Our eyes are an incredibly complex organ that helps us see and make sense of the world. Healthy eyes are an essential part of a person’s overall health and wellbeing. However, common eye conditions like Myopia affect a large number of people. It is estimated that around 13 million people in Australia have at least one long-term eye condition. The good news is, many eye conditions can be treated and cured, thanks to modern eye procedures, such as laser eye surgery.
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a common surgical procedure that uses laser technology to correct common vision problems such as shortsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In this surgery, lasers are used to reshape the cornea, improving the focus of images on the retina and correcting common refractive errors.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery Procedures
Here are the three most common types of laser eye surgeries:
- LASIK: LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely adopted laser eye surgery. In LASIK, the surgeon uses a laser to create a tiny flap in your cornea, and then another laser sculpts the cornea to fix your vision. This meticulous process enables the correction of refractive errors. The recovery is quick, and many people experience clearer vision almost right away. However, in order to undergo LASIK eye surgery, you should have adequate thickness to your cornea.
- SMILE: SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. With SMILE, no flaps are involved. The surgeon creates a small, lens-shaped piece within your cornea, and then a tiny opening is made to remove it. It’s a bit like gentle sculpting to make your eyes see clearly. SMILE is known for causing less dryness in the eyes, making it a comfortable choice for many. This procedure is more suitable for those who have a high degree of shortsightedness.
- ASLA/PRK: ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is like the pioneer of laser eye surgery. Instead of making a corneal flap, the surgeon directly reshapes the cornea’s surface using an excimer laser. Compared to LASIK, the recovery may take a bit longer and you may have to wait for at least a week before you can resume your daily activities. This surgery is considered a suitable choice for those who have thinner corneas.
While laser eye surgeries are considered safe, there can be a few temporary side effects, such as dry eyes, glare, increased sensitivity to light, burning, itching, and mild pain.
If you’re between 18 and 55 and want clear vision without glasses, refractive eye surgery might be for you. However, it’s crucial to talk to a good eye doctor first. They’ll check your eyes and recommend the right surgery for you. Your eyes are unique, so let the expert guide you to the best choice for clearer vision and a brighter future.