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LASIK

For severe short sight LASIK is recommend. It is a procedure that combines both Excimer Laser and microsurgery. The advantage of this procedure over the standard PRK is that the Bowman's layer in the cornea is not disturbed. This means the post-operative recovery is rapid, and little haze or fluctuation in vision is expected. This is particularly important for the treatment of severe myopia.

The Treatment

The treatment involves a special instrument called a keratome, which contains a high-speed rotating disc to gently lift a thin layer of corneal tissue from the surface. This layer of tissue remains attached at one side, and can be folded over to expose allow the surface beneath. The surgeon refers to this layer of tissue as a 'corneal flap'.

The excimer laser will treat the revealed underlying surface in the same manner as Excimer Laser PRK. The flap is then immediately replaced in position and a special contact lens is applied for 24 hours. A protective plastic shield is used to cover the eye to prevent any rubbing by the patient.

The treatment is carried out as an outpatient procedure on one eye at a time. The eye to be treated is anaesthetised with local anaesthetic drops. These drops are all that is required to anaesthetise the eye (no injections are necessary) and you should feel no pain at all during treatment.

Following treatment you can go home.

You will be asked to return for your first aftercare visit within the first few days after treatment and then your specialist will want to see you for regular check-ups during the months that follow.

Effects of LASIK  

The aim of this treatment is reduce the severity of the prescription worn and in the most successful cases to eliminate the short-sightedness altogether. It is likely however, that some under- or over-correction will occur and this will mean that glasses or contact lenses will still be required to get the sharpest vision. Nearly everyone experiences a sharp reduction in his or her lens prescription.

IMPORTANT NOTES

It is vital to note that Lasik is still a relatively new process in the UK.

Do notify your GP before going ahead with laser treatment, as he/she may be aware of factors relating to your general state of health, which could make you unsuitable for treatment.

We regret that we cannot recommend laser treatment clinics or surgeons. Your GP and optometrist can assist. 

Eyecare Trust

We are indebted to the Eyecare Trust for providing the content for this section