Laser Eye Surgery

Although originally only for short sighted (myopic) patients up to –6.00, laser eye surgery can now be effective for high prescriptions as well as long sight (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The type of laser eye surgery best suited to each patient can vary according to corneal thickness and shape, but in general the most popular laser eye procedure is lasik (using a corneal flap), followed by PRK or Lasek (surface treatments).

WAVEFRONT LASIK
The lasik keratome creates a flap of surface tissue which is gently folded back before the laser beam is applied then repositioned after lasering.

SURFACE TREATMENTS
These do not involve the creation of a flap, but only the removal of the surface layer of cells (epithelium). A new layer of surface cells takes 4-7 days to re-grow, so the recovery time is longer. However a surface treatment may be indicated if there is a very thin or irregular cornea.