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Types of Surgery

Currently there are four main types of correcting the need for glasses or contact lenses. The final decision as to which type of refractive surgery is appropriate for your needs will be determined after consultation with our team of eye care professionals.

LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY

LASIK

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

IN LASIK, a very thin flap of corneal tissue is first raised with a specialised laser called an IntraLase Femtosecond (FS) laser. The EXCIMER laser then smoothly reshapes the underlying corneal surface to correct the patient's refractive error. The thin flap of corneal tissue is precisely replaced to cover the newly curved central corneal tissue.

With the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding ability, healing is rapid. The flap acts as its own "band aid" and becomes adherent within a few minutes without stitches. This gives the eye extra protection, reduces post operative discomfort, minimises the risk of infection and accelerates the healing process. Patients can see clearly almost immediately after the operation.

Both high and low levels of refractive errors can be treated this way.

The LASIK method using the Intralase FS laser is by far the most advanced method, giving you fast healing times with minimal discomfort.

PRK

Photorefractive Keratectomy

• PRK continues to be an effective treatment for low refractive errors. PRK differs from LASIK in that it involves the removal of the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) before the laser correction begins. The Excimer laser is then applied directly to the underlying cornea to smoothly reshape this surface and correct the refractive error. After the surgery a contact lens is placed over the eye to assist with healing and comfort. The surface layer then heals over several days to cover the treated area. Medication and eye drops are provided to the patient over this time to help with any discomfort and irritation. Useful vision in PRK occurs when the epithelium has regrown, usually within 48-72 hours. Corneal haze is a significant side effect with PRK as the eye heals; haze can cause or exacerbate symptoms such as glare and haloes.
• LASEK - Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis LASEK is a slight modification to the PRK procedure. After the Excimer laser treatment the thin layer of epithelial cells are placed back into position and a contact lens applied to assist with healing and comfort levels. This treatment has similar healing times as PRK.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES

Lensectomy and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant

This procedure involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens of the required power to provide better unaided vision. The procedure is performed in the same manner as cataract surgery.

Implantable Intraocular Lens (Phakic IOL)

This technique retains the natural lens of the eye while inserting an artificial lens to provide additional focusing power to the eye.