Is Someone In Your Family Considering Laser Eye Surgery?
Over the decades since its introduction, Laser Eye Surgery has grown in popularity to become the most common elective surgery in the world. With a growing number of people considering this life-changing treatment, it’s highly likely that you know someone who is weighing up the benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for themselves. You might even have a family member who is considering treatment.
If someone in your family is considering Laser Eye Surgery, you probably want them to be as informed as possible before making their decision. Yet, despite being more accessible and safer than ever before, misinformation persists around Laser Eye Surgery treatments.
Finding Reliable Laser Eye Surgery Information
The internet is a remarkable resource for information. With an estimated 1.1 billion websites in the world, we are truly living in the world of information; yet, finding reliable sources can be more difficult than you might think. So, where can you find accurate information about Laser Eye Surgery?
At London Vision Clinic, we are dedicated to providing reliable and useful resources on all things Laser Eye Surgery – and refractive treatments in general. We have published hundreds of articles with the aim of doing just that – take a look at our blog to find out for yourself!
Whether you’re interested in the facts about Laser Eye Surgery for your own research or to help a family member learn more about Laser Eye Surgery treatments, we’ve got you covered.
What do you need to know about Laser Eye Surgery?
As mentioned above, Laser Eye Surgery is now the most common elective procedure worldwide. Around 100,000 Laser Eye Surgery procedures are performed annually in the UK alone. Of these, the vast majority are successful, with most patients achieving their expected outcomes. However, there are several things you should be aware of before going ahead with treatment.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for treatment
Technology and improved screening protocols have drastically improved suitability for Laser Eye Surgery in recent years. Today, the vast majority of people are eligible for treatment; however, there are several things that can affect your suitability.
This includes the severity of your prescription, your eye health and underlying conditions, your age, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to undergo a comprehensive screening examination to determine your suitability for treatment. However, some clinics offer more rigorous screenings than others. At London Vision Clinic, we offer one of the most comprehensive consultation programs available.
Moreover, with access to the latest technology and surgeon expertise, we are often able to treat patients who have been turned away by other clinics. In fact, we’re able to treat around 98% of the patients we see!
There are three main types of Laser Eye Surgery procedures
“Laser Eye Surgery” tends to be used as an umbrella term, but there are actually three main Laser Eye Surgery procedures. Each of these treatments follows the same general principle: using laser technology to reshape the cornea, effectively correcting how light is directed into the eye. The three key procedures are:
PRK/LASEK (the surface procedures): These procedures involve removing an area of corneal epithelium to access the tissue beneath. Once the surgeon has removed the pre-determined area of corneal tissue, the area of epithelium is replaced over the treatment area (LASEK) or the epithelium is discarded (PRK) before a protective contact lens is applied.
LASIK: The most common Laser Eye Surgery procedure, LASIK involves creating a flap in the corneal epithelium. This flap is folded back into place once the treatment is complete, where it begins to heal almost immediately.
ReLEx SMILE: Also referred to simply as “SMILE”, this keyhole procedure is the least invasive of the Laser Eye Surgery treatments. It involves creating a small incision on the surface of the cornea. Corneal tissue can then be drawn out of the eye, reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error. This type of Laser Eye Surgery has extended suitability to many patients who have dry eye symptoms or thinner corneas.
If you’d like to learn more about Laser Eye Surgery and the treatments available at our Harley Street clinic, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, to find out if you or a family member could be suitable for treatment, Book a Consultation today.
