Thanks to the advantages of laser eye surgery, it has become one of the most sought-after solutions for vision correction. It offers a new level of freedom for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
From its modern techniques to its impressive outcomes, laser eye surgery has transformed the way many individuals see the world—literally and figuratively.
This detailed article will explore everything you need to know about laser eye surgery, including its benefits, types, and steps.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
This process offers a long-term solution for vision correction, helping reduce or eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses.
A suitably trained professional performs the treatment, reshaping the corneal tissue with the use of laser technology, such as an excimer laser. Laser eye surgery is considered minimally invasive and provides rapid vision recovery for many patients.
The Advantages Of Laser Eye Surgery
There are numerous advantages of laser eye treatment that make it an appealing choice for many individuals:
Correction Of Refractive Error
One of the most attractive advantages of laser eye surgery is its potential for long-term vision correction. Once the cornea is reshaped, the changes are permanent, meaning that many patients won’t need glasses or contact lenses anymore.
Quick Results
Patients may experience substantially improved vision within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure, making it a quick solution for vision correction. This rapid recovery means you can return to your daily activities shortly after surgery.
Minimal Discomfort
Thanks to the application of high-quality numbing eye drops during the procedure, laser eye surgery is relatively comfortable. While you may feel some pressure or minor discomfort, pain is usually minimal, and the healing process is fast.
Customised To Your Needs
Laser eye surgery is highly personalised, with different techniques available depending on your specific refractive errors and vision goals. Your eye specialist will examine your eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment for optimal results.
Elimination Of Glasses Or Contact Lenses
After laser eye surgery, many patients no longer need to wear contact lenses or glasses, offering a newfound sense of freedom. Imagine not having to deal with fogged-up glasses or the ongoing costs of replacing contact lenses!
Improved Self-Confidence
For some, glasses or contact lenses can be cumbersome or affect their self-image. Laser vision correction allows you to enjoy sharp sight without needing visual aids, boosting your confidence and allowing you to engage in activities like swimming or playing sports more freely.
Precise And High-Quality Procedure
Laser eye surgery, particularly procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), has been around for decades and has proven to be a beneficial and powerful option for vision correction. Modern technologies like wavefront-guided lasers provide high precision, reducing the risks involved.
Convenient And Time-Saving
Not only does laser eye surgery correct vision issues, but it also saves you time in the long run. No more daily hassle of cleaning contact lenses, searching for misplaced glasses, or booking regular eye exams for new prescriptions. It offers a long-term solution that reduces ongoing costs associated with vision correction.
Great For Active Lifestyles
If you enjoy activities like soccer, hiking, running, or contact sports, laser eye surgery allows you to engage in them without worrying about wearing glasses or contact lenses. For athletes or people with active lifestyles, this can be life-changing.
High Success Rate
The common success rate of laser eye surgeries is high, with many patients potentially achieving 20/20 or better vision. However, while many experience these outstanding results, not everyone will achieve perfect vision, and some may still need reading glasses as they age.
Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Several types are available, each catering to different needs and eye conditions.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
The most heard of type of laser eye surgery is called LASIK eye surgery. It entails making a tiny flap in the cornea that is raised and manipulated with a laser beam to modify the cornea underneath. The corneal flap is then replaced, allowing for a faster healing process and minimal discomfort. LASIK laser eye surgery is ideal for those with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, offering quick results with minimal downtime.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
While PRK and LASIK are comparable, PRK does not require making a corneal flap. Rather, the cornea is reshaped once its outer layer is removed. Patients with thin corneas or those who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK frequently have this kind of laser surgery prescribed to them. The healing process for PRK is slightly longer, but the results are equally compelling.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a more recent form of laser eye surgery that includes making a tiny incision in the cornea to remove a little piece of tissue. This helps reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. SMILE is minimally invasive and results in faster recovery times than traditional LASIK. It’s commonly used for treating myopia and astigmatism.
What To Expect During Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is an outpatient operation that usually lasts approximately 30 minutes for both eyes. Here’s what to expect during the process.
Consultation And Assessment
Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your eye doctor to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. They will assess your eye health, refractive errors, and overall vision to recommend the best treatment for your circumstances.
Numbing Eye Drops
On the day of the surgery, specific numbing eye drops will be used to ensure you don’t feel significant pain during the surgery. You may experience some pressure, but it should be minimal.
Corneal Flap Or Tissue Removal
Depending on the type of your laser eye surgery, the surgeon will either create a corneal flap (LASIK) or remove the outer layer of the cornea (PRK). For SMILE, a small incision will be made to remove corneal tissue.
Laser Reshaping
Once the eye is prepared, the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. This step only takes a few minutes and is incredibly precise, allowing for accurate vision correction.
Post-Surgery Recovery
After the procedure, you must rest your eyes for a few hours. Your eye doctor will provide eye drops to boost the healing process and lower the risk of infection. It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions and attend any follow-up appointments.
Potential Risks And Complications
Laser eye surgery carries some risks, as is the case with any surgical or invasive procedure. However, patients typically experience excellent results. Possible risks include:
- Dry eyes
- Glare or halos around lights
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
- Corneal infection (extremely rare)
- Temporary blurry vision
It’s important to have a detailed discussion with your eye doctor about potential risks and whether laser eye surgery is the right selection for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does laser eye surgery take?
The procedure usually takes about 10–15 minutes per eye. However, patients typically spend around an hour in the clinic in total.
Can anyone get laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery may not be ideal for everyone. People with certain eye conditions, thin corneas, or other health concerns may not be candidates for the surgery. Your eye doctor will assess your circumstances to determine whether you’re a good fit.
When can I return to work?
You may return to work within 24 to 48 hours after LASIK surgery. However, if you undergo PRK, the recovery may take a bit longer. Always consult your eye doctor for specific advice.
A Future Of Clear Vision Is Within Reach
With the various types and advantages of laser eye surgery, finding a solution that fits your unique vision needs is possible. Although every surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, laser eye surgery has a high success rate and can provide life-changing results for many.
To determine if laser eye surgery is right for you, consider scheduling a consultation with an appropriately qualified eye surgeon who can guide you on the best course of action.
If you seek laser eye surgery and want to learn more about how it can improve your vision and lifestyle, our team in Melbourne is here to help. Contact Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 and discover the personalised treatment options available.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Baird, Paul N., et al. “Myopia.” Nature Reviews Disease Primers, vol. 6, no. 1, Dec. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00231-4.
Dunkin, Mary Anne. “A Guide to Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery.” WebMD, 6 Mar. 2023, www.webmd.com/eye-health/overview-refractive-laser-eye-surgery. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
Espandar, Ladan, et al. “LASIK Complications.” EyeWiki, edited by Brian Shafer, 13 Feb. 2024, eyewiki.org/LASIK_Complications. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
Healthdirect Australia. “Laser Eye Surgery.” Healthdirect, July 2022, www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
The Healthline Editorial Team. “How Long Does LASIK Last?” Healthline, 12 Nov. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/how-long-does-lasik-last. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
