Zyoptix laser eye surgery : Process

What happens before treatment?

Consultation

The consultation for laser eye surgery is vital and may take time varying between 1 and 3 hours depending on how quickly testing can be acquired from your eye especially when it comes to Zyoptix wavefront acquisition. Firstly your surgeon who at Centre for Sight is highly-trained specialist in Cornea and Refractive Surgery (including laser eye surgery) will discuss all options with you. The consultation involves a series of very thorough diagnostic tests to determine whether your eyes are suitable for the treatment. The basic procedure is exactly the same as with standard LASIK, except that, as you have read, the diagnostic tests are more complex, and with Zyoptix Wavefront, your own special custom laser eye surgery treatment programme is created.

Diagnostic Tests

Your surgeon supported by his highly-trained clinic staff will perform many tests to ensure that you are suitable for Zyoptix. You must be prepared to spend at least 2 hours at the clinic

• Vision Testing To make sure you have the right prescription, your vision will be re-tested and refraction checked.
• Contrast Sensitivity This tests your quality of vision using low and high contrast vision charts.
• Pupil Size People with large pupils who have had laser eye surgery can complain of halos and glare. The surgeon will determine if your pupils are the right size and fall into the right parameters for safe laser eye surgery.
• Aberrometry The Zywave takes detailed measurements of your eyes' optics. This is a vital test which uses information for Zyoptix wavefront treatment. A drop may be put into your eye, opening up the pupil to make sure all necessary information is recorded.
• Corneal Mapping For purposes of safety and accuracy, this is performed using two methods, Placido (TMS or KR 8100) and scanning slit (Orbscan IIz) The Orbscan IIz topographer measures the shape of the cornea and allows the surgeon to determine if you are suitable for laser eye treatment This information is also used for Zyoptix customized treatments.

• Corneal Thickness It is vital to check if your cornea is thick enough for laser eye surgey including Zyoptix. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to manage without them for up to 4 weeks (depending on the type of lenses), to eliminate any corneal swelling from the lenses and to make sure the surgeon can get an accurate measurement
• Eye Diseases You will be checked to see if your eyes are healthy. This will include measuring your intraocular pressure and examining your cornea and retina.Your surgeon may ask you and/or your GP about your health as certain diseases mean that laser treatment cannot be done

What happens during treatment?

Just before your laser eye treatment is performed, local anaesthetic drops will be put into your eye to make sure that you feel no pain. You will lie face up on a laser bed and your eyes and eyelids will be kept open, and allow the laser eye surgery to be performed. The surgeon will perform the treatment which should be over in a few minutes.

What happens after treatment?

After the treatment, you will rest with your eyes closed in a recovery area. Your vision will later be tested to ensure you see reasonably well and your surgeon will examine your eyes. You will be given medication to prevent infection and decrease inflammation. You will receive dark glasses to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while asleep and to protect your eyes from strain because they will be sensitive to bright light for a short time. Your vision will not yet be clear enough for you to drive or even to use public transport, so have someone with you who can take you home.

After-care

The next day, you should have very good vision. But no matter how well you feel or how pleased you are with your eyesight immediately after treatment, it is extremely important to follow your surgeon's instructions with regard to medication and general eye-care. You must attend all after-care visits as indicated by the team at Centre for Sight.