Laser Eye Surgery (Excimer Laser, Refractive Surgery, LASIK)

Laser eye surgery is performed to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is a procedure that uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface in front of the eye) to correct vision problems such as near-sightedness (myopia, hyperopia) and astigmatism. These errors can cause blurred or distorted vision and can be corrected using glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery.

The aim of laser eye surgery is to improve vision and eliminate the need for glasses/contact lenses.

For whom is it suitable?

Laser eye surgery is suitable for people over 18 years of age, in good general health and with a fixed prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It is recommended for people with mild/moderate myopia (up to 10 degrees), hyperopia (up to 4 degrees) or astigmatism (up to 4 degrees).

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However, laser eye surgery may not be recommended for people with certain eye diseases (such as glaucoma or cataracts), severe vision problems or thin corneas. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also wait until they have completed their pregnancy or breastfeeding period to have laser eye surgery. It is important to contact the laser eye surgery centre and consult with the ophthalmologist to determine whether laser eye surgery is a suitable option for you.

When you apply for laser eye surgery, your doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination and assess your overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for treatment. They will also discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with you and help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the procedure.

What does it include?

Laser eye surgery typically involves the following steps:

Pre-operative evaluation: Before the surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. The doctor will also discuss the procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. Some patients may also be asked to stop wearing contact lenses 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Preparation: On the day of surgery, you will be asked to remove your make-up and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Eye drops may also be given to numb the eye and reduce discomfort during the procedure.

Procedure: The procedure itself usually takes 5-15 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. You will be awake during the surgery, but you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The specific steps of the procedure will depend on the type of laser eye surgery you have (PRK, LASIK or LASEK). In general, the laser will be used to reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error.

Recovery: After surgery, you will be given protective goggles to wear for a few days to protect your eyes from dust and other irritants. You may also be given eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection. Most people experience some discomfort and blurred vision for the first few days after surgery, but these symptoms usually improve after a week or so.It is important to follow the postoperative instructions given by your doctor to ensure a smooth recovery and the best results from the surgery.

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?

Among the benefits of laser eye surgery:

Better vision: Laser eye surgery can significantly improve vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Most people experience a significant improvement in their vision within a few days after surgery, but it may take several weeks for vision to stabilise completely.

Convenience: Laser eye surgery is a permanent and effective alternative treatment to glasses and contact lenses. It can allow you to do activities such as swimming, sports, driving without the need for glasses / contact lenses.

Increased self-confidence: Laser eye surgery can improve your appearance and increase your self-confidence by eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Cost-effectiveness: Laser eye surgery can be a cost-effective option in the long term as it can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain.

Laser eye surgery is an effective, safe, and cost-effective treatment method that provides a permanent solution for adults who do not want or cannot use glasses or contact lenses. More than 95% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and many describe it as a life-changing operation.