Laser Surgery Information
Vision difficulties such as myopia (short sighted), hypermetropia (long sighted), and astigmatism are generally due to errors in the shape of the cornea. Correction usually comes in the form of glasses or contact lenses.
Lasers can now be used to surgically modify the shape of the cornea to a more accurate curvature resulting in a more perfectly focused eye.
There are many different types of operating techniques such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis). Your surgeon will advise you which is the most appropriate for your eyes.
Laser surgery is only performed on healthy people and healthy eyes. You may not be suitable if you have certain health problems or active eye conditions. There is a lower age limit of 21, for younger than this eye development has not yet stabilised.
The Good Points
Modern improved technology using computer controlled laser incisions means greater accuracy in the final result so you should have much clearer unaided vision, that is, without wearing your glasses or contact lenses.
So you can wear any of the non-prescription designer fashion sunglasses that previously would not work for you.
The Doubtful Points
The results of laser surgery are permanent and non reversible. It is still relatively new so the longer term effects are not predictable with certainty.
Complications do, very occasionally, occur but there are none of the horror stories associated with the refractive surgery techniques of years ago.
- Points you may not have Thought About
- Some more complex prescriptions may not be suitable. It will take some time after the surgery before your eyes are stable and settled. Some people develop higher sensitivity to brightness. Some people find they are prone to having dry eyes (short and long term). You will need a strict program of periodic post op appointments to monitor your progress and once your eyes are stable, an annual optometrist health check is essential Your final vision may still need weak spectacles to fine tune your accuracy for precision jobs such as driving, computers etc. Over 40 or 45? You will still need reading spectacles. Very occasionally, your eyes may need a second session of laser surgery
We suggest that initially you should visit a consultant ophthalmologist (ie an eye specialist) for an objective assessment of your suitability for laser surgery. Do not hesitate to ask for details of their success and complication rates. It should be born in mind that some less ethical suppliers of laser surgery will only be making money if they operate on you.
Useful links
www.college-optometrists.org
www.advancevisioncare.co.uk
www.rcophth.ac.uk/about/public/laser-refractive-surgery
WE ARE A TOTALLY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE AND AS SUCH WE HAVE NO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WITH ANYONE CARRYING OUT LASER SURGERY.
This information is provided purely as a service to our patients and clients
What to do next ?
We advise to ring us to make an appointment for a routine eye examination and discuss all your options with our experienced proffesional team and we will explain all the options you have open to you.
Call J Oliver Radley Opticians on 01763 273300 to make an appointment now.