LASEK involves lasering the
surface of the
cornea under the
epithelium. It is a
combination of surface
PRK and Epiflap. The laser is
programmed for your individual prescription. The surface of
the eye is lasered (cornea) without the need of surgery to the
eye.
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Epithelium is
parted
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Laser reshapes(flattens)
cornea
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Epithelium pushed back over
flattened cornea
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The Treatment
LASEK laser eye surgery is
performed in sterile conditions. The surgeon applies anaesthetic
eye drops to eliminate any pain and a small 'clip' is used to keep
the eyelid open. The thin, protective outer layer of cells
(
epithelium) is softened with alcohol
and folded aside. You then stare at the target light whilst the
laser is applied to the cornea for about 30 seconds.
Additional laser treatment for
astigmatic correction, if required,
takes place after a short pause and takes a further 15 seconds
(dependent on the level of correction required). The epithelium is
then gently pushed back into place. The treatment takes
approximately 15 minutes (a special tracker locks onto the iris and
the laser follows the eye if you move) and
patients find the whole process quick and simple.
After Treatment
We strongly recommend that you
bring a friend/relative with you so they can accompany you home
after your LASEK treatment (this is essential if you have both eyes
treated on the same day). You will be given instructions and
medication (you may also be given sleeping tablets to ensure a good
night’s sleep). Eye drops ointment will need to be to
applied during the first few days following treatment, during which
time the surface of the eye heals and clearer vision will
return.
Bandage Lenses
Bandage lenses are soft
disposable clear
contact lenses, which are placed (by the
surgeon) on the eye after lasering. They enable clear vision
directly after treatment and may reduce pain to minimal levels and
need to be removed very carefully after three to five days (by
Optimax medical staff) to avoid damage to the newly formed
epithelium.
Possible Side Effects
LASEK at moderate levels of correction has had very few side
effects and complications are rare. Poor night vision is the most
common side effect. Others are listed on the Consent Form,
which you will be asked to complete and sign prior to
undergoing LASEK treatment. These effects will reduce
gradually during the the healing process and only rarely
persist.
Consultation and Treatment
If you decide to go ahead with treatment this can usually be
arranged within a few hours of the
consultation
on the same day. You will not be able to drive for seven to
14 days after treatment.
Intralase Femtosecond Laser
The new state of the art
"All-Laser" Intralase Femtosecond Laser is the gold standard
for laser eye surgery, giving
Optimax
patients the opportunity of having the best available
treatment in the world.
Optimax
leads with
Intralase laser technology;
with 18 lasers we were the
first company to offer this technology nationwide. The major
benefit is that all suitable prescriptions can be treated with
bladeless technology, eliminating potential complications and
distortions associated with the cutting the flap with a
blade. In addition, more patients achieve
20:20 vision or better and fewer
patients lose sharpness of vision. Safety is improved which gives
increased confidence to both the doctor and patient,
thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Furthermore both
mechanical breakdown and human error are also reduced.