Your Laser Eye Surgery consultation and how the laser eye surgery procedure is performed
The aim of laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea (the clear window on the front of the eye) using a computer controlled excimer laser to provide a more accurate pathway for light to enter the eye and accurately focus it on the retina at the back of the eye. In cases of near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism the shape of the eye causes the light entering the eye to distort or not be refracted correctly so that it cannot focus accurately on the retina and provide a clear image.
Laser eye surgery consultation – what is involved?
The first stage of laser eye surgery is to find out everything about your eyes and your vision. A laser eye surgery consultation is arranged for you to visit the clinic and undertake a number of tests and measurements. During the laser eye surgery consultation the optometrist will conduct a normal sight test to find out exactly what your vision is like. The structure of your eye and cornea will be examined to ensure that the laser eye surgery procedures will be safe to perform on your eyes. After all the information has been gathered a recommended customised treatment plan will be recommended to you.
Laser Eye Surgery – what is involved?
If you decide to undertake laser eye surgery you will be invited back to the clinic on a surgery day and a 2 hour appointment will be confirmed with you.
On the day of surgery you will meet the clinical team who will be taking you through the surgery procedure. Any additional vision checks will be undertaken at this stage if they are deemed necessary.
You will then be invited to consent to surgery with your surgeon. If you both agree that it is right for you to proceed he will sign the consent form with you and prepare you for the procedure itself.
Some anaesthetic eye drops will be applied first to numb the eyes for the procedure. Your eyelashes will be prevented from affecting the surgery and your eye will be held open during the operation using a lid speculum.
The flap for the LASIK eye operation is then created using a high precision device. The device applies a little suction to the eye prior to the operation but it is over within seconds.
The corneal flap is folded back and the eye is then centred for the laser to perform the correct treatment plan for your prescription (which has been in-putted into the laser system).
The more advanced laser systems have advanced eye tracking and a powerful laser beam that enables the treatment to be completed in just a few seconds.
When the laser has completed the treatment for one eye the corneal flap is folded back into place and held securely using a bandage contact lens. The second eye is then treated in a similar way. After the laser eye surgery, the patient will immediately experience a significant difference in vision.
You will then be taken to a recovery area in the clinic and be offered refreshments. After 30 – 40 minutes you will be taken for a final check before you are discharged for the day.
Patients are advised to wear a good pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from ultraviolet light when they leave the clinic and keep them on for most daylight hours. Eyes may feel itchy over the next 1`2 hours or so but drops are supplied to help with this feeling.
All patients are booking in for a one day check up at the clinic to make sure that the first 24 hours have passed safely and to check on the healing of the eyes.
Consultations for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and a year follow and are all usually included in the cost of the treatment plan.
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John Andrews is witness to some of the leading developments in Laser eye surgery and refractive surgery through his involvement in Accuvision Laser Eye Care Clinics. He meets with patients from around the world who travel to Accuvision for its leading edge technology, treatments and the outstanding results they are able to safely deliver.
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