A CLEAR FUTURE: Everything You Need to Know About Laser Eye Surgery
Imagine what it would be like to wake up and see the world in absolute crisp-like clarity. See the alarm clock, look out the window and see all the leaves on the trees. Not ever having the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. The future could be clear through Laser eye surgery.
Laser eye surgery has transformed the lives of millions and has been in existence for over 3 decades. Those who have had the procedure often say they wish they had done so earlier! Understanding laser eye surgery and what is involved is important in helping you make the decision.
In this complete guide, we discuss everything you need to know about laser eye surgery, from the different types available through to what the recovery process looks like. We wish to empower you with knowledge, making your journey towards clearer vision as smooth as possible.
Read further to understand what is involved so that you can confidently take the next step towards a brighter, clearer future!
How Laser Eye Surgery Works
Laser eye surgery, commonly known as refractive surgery – correcting the need for glasses and contact lenses. The procedure works by reshaping the cornea the cornea and can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and now presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. In being curved it plays a crucial role in focussing light on the retina and accounts for more than 67% of the focussing power of the eye. By changing the cornea’s shape, laser eye surgery corrects how light enters the eye, ensuring it is focused correctly onto the retina, thus providing clear vision.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery Procedures
There are several types of laser eye surgery procedures, that are performed in different ways but accomplish the same goal of changing the corneal shape and focus. The most common ones include LASIK, Trans-PRK, and LEX (SMILE).
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular form of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a thin flap on the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The flap is lifted, and corneal tissue underneath is reshaped with a precise treatment from an excimer laser. After the reshaping, the flap is repositioned and magically sits in place without glue or stitches… LASIK is known for its quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.
Trans-PRK (Tansepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) is another common procedure, especially for patients with thinner corneas. Instead of creating a flap, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is first lasered precisely and in doing so removed exposing the underlying tissue. The same excimer laser reshapes the cornea. The epithelium naturally regenerates over a few days, during which time patients may experience mild discomfort. Trans-PRK provides similar visual outcomes to LASIK but with a slightly longer recovery period.
LEX (Lenticular extraction) / SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer procedure that involves creating a small, lenticule-shaped piece of corneal tissue using a femtosecond laser. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, altering the cornea’s shape and correcting vision. Each of these procedures has its unique advantages, and the choice depends on individual eye characteristics and lifestyle needs.
Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery
The most significant benefit is achieving clearer vision, often even better than what glasses or contact lenses provided before surgery. In eliminating dependency on optical crutches, patients report a phenomenal enhancement in their quality of life; enabling them to drive, read, and play sports with complete independence.
Freedom and convenience are hard to quantify however, the daily chore of cleaning and storing lenses and glasses and remembering to bring them, for instance, on holiday is eliminated. Freedom and clear vision – and also saving on the long-term and cumulative costs of both glasses and contact lenses. For those who have active lifestyles – it is probably the best decision they will have ever made. This one-time investment in laser eye surgery pays off over time, financially and as a result of convenience and quality of life.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, laser eye surgery carries certain risks and potential complications which are rare and preventable when performed at good clinics by a surgeon supported by an expert team. One of the common side effects is dry eyes, which can occur as the surgery lasers the corneal nerve endings responsible for sensation and stimulating tear production. This temporary condition is best managed with lubricating eye drops and should be used whether or not the eyes feel dry.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Many factors must be considered to determine who is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Generally, candidates should be over the age of 18, as presciptions are less likely to change by this age. Crucially all candidates no matter what age must have a stable prescription for at least one year prior to the surgery. Significant changes in prescription may indicate the eyes are still changing, and thus hard to determine the goal posts for accurate treatment.
Preparing for Your Laser Eye Surgery
Proper preparation is key to successful laser eye surgery. The process initially involves a series of very sophisticated investigations and measure followed by an examination in consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Patients who wear contact lenses will be advised to stop using them for a period before the evaluation, consultation and surgery. This is because contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea, so removal for a period of time allows the cornea to return to its natural shape, ensuring accurate measurements during the pre-operative assessment. The duration of this period of removal will vary depending on the type of contact lenses used, but typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks.
Recovery Process After Laser Eye Surgery
While rapidity of recovery depends on the type of procedure performed, all result in a quick and smooth recovery. It is common to feel some discomfort, itching, or a sensation of having something in the eye soon after the procedure and these symptoms subside in a few hours. Lubricating and medication drops must be used as instructed.
It is best to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days following the surgery. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes. Protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, should be worn to shield the eyes from bright light and potential irritants. Most people can return to their normal activities, including work and driving, within a few days with the understanding that vision early on may fluctuate from time to time and usually stable after a few weeks.
You must follow your doctor’s instructions and ensure you go to your follow-up visits to ensure all is well. This is the way to ensure you have optimal results and at the same time minimise the risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Eye Surgery
Understandably, many have questions about Laser Eye Surgery, and here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help address common concerns.
Laser eye surgery is typically quick, with the actual laser treatment lasting only a few minutes per eye. The entire process, including preparation and post-operative care, usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Most patients report little to no pain during the procedure. Numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort. Some discomfort or mild pain may be experienced afterward, but it is generally manageable with prescribed medications and eye drops.
Usually, patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately or within a few hours after the surgery. Vision continues to improve over the following days and weeks as the eyes heal. Full stabilisation of vision may take several weeks.
Yes, this is usual practice and both eyes are treated at the same session. This is far more convenient and allows for more rapid recovery.
For the majority of patients, the results of laser eye surgery are long-lasting. However, over time aging and other factors may alter the power of the eye with reduced vision and in some cases, a minor enhancement procedure may be needed in the future to maintain optimal vision.
Conclusion: Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?
The procedure is life-changing and many millions have experienced the benefit and freedom. To find out if it is right for you, a consultation with an expert at an organisation that is well-versed with long standing experience, is really the best way to find out if you are lucky enough to be suitable.
Millions of patients over the last three decades have achieved clearer vision and enjoyed a life free from the dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The immediate improvement in vision, convenience, and long-term cost savings are all good reasons to consider laser eye surgery.
Ultimately, the choice to undergo laser eye surgery is a personal one. Educating yourself about the procedure, understanding the potential outcomes, and consulting with a qualified professional, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision goals and lifestyle. With the right preparation and guidance, laser eye surgery can be a life-changing step towards a brighter, clearer future.