Advanced Laser Eye Surgery Offerings at Laser Vision Scotland
We offer what are regarded as the top two forms of laser eye surgery – LASIK and LASEK. There are other types of laser eye surgery out there, but we think these are the safest, most trusted, most effective treatments. These procedures are very similar. The main difference is how the eye is prepared for laser, and in the recovery.
LASEK Eye Surgery
Laser Assisted Sub Epithelial Keratomileusis
LASEK surgery is a safe and popular vision correction procedure, which can help improve your eyesight if you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. The procedure involves one of our surgeons using an alcohol solution to soften the cells of the outer surface of your eye, called the epithelium. These cells are then moved aside to allow the Alcon WaveLight EX500 laser to reshape the cornea to allow light to focus properly into the retina, improving your vision. This laser is very quick and treatment is complete in typically as little as 2-20 seconds. The cells are then moved back into place, a clear contact lens is inserted to help with healing and comfort, and treatment is complete. The complete procedure takes up to 15 minutes.
Benefits of Lasek
- It removes the need for glasses or contact lenses
- Is a great treatment option for patients with thinner corneas or higher prescriptions
- Is a safe option for those who take part in contact sports
What happens during the procedure?
First your eye will be numbed by anaesthetic eye drops, so you don’t feel anything. We then apply an alcohol solution to loosen and gently move a thin layer of the protective layer at the front of your eye, called the epithelium. This allows a laser access to make tiny adjustments to the shape of your eye to correct your vision. Once completed, the layer is moved back into place, and a contact lens applied as a bandage to your eye.
How long does the surgery take?
Lasek corrective vision surgery typically takes 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes, and you are free to go home once it has been completed.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
You will be given an anaesthetic before your procedure, so shouldn’t feel any pain during it.
How long will I take to recover?
Full recovery can typically take one to two weeks. You’ll be given a contact lens to protect your eye for the first few days as it heals, and you may feel a bit of discomfort in your eyes during this period. You may also find your eyesight is slightly blurred. Don’t worry, this is normal, and will improve in a few days.
It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure you get the best possible results.
When will I start to feel the benefits of my Lasek surgery?
You may feel that your vision is hazy initially, but you should start to feel an improvement in your vision within a week.
LASIK Eye Surgery
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis
LASIK eye surgery is a safe and quick vision correction procedure, which can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It can help improve your eyesight if you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. Our surgeon uses The Alcon WaveLight FS200 laser to create small flap in the cornea, which they will then gently move to the side. The Alcon WaveLight EX500 laser is then used to reshape the cornea to focus light properly into the retina, improving your vision. As with LASEK, this second laser is as quick as 2- 20 seconds per eye. The flap is then repositioned by the surgeon and treatment is complete. Treatment takes around 15 minutes in total
Benefits of Lasek
- It removes the need for glasses or contact lenses
- A quick recovery period and minimal downtime
What happens during the procedure?
First your eye will be numbed by anaesthetic eye drops, so you don’t feel anything. Our surgeon will then create a paper-thin flap in your cornea and lift it to one side. This allows a laser access to make tiny adjustments to the shape of your eye to correct your vision. Once completed, the layer is moved back into place to allow healing to begin.
How long does the surgery take?
Lasik eye surgery typically takes 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes, and you are free to go home once it has been completed.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
You will be given an anaesthetic before your procedure, so shouldn’t feel any pain during it.
How long will I take to recover?
Lasik eye surgery tends to provide relatively few side effects. You might find a slight irritation in your eye for the first few days after surgery, but it should pass quickly.
When will I start to feel the benefits of my Lasik surgery?
Your eye will begin to heal once the corrective surgery is completed, and you should start to feel an improvement in your vision within the first week.
LASEK
Procedure
With LASEK, the top layer of the cornea is softened with an alcohol solution, and then moved to the side while the laser reshaping takes place. The process only uses one laser, the WaveLight EX500 which reshapes the cornea to correct the prescription.
Surgery Time
Both eyes can be treated in as short a time as fifteen minutes.
Recovery Time
The recovery process usually takes around one to two weeks. Most patients should take a week off work to allow for time at home in the first 3-5 days after the procedure.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The best thing about LASEK is that most patients are suitable, and this includes those with thin corneas, pre-existing medical conditions, and moderate to severe short-sightedness.
Because the procedure does not require the eye surgeon to create a flap in the cornea, there is less risk of dryness after surgery than with LASIK. LASEK is a safer option for patients who take part in certain contact sports LASEK’s main disadvantage is the recovery time, which is longer, and usually more uncomfortable than LASIK’s.
Outcome
Ultimately, the visual outcome with LASEK is exactly the same as with LASIK, albeit with a slightly longer healing time.
LASIK
Procedure
With LASIK, treatment consists of two separate lasers. Firstly, the WaveLight FS200 which creates a flap in the cornea. This flap is gently lifted aside to allow the second laser, the WaveLight EX500, to gently reshape the cornea to correct the prescription. The flap is then smoothed over and treatment is complete.
Surgery Time
Both eyes can be treated in as short a time as fifteen minutes.
Recovery Time
Typically, patients recover within 24- 48 hours.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of LASIK is recovery time. Treatment is quick and most patients can expect to return to work within a few days. The primary disadvantage of LASIK is that fewer patients are suitable candidates. This can include patients with dry eyes, those who have higher or more complex prescriptions, or are at higher risk of eye injury.
Outcome
Ultimately, the visual outcome with LASIK is exactly the same as with LASEK, but with a quicker recovery time.