Treating Myopia (Short-Sightedness) with Laser Eye Surgery
Myopia is the most common refractive error in the world – and figures show it is on the rise. In fact, some estimates suggest that it will rise to affect 50% of the global population by 2050! But what exactly is myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer, or the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye), is longer than it should be. This abnormal shape causes light to be less effectively directed into the eye. For example, while a healthy eye will focus light directly on the retina (the photosensitive layer at the back of the eye), a myopic eye focuses it just in front of the retina.
This causes objects and images at a distance to appear blurred – hence people with myopia are known as “short-sighted”.
Correcting Myopia
Like many other refractive errors, including hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (ageing eyes), myopia has traditionally been corrected throughout history with the use of external visual aids such as glasses and contact lenses. These methods of correction are extremely effective and can be used to manage almost all prescriptions; however, they can also be associated with significant downsides.
For example, glasses are prone to damage, breakage, and loss (and countless other annoyances). On the other hand, contact lenses tie you down to a strict routine and, even with careful application and wear, can increase your risk of eye infections.
Thankfully, there is another solution: Laser Eye Surgery – and it was originally developed with myopia in mind!
Myopia: The ideal condition for Laser Eye Surgery treatment
In the early days of refractive surgery, techniques usually focused on myopia due to it being the most common of the refractive errors. The theory behind these treatments is that, by reshaping the cornea, surgeons are able to correct the way light is directed into the eye and onto the retina.
The first successful iteration of this treatment was completed in 1948 by ophthalmologist Jose Ignacio Barraquer Moner, who developed a technique called keratomileusis.
But how does Laser Eye Surgery work to correct myopia?
Laser Eye Surgery uses state-of-the-art laser technology to remove a tiny portion of tissue from the cornea. This effectively reshapes the eye, allowing it to refract light more effectively. The result? Patients who have Laser Eye Surgery for myopia are likely to be able to ditch their glasses and still see clearly across all distances!
In the video above, London Vision Clinic patient, Lucy, discusses the challenges she faced being severely short-sighted throughout her life. We see her reaction to being told she is suitable for Laser Eye Surgery, after years of trying.
The delights of experiencing clear, glasses-free vision after Laser Eye Surgery treatment has to be experienced to be believed. As Lucy found out, treatment can bring the world back into sharp focus, often allowing patients to ditch their glasses and contact lenses for good. As a result, simple everyday tasks – from showering to playing with your kids – becomes that much easier and more enjoyable.
Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators to learn more about our treatment options today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation to find out if you could be suitable for Laser Eye Surgery!
Laser Eye Surgery for Myopia at London Vision Clinic
At London Vision Clinic, we have built a world-renowned reputation for high-quality Laser Eye Surgery. Moreover, our access to the most experienced surgeons and cutting-edge Laser Eye Surgery technology often means we can treat patients who may have been found unsuitable by other clinics. In fact, we are often able to treat patients with even very high prescriptions.
Indeed, 97% of myopic patients with prescriptions up to -4.50 dioptres attained better than 20/20 vision (20/16 vision). We consistently achieve exceptional results with our short-sighted patients. You can take a closer look at our outcomes for short-sighted patients over on our Results and Statistics page.
So, if you’re considering Laser Eye Surgery, whether for myopia or any other refractive error, we would be happy to help. At our Harley Street clinic, we can treat over 97% of the patients we see – and you could be one of them!
