What Is Laser Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a laser treatment to reshape the cornea (clear window of the eye) to correct refractive error that usually correction with glasses or contact lens.
Refractive error include:

• nearsightedness (myopia)

• farsightedness (hyperopia)

• astigmatism

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For people who are nearsighted, their natural focusing power of the eye is too strong, therefore the refractive surgery will aim to reduce the curvature of their cornea to lessen the eye's focusing power. Farsighted people have focusing power of their eyes being too weak,  therefore refractive surgery procedures will achieve a steeper cornea to increase the eye's focusing power.

Astigmatism can also be corrected with laser refractive surgery at the same time by  selectively reshape portions of an irregular cornea to make it smooth and symmetrical. 

 

What is LASIK?

In LASIK, your eye specialist creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a laser. The surgeon folds back the flap and precisely removes a very specific amount of corneal tissue under the flap using an excimer laser. The flap is then laid back into its original position where it heals in place.

 

LASIK surgery is a procedure that has a very good safety profile.  The procedure is done as an outpatients surgery centre.  The procedure is usually between 15 to 30 minutes and generally has a rapid recovery.  Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities very quickly.

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Who would benefit from laser corrective eye surgery?

Refractive surgery might be a good option for you if you:

• Want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses;

• Are free of eye disease;

• Older than 21 and does not have cataracts;

• Have had no major change in prescription in glasses or contact lens for at least 1 year;

• Accept the inherent risks and potential side effects of the procedure;

• Understand that you could still need glasses or contacts after the procedure to achieve your best vision;

• Have an appropriate refractive error.

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