Our team of
specialist eye
surgeons have a wealth of experience in LASIK laser eye
surgery. It is one of the most common
types of laser eye
surgery and most patients are suitable for this type
of treatment. With our easy payment plans and the
Optimax
Price Beat Guarantee, LASIK Eye
Surgery has never been more affordable.
For more information on the
cost of LASIK Eye Surgery please click
here.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ
Keratomileusis) laser eye surgery involves lasering
beneath the front surface of the eye, the
cornea. Firstly, a very
thin superficial layer or flap (the thickness of a human hair) is
created and carefully lifted. The exposed tissue is
lasered and the corneal flap repositioned, remaining
in place by natural suction. The flap remains joined to the
cornea like a hinge, enabling it to be replaced in exactly the same
position, minimising the healing process.
LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery
Benefits of LASIK Laser Eye
Surgery include quick recovery and
restoration of eyesight, better results if you suffer
from severe short-sightedness, and treatment that is
usually completely pain-free. The inner eye is not touched
during the procedure, and no stitches are required.
The Treatment
LASIK 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. A light suction ring is then applied to the
eye to enable a device called a Microkeratome, or more commonly a
Femtosecond laser, to create the
flap.
The laser is applied to the
underlying tissue in the same manner as
LASEK laser eye surgery. A special eye
tracker locks onto the iris and follows the eye's
movement exactly, automatically pausing the laser if the
eye moves. Patients find the process quick and
simple. After treatment the eye is covered with a plastic
shield to prevent accidental rubbing. The whole treatment
takes approximately 20 minutes.
After Treatment
On the day of LASIK treatment, please bring a pair of dark
sunglasses to wear for your journey home, as your eyes will feel
sensitive to light. We strongly recommend that you bring a
friend/relative with you, to accompany you home after
treatment. Whilst it is not expected that you will
experience any significant pain following your treatment, you may
need to take your usual pain-relief tablets. You will be
provided with eye drops to apply during the first few days.
Clearer vision should return quickly, usually within 24 hours
after treatment.
Bilateral Treatment (Both Eyes)
Treatment to both eyes on the same day is still
controversial. Many LASIK surgeons consider it safer to wait until
the outcome of the first eye is known before treating the
second. However, most people choose bilateral treatment for
reasons of convenience. You should discuss this with the
surgeon during your consultation. There is no additional charge for
having your second eye treated on a different day. Bilateral
LASIK eye surgery is offered for prescriptions up to -10.00
dioptres.
Possible Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery
Complications are rare but can occur and may require further
laser or surgical treatment. If anything more severe than mild
discomfort is experienced, you must return to the clinic as soon as
possible or call the 24 hour emergency number to your treating
surgeon.
Side effects from the flap creation are listed on the
Consent Form, which you will be asked to complete and sign prior to
undergoing LASIK Eye Surgery. These effects will reduce gradually
during the healing process and only rarely persist.
Consultation and Treatment
If you decide to go ahead with treatment, this can sometimes be
arranged on the same day and within a few hours of
the consultation. You will not be able to drive
for 7 - 14 days after treatment.
IntraLase Laser Treatment
The new state of the art
"All-Laser" IntraLase Femtosecond Laser is the gold standard
for laser eye surgery, giving
Optimax patients the opportunity to receive
the best treatment available.
Optimax
leads with
IntraLase laser technology; with
18 lasers we were the
first company to offer this treatment technology nationwide.
The major benefit is that all suitable prescriptions can be treated
with bladeless technology, eliminating potential complications and
distortions associated with the creating 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, reducing
any stress or anxiety.