Laser Surgery

Laser refractive surgery, commonly also referred to as laser vision correction, is an ophthalmic surgical procedure useful in correcting refractive errors of the eye such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. A successful refractive eye surgery provides clearer sharper vision, and can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

Technique

Refractive surgery reshapes the transparent dome-shaped front part of the eye (cornea) and focuses the light traveling through the cornea to the retina situated in the back of the eye. Most of the vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, though some may require replacing the natural lens of the eye.

Refractive Eye Surgery – Types

There are different types of vision correction surgeries. Based on your eye examination, your eye doctor may recommend any of the following surgeries to improve your vision:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a laser surgery useful in correcting vision abnormalities such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. During a LASIK surgery, a flap is made in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap provides access to the underlying tissue of the cornea, which is reshaped in order to make the cornea focus light into the retina.

• SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction). This is the newest form of laser vision correction surgery and is a keyhole variant of LASIK surgery in which a small piece of corneal tissue is sculpted out by a precise laser and removed through a small incision. No corneal flap is created..

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser surgery useful in correcting mild to moderate near-sightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. During a PRK surgery, a cool pulsing beam of ultraviolet (UV) light is passed on the corneal surface to reshape the cornea.

• RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange), also known as clear lens extraction, is a surgery to correct extreme farsightedness or near-sightedness. RLE is an appropriate surgery for patients with minor abnormalities of the cornea and dry eyes. During RLE, a small incision is created at the periphery of the cornea and the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens.

• AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy) is a surgical procedure to correct astigmatism. During this procedure, the incisions are done at the steepest points of the cornea, and the cornea is reshaped from an oval shape to a more spherical shape. This can also be carried out after cataract surgery to help correct an unwanted residual refractive error and allow a patient to obtain better vision without having to depend on glasses.

The doctors and staff at Central Coast Eye Specialists are proudly affiliated with the Laser Vision Clinic Central Coast and carry out laser vision correction procedures there. Please click on the link www.lvccc.com.au to find out more about this state-of-the-art facility.

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