Do you often forget where you’ve kept your glasses after waking up in the morning, or you’ve misplaced your contacts before heading to the gym? Imagine waking up each morning and being able to see the world with perfect clarity, without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. This is possible with eyesight surgery, which can allow you to transform your vision and experience life in a whole new way.
Eye surgery is a potential alternative to corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) for individuals with refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness ), astigmatism and now presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).
There are different types of laser correction surgery, including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and SMILE. The type of surgery recommended depends on the individual’s eye condition, prescription, and overall health. While laser eye surgery procedures are generally safe and effective, there are risks and complications involved, including dry eyes, halos around lights, and infection.
In this blog, we have covered different types of laser eye surgery, the process behind it, and side effects to help you prepare beforehand.
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A] What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a medical treatment that uses a laser to reshape the eye’s surface and fix vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the surgery, the clear front part of the eye called the cornea, is reshaped. This changes how light enters the eye and focuses on the light-sensitive tissue at the back, called the retina. By doing this, it can improve vision and sometimes even remove the need for glasses or contacts.
There are different laser eye surgeries, such as LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and SMILE. The type of surgery recommended depends on the person’s specific eye condition, prescription, and overall health.
B] Different Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
1. PRK/LASEK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy (LASEK) are two types of laser vision correction procedures that utilise surface laser ablation. In both techniques, the surgeon removes the epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea. The excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct refractive errors.
These procedures are particularly suited for patients with thinner corneas, where creating a LASIK flap (a common laser vision correction technique) might not be advisable. Additionally, PRK/LASEK may be preferred in specific situations based on the patient’s eye condition and the surgeon’s expertise.
2. LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most widely performed type of laser refractive surgery. Lasik eye surgery procedure involves creating a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome (blade) or femtosecond laser. The surgeon then folds back this flap to access the underlying stromal tissue. An excimer laser precisely reshapes this stromal tissue to correct refractive errors. Finally, the corneal flap is repositioned and heals naturally, adhering back to the underlying tissue.
LASIK’s popularity stems from its advantages over surface ablation techniques like PRK. Patients typically experience a faster recovery with minimal discomfort after LASIK due to the preservation of the corneal epithelium.
3. SMILE
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a cutting-edge laser vision correction technique known for its minimally invasive nature. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates a lenticule, a disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue, within the corneal stroma. Through a tiny incision, the surgeon then extracts this lenticule, reshaping the cornea and correcting refractive errors.
SMILE offers several advantages, including potentially faster visual recovery and a reduced risk of postoperative dry eye compared to other laser vision correction procedures.
B] The Process Of Laser Eye Surgery
1. Before Surgery
Prepare for your procedure by visiting your eye doctor, who will carefully examine your eyes and discuss your expectations to ensure you’re well-informed. If you wear contact lenses, transition to glasses a few weeks before surgery as lenses may change corneal shape. Your eye doctor will provide specific guidelines based on your lens type and usage duration. During your eye consultation, your medical history and eye health will be thoroughly assessed to determine safety. Look out for signs of infection, inflammation, dry eyes, large pupils, and high eye pressure. Corneal measurements will then identify areas needing reshaping, facilitating precise surgery planning for optimal results.
2. During Surgery
During laser eye surgery, you remain awake, receiving effective numbing eye drops to ensure comfort. Your eyes are cleaned, and a speculum holds them open while the surgeon works. Throughout the brief procedure, you’re instructed to focus on a fixed point without moving your eyes. Don’t worry if you do, as lasers include sensors to detect even tiny movements and halt instantly.
3. After Surgery
After the surgery, you’ll be given goggles which will act as protective shields for your eyes. Although they may feel itchy or as if something is in them, do not rub them as it might complicate the healing process. It’s important to keep wearing the shields even while sleeping to prevent unconscious rubbing. Depending on how the surgery went, your doctor will give you the duration of follow-up to check on the healing progress.
During the next four weeks, it’s best to avoid sports or heavy physical activities. Additionally, swimming or bathing should be avoided for eight weeks post-surgery. Keep in mind that your vision may fluctuate for some time after the surgery, stabilising fully within up to six months, depending on your eyes and the type of surgery performed.
C] What Are The Side Effects Or Complications Of Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser refractive surgery is a generally safe and effective procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some potential side effects and complications. It’s important to be aware of these before making a decision.
A Few Temporary Side Effects Are:
- Dry Eyes: This is the most common side effect, occurring in up to 95% of patients. It usually improves within a few weeks or months, but some people may require long-term use of lubricating eye drops.
- Discomfort: Temporary stinging, burning, or scratchiness is common following surgery and typically resolves within a day or two.
- Glare and Halos: Patients may experience seeing halos or bright lights around objects, especially at night. These effects usually diminish over time but can persist in some cases.
- Blurry Vision: Fluctuations in vision are normal during the initial healing period (weeks to months).
A Few Serious Complications Are:
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: The laser may remove too much or too little corneal tissue, resulting in residual refractive error. This might necessitate an enhancement procedure (additional laser treatment) to achieve optimal vision.
- Infection: Although rare, infections can occur and require prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Flap Complications (LASIK): In LASIK procedures, issues with the corneal flap (e.g., incomplete flap, buttonhole) can arise, potentially requiring additional surgical intervention.
- Loss of Best Spectacle-Corrected Vision (BSCVA): In rare cases, vision quality may not improve or may even worsen compared to using corrective lenses.
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Conclusion
Laser refractive surgery offers a compelling alternative to glasses and contact lenses for many individuals in the UK. By understanding the different procedures available, suitability factors, potential side effects, and recovery timeframes, you can approach this decision with confidence.
Remember, a comprehensive consultation with your ophthalmologist is vital. They can check your eyes, recommend the most appropriate procedure for your specific needs, and address any concerns you may have. Laser refractive surgery can be a life-changing experience, and with careful consideration and open communication with your doctor, you can determine if it’s the right path to achieving your vision correction goals. Contact us to book an appointment today!
FAQs On Laser Eye Correction Surgery In UK
Ans: Laser eye surgery, like LASIK or LASEK, works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light rays are focused onto the retina. During the procedure, a special laser is used to precisely remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea, altering its shape.
Ans: At Paragon Clinic, a well-reputed clinic in the UK, laser vision correction surgery for one eye costs £1800.
Ans: After laser eye surgery, it typically takes 2–3 months for the eye to fully heal. Vision usually becomes stable and clear after about 6 months.
Ans: After vision correction surgery, many patients have clear vision within 24 hours, while others may need two to five days to recover fully. Some patients might experience blurred vision and vision fluctuations for a few weeks after LASIK.
Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.