What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery is used to improve the eyesight in people who
suffer from short sight (Myopia), long sight (Hyperopia) or
Astigmatism. This is done by using a computer controlled
Excimer Laser to reshape the cornea in the front of the eye.
Your Consultant Ophthalmologist will advise you if Laser Vision
Correction is the right treatment for you as there are a number of
patients who may not be suitable for various reasons and
alternative treatments are more appropriate.
Once the procedure is completed, your sight will improve and you
should have good normal unaided vision.
What does this involve?
Laser Eye surgery is done as a day case at CircleBath and you
will be given detailed written advice by your Consultant ahead of
your operation.
Some numbing anaesthetic will be placed in your eyes and a
sticky transparent dressing will be applied to keep your eyelashes
out of the way. A small spring called a lid speculum will be
placed to keep your eye open so that you do not have to worry about
blinking. This causes a stretching sensation that can be a
little uncomfortable but you will soon get used to it.
A ring device is then placed on your eye which sticks there by
suction and you may feel some pressure. Your vision may
darken or disappear at this point which is quite normal. The
machine that removes the epithelial cell layer is then activated
and makes a loud buzzing noise as it passes across your eye - this
takes about 40 seconds.
The ring is then removed and your eye is ready for the laser
treatment. The laser makes a loud ticking noise and usually
takes up to a minute to reshape the cornea. When the laser
has finished a special contact lens is placed in your eye and the
process is repeated for your other eye. The actual laser
application is completely pain free.
Immediately after the treatment you will be accommodated in a
private area within our Day Case Unit to have some rest and
refreshment. We will advise you about the use of eye drops
and arrange your follow up appointment. Your Consultant will
visit you to ensure all is well before you are allowed to go
home.
You should arrange someone to take you home as we do not advise
you to travel alone.
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When will I recover?
You will have some initial itching and discomfort after the
procedure but you must resist the temptation to rub your
eyes. Your eyes may also be watery but this will settle down
quite quickly. You may also have a bloodshot eye for a while
but again this will disappear after a few days.
The best advice is to relax and try to keep your eyes closed as
much as possible. We will provide you a protective mask to
wear at night so you don't inadvertently rub your eye.
Your Consultant will telephone you the following day to check
how you are getting on and you should expect your vision to be
quite blurry on day one, improving over the next two or three
days. Ordinary painkillers can be taken in the event of
discomfort.
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What risks should I know about?
Since 1988, over 10 million laser procedures have been performed
worldwide. Although laser vision correction is highly
successful, it is still a surgical procedure and so has the
potential for risks and complications.
- Some pain after the procedure which can be helped by over the
counter pain medication.
- Overcorrection or undercorrection which may mean the use of
glasses or, possibly, an enhanced procedure to be carried out.
- Flap problems where the procedure is carried out. These
are very rare and can usually be rectified and treated.
- Infection in very rare cases
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Circle care
Laser Eye Surgery is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the
art hospital which provides you the best facilities and superb
patient care. We have a dedicated team of Ophthalmic Surgeons
and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first
consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any
questions or queries you may have.
To read more on Laser Eye Surgery, click
here.
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