Laser Eye Surgery

Is it safe?

Facts you should know before deciding

100,000 people undergo laser eye surgery in United Kingdom every year.  If you are considering having an operation to correct your vision or eye problems by laser eye surgery it is important that you are fully aware of any potential risks.  

Two main types of laser eye surgery

You are probably aware that there are two main types of laser eye surgery LASIK (LASER ASSISTED IN SITU KERATOMILEEUSIS) and PRK.  (PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY)  Here are the major differences between the different types of surgery. During PRK the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed by scrapping away, which exposes the stromal layer, (the middle part of the cornea). This is the part that will be vaporised by the laser. With LASIK a flap is cut in the stromal layer and folded back. This is controlled by a computer. The shape of the cornea is altered depending on the result desired to treat the eye problem. This takes about half a minute. The flap is then repositioned; you will not need stitches as the flap bonds with the rest of the cornea within minutes. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages between the different types of laser eye surgery? 

As in all surgery, there are risks, so you should always ask plenty of questions if you choose to go ahead with laser eye surgery.  What type is suitable for you depends not only on personal choice but various factors concerning your own eyes. 

With LASIK it is reported that patients recover their better eyesight sooner and suffer less discomfort. The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea and is said to minimize the need for spectacles or contact lenses. This is the more common type of refractive eye surgery. Short-sightedness, near-sightedness, myopia and even astigmatism can be corrected by this method.  

What are the risks?  Infection is one of the complications that can arise after laser eye surgery. Also because the surgery has only been available for the past 40 years or so, it’s long term effects are not known. 

It is not everyone who will be able to dispense of their glasses or contact lenses after eye surgery and some may even need a further operation. Another side effort can be dry eyes or night vision problems, these complications are often played down by the clinic. In fact up to half the people suffer dry eyes; it is fair to say, however, that in the majority most cases are resolved within a few months. The remaining can be treated with artificial tear drops. The night glare and halo problems tend to occur within the period shortly after the operation and seem to affect those who have the highest correction with their vision. 

Often the downside such as ending up with worse vision than before or suffering a halo effort is often played down by the surgeons, so it is very important to check the experience of your chosen surgeon and their way of being able to treat any potential problems, should they arise. Obviously extensive research should be undertaken to find a clinic and surgeon in who you have confidence.   

    The Yorkshire Eye Hospital now offers laser eye treatment. This is in response to the many requests they received from patients requiring the knowledge that the surgeons are well qualified and experienced in carrying out the procedure in a hospital setting. They have other vision and eye correcting methods including implanting lenses into the eye. 

PRK Eye laser surgery     

PRK Eye laser surgery is sometimes preferred by surgeons when the patient’s corneas are thin or they have large pupils. This procedure is said to result in more care being needed i.e. the patient has to rest more. If you play sport, you could be out of action for quite a time, so this too, should be taken into consideration before contemplating laser eye surgery. After PRK surgery it is usual to be given pain relief, both via eye drops and orally.  

  Cost too, can often be misleading as there have been reports of the actual price being considerably higher than the amount quoted in advertisements for laser eye surgery. Money can often be saved by going for the option of a late or cancelled booking, so it is worth making enquiries. 

Laser eye surgery can and has been very successful for the majority of people who undergo it. It does not however, prevent the natural aging process and therefore sight may continue to deteriorate. In rare cases it can even lead to blindness.  

The majority of people who decide this surgery is worth the risks involved are likely to have already considered the other options open to them and are probably experiencing problems with their glasses or contact lenses. It is only sensible to arm yourself with all the information available to be able to arrive at an educated decision. The operation itself is available to be viewed, should you choose to do so. Laser eye surgery could well be the answer for you.