Laser eye surgery corrects astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Lasers sculpt the cornea to improve eye focus.

FDA-licensed in 1995, eye operation laser is one of the few permanent vision repair techniques.

Since its public debut, laser eye surgery has advanced. All types of eyes can now choose from various UK prescription correction options.

Types of laser eye surgery

LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and SMILE are the UK laser eye operations most prevalent.

Epithelial laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

No laser eye procedure has more patients than LASIK. Two lasers are used to correct refractive faults. The first laser opens a small cornea flap, while the second laser changes its form.

The flap is reattached to the cornea one to two days after surgery.

Results after LASIK surgery are noticeable within 15 minutes. Astigmatism, near-sightedness, farsightedness, and hyperopia are corrected well.

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASIK) removes the cornea’s epithelium to reach its deeper layers. Because the epithelial layer removed is thinner than the flap, this laser eye surgery near me may be an excellent choice for candidates who have problems recovering after LASIK. After surgery, the cornea is covered with the epithelium again and reattaches itself. Many people wear bandage contact lenses to protect their eyes during healing.

Each eye takes about 5 minutes to correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. According to reports, it is somewhat more unpleasant than LASIK, and the eyesight correction may not be fully effective for two weeks.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

Laser for vision correction began with photorefractive keratectomy, like LASEK. To laser-reshape the cornea, the epithelium is surgically removed. Nevertheless, the epithelium can recover naturally following the procedure rather than being replaced. PRK can effectively treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In most cases, patients can regain 20/20 vision in 4 to 8 weeks following the treatment, which takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)

One method for eye operation laser that became commercially available in 2011 is small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). This method can treat only near-sightedness and astigmatism, not farsightedness.

After the eyes are numbed, the SMILE procedure begins with a pulsing laser focused on the cornea’s centre. This laser forms tiny bubbles to outline the treatment region. The laser then keeps making tiny incisions until the surgeon can remove tissue, altering the cornea’s shape for better eyesight.

The process, which involves around 15 minutes each eye, takes about a few weeks to kick in. The minimal corneal disturbance is one advantage of SMILE treatment, which reduces the likelihood of dry eye post-procedure.

Conclusion

Correcting near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism using eye surgery laser is a safe and effective option. It gives many people long-lasting results with minimal discomfort and fast recovery times. However, in-depth consultations are necessary to determine your qualifications and get the greatest results.