How Does Laser Eye Treatment Work? A Guide to our Procedures.
Many people struggle with their eyesight, experiencing long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or astigmatism. Fortunately, laser eye treatment (commonly known as LASIK surgery) can help in most cases, offering a life-changing solution for those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. A common question is, “How does laser eye treatment work?” Using a laser to correct vision might seem surprising, especially since we are often warned against shining lasers into our eyes. But rest assured, the LASIK procedure uses advanced, highly controlled laser technology, which is safe and effective for improving eyesight.
In this guide, we’ll clear up any misconceptions and explain precisely how laser eye treatment works and when it may be the ideal solution for you.
LASIK Surgery in a Nutshell
LASIK uses an excimer laser, a special type that reshapes the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) to correct vision problems. These lasers are designed to be incredibly precise and safe, using advanced technology that ensures minimal risk and maximum effectiveness.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the LASIK procedure:
- Flap creation: A femtosecond laser creates a small flap on the cornea’s surface. This is the crucial first step to ensure the procedure is minimally invasive and highly accurate.
- Reshaping the cornea: The excimer laser then gently reshapes the underlying cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue. This adjustment ensures that light is correctly focused on the retina, helping to restore clear vision.
- Flap repositioning: The corneal flap is carefully placed back into position. Since the cornea heals naturally, stitches are not required.
LASIK is popular due to its speed, precision, and short recovery time. However, it’s not the only option and may not be suitable for everyone.
At the Centre for Sight, patients can also be assessed for other advanced laser operations for eyes, including those that may be more appropriate for people with thinner corneas or certain eye conditions. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s prescription, eye health, and lifestyle needs.
What to Expect After Laser Eye Surgery
One of the most appealing aspects of laser eye surgery is the quick recovery time. Once the procedure is complete, recovery begins almost immediately. Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few hours, with full clarity developing over the next day or so. Centre for Sight uses advanced laser technology to ensure precise results and a smoother healing process, meaning you can enjoy clearer vision sooner.
Here’s what patients typically experience post-surgery:
- Quick recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, with only minor restrictions on strenuous activity for a short time.
- Minimal discomfort: Some dryness or mild irritation is common after surgery, but this usually resolves within a few days.
- Follow-up care: You must attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. These appointments are essential to ensure everything is healing correctly and address potential issues early on.
While LASIK eye surgery provides long-term vision correction, it’s important to note that natural changes in eyesight can still occur over time. This is why regular eye check-ups are essential, even after successful surgery. If you’re considering laser eye surgery and want to know whether it’s the right option for you, Centre for Sight’s specialists can guide you through the process, offering a personalised approach based on your specific needs.
Centre for Sight Approach to Laser Eye Surgery
At Centre for Sight, we offer blade-free LASIK eye surgery for greater precision, comfort, and safety. Rather than using a traditional blade, we employ the IntraLase femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap. This advanced technique offers a much higher level of precision, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a more comfortable experience for our patients.
Next, a Wavefront-guided excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. This personalised approach to treatment helps to reduce side effects such as glare or halos at night, which are sometimes associated with older forms of laser surgery. By using this cutting-edge technology, we can provide patients with clearer, more stable vision results.
The laser eye treatment itself is quick, with most patients noticing significant improvements in their vision within a few hours. Thanks to advanced technology, recovery is smooth, with many people returning to their normal activities within a couple of days. Our aim is to provide a safe, effective, and personalised experience that delivers lasting results.
What About LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?
The cost of LASIK eye surgery depends on various factors, including your prescription, the technology used, and whether alternative laser procedures are better suited to your eyes. At Centre for Sight, we provide a detailed, personalised quote following a thorough consultation. While pricing is important, safety, results, and long-term eye health are just as vital when considering laser eye treatment.
When Laser Eye Treatment Isn’t Suitable
While laser eye surgery is highly effective for common vision problems, it isn’t a solution for all eye conditions. It is not recommended for:
- Glaucoma
- Retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Keratoconus (a condition affecting the shape of the cornea)
- Severe nearsightedness or a high refractive error (those with prescriptions over -10.00 diopters)
In addition, there are certain situations where laser eye surgery may not be suitable:
- Significant changes to your eye prescription within the last 12 months.
- For people under 20, eye prescriptions can still change at this age.
- For people with thin corneas, laser treatment can thin the cornea further and affect the eye’s structure.
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you have any other eye conditions or concerns, we recommend you seek medical advice. Alternatively, you can fill out our Am I suitable? form, and we will get back to you!