Laser eye surgery is suitable for both short- and long-sighted people, but not for normal loss of close vision due to aging. The treatment can correct even high prescriptions (very short- or long-sightedness) but not everyone is suitable and a consultation is required. Many providers will offer this free of charge.
LASIK and LASEK
Confusingly, the two different types of laser eye treatment have very similar names. LASIK involves cutting a flap in the eye, which is smoothed back down after the surgery and heals by itself in a couple of weeks. Vision is improved immediately and a patient will normally be able to see well without glasses or lenses a few hours after the procedure.
LASEK involves dissolving the surface of the eye and using a contact lens “bandage” after the surgery for 5 – 7 days. LASEK is less convenient and has a longer healing time, but is necessary for certain people whose eyes are unsuitable for LASIK. LASIK is usually recommended for higher prescriptions as there is less chance of scarring, which would cause a permanent blurry mark on the vision. LASIK is the more popular technique because the patient can see properly within only a few hours, but the practitioner who performs the consultation will advise the patient which is most suitable.
A technique called Wavefront can be applied to both LASEK and LASIK. This is to improve night-vision after the surgery by reducing the “starburst” effect around lights. This is to be recommended for those with high prescriptions, large pupils or whose night vision is already poor, as surgery without Wavefront may make it worse.
What Is It Like?
Laser eye surgery is not painful (the eyes are anaesthetised with drops) but it is not pleasant. The patient is awake throughout the procedure, has the eyes artificially held open, and has to stare into buzzing lights, which can be very disorientating and even frightening. However, the procedure only lasts a couple of minutes per eye and can be endured easily, especially considering that the results last a lifetime.
Afterwards the eyes will be painful for about two hours. This can be countered by taking ordinary painkillers and/or having a nap. With LASEK, the eyes will continue to be uncomfortable until the contact lens bandage is removed. Aftercare in the first two weeks includes not wearing any eye make up, or any powders. The patient must not get water in his eyes, and should use baby shampoo in case the eyes are accidentally splashed in the shower. Eye drops will be provided and should be used regularly, and plastic eye shields are worn at night to stop the patient rubbing his eyes in his sleep.
What Is the Downside?
Laser eye surgery is very safe, and has been in use for twenty years. The possibility of scarring is slight. Eyes might end up with different prescriptions afterwards, but should not need glasses or lenses. The surface of the eye is weakened by LASIK, so this technique shouldn't be used by those involved in contact sports who are likely to receive a direct blow to the eye.
The surgery itself may put some people off, but ten minutes of fear and two hours of stinging eyes is not a high price to pay for perfect vision. The financial price is the real drawback. In the UK, laser eye surgery is not available on the NHS or most private health plans so the patient has to find the money, which usually runs to thousands of pounds. Credit is often available from the clinic.
