layer of the eye, called the cornea, to change your eye's focusing power and to improve your vision. There are different types of laser eye surgeries, but the most common and well-known type is LASIK. LASIK is a procedure used to treat myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision). This procedure is almost painless and may take about 10 minutes per eye in total and is done under local anaesthesia which may be through an injection or eye drops.
During the procedure, the corneal tissue is gently flapped open with a microkeratome, a special oscillating blade. Then the cornea is lasered, and the protecting tissue is flapped back into place. Corneal tissue has an excellent natural bonding quality that allows effective healing without the use of stitches. Eyes usually heal extremely fast, and vision within the first week is usually very good. If you would like to find out if you are suitable for a Laser Eye Procedure, you are welcome to book a consultation to check your suitability.
Am I a candidate?
- Before this question can be answered, a thorough eye evaluation needs to be done. This will include a general eye examination, pressure check, corneal topography (mapping), and the corneal thickness will need to be measured. This will help the ophthalmologist exclude any general eye disease. After the evaluation is done, the ophthalmologist will tell you if you are a candidate.
- The surgery is done for people who are 18 years or older, but only if their refraction is stable.
- The refractive error should be in the range that the laser is capable of treating. (If your refraction is too high you may be more suitable for another type of refractive surgery such as an I.C.L. or lens exchange).
- Helps you not wear spectacles and contact lenses.
- It is a quick and safe procedure done under local topical anaesthetic.
- Both eyes are treated simultaneously.
- Quick recovery.
- Minimal long-term side effects.
- The cornea is not weakened, unlike with the Radial Keratotomy procedure.
- Your eyes will be covered with a transparent plastic shield for the first night. This is only a precautionary measure.
- Your vision may be slightly blurred for the first few days after the surgery. You should be able to return to your daily activities the day after the surgery.
- Light sensitivity and glare at night usually disappear after one to six months.
- If there is regression, enhancements may be done within three to six months after surgery.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid contact sport for at least three months.
- Avoid deep-sea diving for one month after surgery.
- Normal exercises like running, aerobics; gym training may be resumed within two days.
- Antibiotic and steroid drops are used for at least a week after surgery, but sometimes longer. Dr Beatty will advise.
- Over-correction and under-corrections.
Though these occur in less than 15%, depending on the initial refraction. - The higher the refractive error is, the greater the chance of having under-correction. Enhancements may be done after three months or later if the cornea is thick enough.
- Infection.
There is a small risk of infection, but antibiotic drops are instilled during the procedure and for a week after the operation. - Dry eyes.
This usually settles within a month but sometimes may take six months. Treatment is with lubricant drops or ointment. - Night glare.
This normally occurs in the first few months after the operation but usually settles by about four to six months. A degree of night glare may persist depending on the optical zone of the laser, which is required for the specific treatment. - Haze.
The incidence of haze after Lasik is very low. - Post-operative pain.
This is usually not a problem after Lasik. You may experience varying degrees of discomfort. If the eyes are painful, one should take normal pain killers & lie down with the eyes shut. Normally within 24-48 hours, all discomfort has gone. - Corneal flap complications.
The incidence of this is small. They include flaps that are too small or short, inadequate thickness, inadequate quality & smoothness, or a loose flap. If one of the above occurs, surgery is normally abandoned after replacing the flap. A few months later, the procedure can safely be repeated. - Epithelial ingrowth.
This occurs when surface cells grow in underneath the flap. Minor degrees of this are not treated and do not cause problems, but if there are large areas, the flap is lifted, and the cells are scraped out.
FAQ
It is done under topical anaesthetic & sedative. There is normally a feeling of pressure, but the pain is rare.
The risks are minimal, and blindness following Lasik is extremely rare.
Yes, they may be worn after the surgery. It will not harm the eye. Re-treatments are also possible.
You may continue doing all of the above because it will not harm your eyes.
You may be able to start driving their car one day after the surgery, depending on how comfortable you are and how quickly the vision improves.
No, you may still need to use reading glasses. This may be needed after the age of approximately 45-50 years of age due to normal physiological changes of the eye as the lens starts to age.
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