Laser Eye Surgery: Say Goodbye to Glasses

L aser eye surgery is also known as refractive surgery, or laser vision correction. It is a safe and effective surgery that helps improve one's eyesight and also less dependent on glasses and contact lenses. The operation is performed using lasers that reshape the cornea hence helping one focus better. Among the conditions treated by laser eye surgery are long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism. Pros of this surgery include: Safe. Studies have shown this procedure to have been entirely successful for over 95% of qualified candidates who have undergone it. Quick. The whole procedure even in cases of both eyes take about 10 minutes to complete, and has a quick recovery period. Patients have reported having gained better vision right after surgery, 0 up to 4 hours. Freedom from glasses and contacts. Painless. One is given anaesthetic eye drops before commencement. Better vision guarantee in life. Cons of the surgery: Costly. Most of the procedures are quite expensive, with ranges between £3500_£6000. Eyes might feel dry immediately after surgery, although this is taken care of by eye drops. Risk of complications. This arises as in all other surgeries, but mostly if a surgeon did not correctly give a prescription. Other complications include infections and ectasia and flap complications. You may need a few days away from routine for complete healing and check-ups. There are some requirements for one to have this operation. These include; Be 18 years of age with at least 12 years of stable ocular prescription. Have short or long-sightedness. You should not be pregnant or nursing. You should discuss with your doctor about any health conditions/diseases, infections or injuries you might have as these are enough to disqualify you for the surgery. The costs of this surgery at many clinics including the London Vision Clinic, fees for the  treatment, inclusive of after surgery care are; £4900 for LASEK and LASIK for both eyes. £6500 for Standard/ Laser Blended Vision for both eyes. The following are alternatives to laser eye surgery; Clear Lens Extraction/Refractive Lens Exchange (CLE/RLE)- replaces the lens with a synthetic one. Intra-Corneal Rings (INTACS)- inserts colourless clips into the cornea. Astigmatic Keratectomy- uses a scalpel instead of lasers to reshape the cornea. Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK) -increases cornea steepness. Radial Keratotomy- uses blades instead of lasers. Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) - uses radio waves to reshape the cornea.