The Latest Innovations in Ophthalmology

As its name might suggest, Laser Eye Surgery is a sector that is built on technological advancements and ongoing innovation. Since its humble beginnings, developing technologies have helped to make the treatment more accessible and, crucially, more effective than ever before. But innovation in the ophthalmological world has still not come to a standstill – far from it!

Let’s take a look at some of the latest and most influential innovations in ophthalmology in recent years.

The Femtosecond Laser

In the early days of Laser Eye Surgery in the 1908s, surgeons didn’t have access to the tools they have today – they simply hadn’t been invented yet!

These early procedures were performed using a tool called a microkeratome – a small instrument with an oscillating blade. This blade was used to remove the epithelial tissue on the outside of the cornea, allowing the surgeon to access the stromal tissue beneath. But the development of the femtosecond laser changed everything.

The femtosecond laser delivers tiny pulses of light to create precise cuts in the corneal tissue. This state-of-the-art laser can be used to remove a portion of epithelium (as done in PRK/LASEK) or to create a corneal flap (as in LASIK).

ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE has been hailed as the next generation in corrective vision treatments. First developed in 2008 and introduced in 2011, this innovative Laser Eye Surgery procedure employs a state-of-the-art tool, the VisuMax laser, to minimise the invasiveness of the treatment.

The VisuMax laser works by creating a small “keyhole” incision in the surface of the cornea. This same laser then delivers tiny pulses to create a tunnel to the corneal bed beneath, through which corneal tissue is removed. The result is the same as LASIK, the most popular type of Laser Eye Surgery; however, thanks to less disruption to the corneal tissue, recovery is significantly faster.

Today, ReLEx SMILE is available at around 700 clinics in over 65 countries around the world. Millions of patients are now experiencing improved vision thanks to this advancement in ophthalmology – and millions more are undoubtedly set to join them.

Professor Reinstein – Dedicating his Career to New Innovations

Our founder and expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Professor Dan Reinstein, has not only been voted the top expert in his field (multiple times!), but he has also contributed to some of the most innovative developments in the field. To this day, Professor Reinstein is one of a small group of experts helping to pioneer the latest developments in the field – including those mentioned above!

Professor Reinstein was a leading force in the development of both the femtosecond laser and the ReLEx SMILE technique, and he continues, alongside an expert team of researchers, to strive for further advancements in the ophthalmology field.

And the best news? We can utilise many of these innovations at our Harley Street clinic, which, in turn, allows us to offer our patients better treatments and outcomes.

In fact, London Vision Clinic was the first Laser Eye Surgery clinic in the UK to offer ReLEx SMILE and PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision to patients. So, who knows what kind of state-of-the-art technology and treatments we’ll be able to offer in the future?

To find out more about the innovative Laser Eye Surgery treatments available at London Vision Clinic, Book a Consultation or get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today.