What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser Eye Surgery is now the most commonly practiced procedure when it comes to correcting vision problems. In order for laser vision correction to be successful, vision problems must be caused by refractive errors. These refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The most recent success with corrective laser eye surgery has been with presbyopia.

The Need For Laser Vision Correction

Corrective laser eye surgery is carried out by a qualified surgeon who uses a special laser device which enables him/her to make permanent changes to the shape of the cornea. All the conditions that can be corrected with eye surgery are caused by problems with the way that the eyes are able to focus images on the retina. The retina is the light sensitive layer found at the back of the eye.

The ability to focus is determined by the shape of the cornea which is the clear front surface of the eye. If the cornea is not shaped correctly vision problems will occur.
Corrective laser eye surgery is becoming the preferred choice of eye vision problem treatments as it abolishes the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. By surgically altering the shape of the cornea using corrective eye surgery, most mild to moderate refractive errors can be corrected.

Corrective Eye Surgery Procedures

There are two type of eye surgery that are commonly performed and these are PRK and Lasik eye surgery.

With PRK eye surgery the surgeon will remove the outer layer of the cornea using a surgical blade. A laser beam which is guided by a computer is then used to vaporize tiny amounts of tissue that lie under the surface of the cornea. This corrective eye surgery procedure will remove just enough tissue to reshape the cornea and correct vision. After PRK eye surgery it takes approximately one weeks healing time.

Lasik eye surgery is more complicated than PRK. With lasik eye surgery the surgeon cuts a flap in the cornea using a sharp blade or laser. This flap is then lifted and a computer guided laser is used to remove tissue from the inside layers of the cornea. Once the procedure is completed the flap is then placed back in its original position. The healing time for lasik eye surgery is much quicker than that of PRK.

Benefits Of Corrective Eye Surgery

Corrective eye surgery is only performed by highly trained specialists and provides excellent results. The majority of patients who undergo corrective eye surgery feel that their lives have been vastly improved and they no longer rely on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

There are however some risks and side effects that you should be aware of. With lasik eye surgery you will most likely experience some post operative pain as the cornea has been cut. There is also a risk of some complications which can include dry eyes and poor quality night time vision. These conditions are easily treated.

A more serious condition that can occur is called corneal ectasia. This is the weakening and bulging of the cornea and in server cases a corneal transplant may be required.

 
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