This is a form of surgical procedure which changes refractive (focusing) power of the eye with a beam of light by recontouring of the cornea (front window of the eye) in order to improve vision.
The eye is like a camera with great focusing power through the shape of the cornea and lens. These main focusing elements can be insufficient or excessive in their ability to help the eye focus – which may sometimes be referred to as refractive error. One of the ways these refractive errors such as being near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), or having astigmatism can be corrected is by reshaping the cornea.
The laser light allows the removal of a microscopic slice of tissue in order to reshape the front surface of the eye. It may flatten the cornea (to improve near-sightedness), steepen the cornea (to treat far-sightedness) or even smooth out the surface (to treat astigmatism).
Many patients enjoy being glasses free after their refractive error is corrected through surgery.
Laser correction with LASIK or PRK has been a long standing, tested way of treating refractive error and patients generally enjoy excellent outcomes. The technology has various safeguards in place to minimise the risk of errors and the surgeon is in full control of the laser during the treatment.
With any procedures there are always small degrees of risk, however. These may include dry eyes, night-time glare. These problems usually improve after a few months.
Other risks include:
The laser treatment takes about 10-15minutes per eye.
At Sydney CBD Eye Clinic, we provide laser vision correction using facilities located in the heart of Sydney CBD.