Laser vision correction reshape the cornea with laser energy to correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These procedures are customised to provide a unique treatment for each patient resulting in the best possible vision.
This is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent or refracted as it passes through the cornea to focus it properly on the retina so that objects can be seen clearly.
LASIK surgery uses two computer-guided lasers: the first, an ultra fast femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap of precise dimensions by sending microscopic laser pulses onto the cornea. This flap is then folded back to allow the second laser, an excimer laser, to correct your vision based on the exact specification measurements of your eyes.
The flap is then gently replaced and aligned back to its original position where it heals naturally without stitches. The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes. Patients experience a virtually painless procedure with potential for perfect vision and unparalleled safety. The problems experienced with use of the microkeratome to make a flap have been greatly reduced by this technology.
Conventional LASIK corrects your vision based on your prescription for contacts or glasses. Your level of vision correction is determined using the familiar “which is better, this or that?” vision test. This type of LASIK can correct the main types of refractive error: near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Wavefront-guided LASIK, sometimes called custom LASIK, creates a personalised map of existing higher order aberrations to correct refractive error and the more subtle vision problems. In some cases, existing higher order aberrations are severe enough to require this special treatment.
Higher order aberrations may include subtle blurring, less clear visual contrast and even mild glare, halos or starbursts around lights at night
ASA / PRK procedures are very effective for treating low to moderate amounts of short-sightedness and astigmatism. It is a straightforward procedure where the protective layer of the cornea is gently removed. The laser then reshapes the corneal surface to the desired requirements.
Following the cool laser treatment a contact lens is placed over the eye to protect it during the first few days of healing. Although the procedure is painless, it’s normal to feel mild to moderate discomfort for a couple of days following treatment.
The effects of ASA / PRK are not instantaneous as there is an ongoing healing process with the cornea. Although the patient is able to see, vision will not immediately be clear and may take up to two weeks to recover so it’s recommended to leave two weeks between treatments for each eye.