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What Is The Success Rate Of Glaucoma Surgery

What Is The Success Rate Of Glaucoma Surgery? Key Insights

January 3, 2025/0 Comments/in Laser Eye Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. Surgery is one way to address it. But what is the success rate of glaucoma surgery? This article will explain the success rate of glaucoma surgery and what you can expect.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that causes high pressure in the eye. This pressure can harm the eye’s nerve and cause vision loss if not treated.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma happens when the fluid in the eye does not drain the way it should. This causes a build-up of pressure. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve.

Why Is Eye Pressure Important?

The pressure in your eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), is important. If it’s too high, it can hurt the optic nerve. Doctors try to lower eye pressure to prevent damage.

How Glaucoma Is Found

Finding glaucoma early can help keep your eyes in good condition. Doctors use different tests to check for glaucoma, which are simple and don’t hurt. Regular eye tests can help find problems early so they can be treated.

Checking Eye Pressure

Doctors start by measuring the pressure inside your eye. If the pressure is high, it could mean glaucoma. This test is quick and easy. Keeping eye pressure low is important for healthy eyes.

Testing Side Vision

Doctors also test how well you can see to the side, which is called your side vision. Glaucoma often affects this type of vision first, even before you notice it. This test can help find glaucoma early.

Looking At The Optic Nerve

The optic nerve is in the back of your eye and helps you see. Doctors look closely at this nerve to check if there is any damage. If there is, it can mean glaucoma is present or getting worse.

Measuring The Cornea

The cornea is the clear front part of your eye. Doctors measure it to learn more about your eye pressure. This information helps them decide the best way to care for your eyes.

These simple tests help doctors find glaucoma early. Regular eye tests can help keep your vision safe and healthy for a long time.

Ways To Manage Glaucoma

There are several ways to manage glaucoma. These treatments help lower the pressure in your eye, which can protect your vision.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are one of the most common forms of glaucoma medications. They help reduce the pressure in your eyes. You use them every day like you would take medicine. The drops help the fluid in your eyes drain better or make less fluid. This lowers the pressure and helps protect your optic nerve.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment may be the primary therapy for glaucoma. The doctor uses a specific laser to help the fluid in your eyes drain better. This can lower the pressure in your eye. Laser surgery can work well if you have early or moderate glaucoma. It’s a quick procedure that doesn’t take long to recover from.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGs)

MIGs is a newer type of surgery. It is less invasive, which means the cuts made during the surgery are smaller. MIGs is for advanced glaucoma that needs significant IOP reduction. It has a shorter recovery time and works well for many glaucoma patients. This surgical procedure helps drain fluid from your eye, which lowers its pressure.

Other Surgeries

Sometimes, doctors may use other surgeries to help with glaucoma. One way is by putting a tiny tube, called a shunt, in the eye. This tube is a glaucoma drainage device that helps drain fluid so the eye has less pressure. Lower pressure helps keep your vision in good condition.

What Affects The Success Of Glaucoma Surgery?

There are many things that can affect how well glaucoma surgery works. These include the type of glaucoma, your health, and the surgeon’s skill.

Type Of Glaucoma

The type of glaucoma you have can affect surgery. Some types of glaucoma are easier to treat than others.

Age And Health

Your age and health can affect how well you recover from surgery. People who are older or have other health conditions may take longer to heal.

Family History Of Glaucoma

If glaucoma runs in your family, you may have a higher risk of getting it. This doesn’t mean surgery will not work. But starting treatment early is important to increase your chances of success.

Surgeon’s Experience

The skill of your surgeon matters. A more experienced surgeon is likely to be better at surgical intervention. You should choose a surgeon who can do the surgery you need.

Post-Surgery Care

How you care for your eyes after surgery is important. Follow-up visits to the doctor will help make sure the surgery worked. If needed, your doctor may recommend more treatments.

What Is The Success Rate Of Glaucoma Surgery?

The success rate depends on the type of surgery. Some surgeries have a success rate of 70% to 90%, but others may have a different success rate.

Types Of Glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma. Each type affects your eyes in a different way, but they all cause high pressure that can hurt your eye’s nerve. Let’s look at the main types.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. It happens slowly and often with unnoticeable pain. The fluid in your eye doesn’t drain, which causes the pressure to build up. Over time, this can damage your optic nerve. You may not notice any changes in your vision until the damage is there.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the space where fluid drains gets blocked. This causes a sudden rise in eye pressure. It can be very painful and lead to vision loss if not treated. Angle-closure glaucoma needs immediate attention from a doctor.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

In normal-tension glaucoma, the pressure in the eye is not very high. But the optic nerve still gets damaged. Doctors are not sure why this happens, but it might be because of poor blood flow to the optic nerve.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma happens in babies or young children. It has to do with a problem with the way the eye drains fluid. Babies with this glaucoma often have cloudy eyes, and their eyes may be larger than normal.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma happens due to health problems, like an eye disease or medication. It happens when something else raises the pressure in the eye, leading to damage.

Risks Of Glaucoma Surgery

Like any surgical treatment, glaucoma surgery can have some risks for glaucoma patients. But most people recover well. It is important to understand the possible risks before having surgery.

Infection

After surgery, there is a small chance of infection. This can happen if bacteria get into your eye. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your eye to help prevent infection.

Scarring

Sometimes, surgery can cause scarring. This can make it harder for the fluid in your eye to drain. If this happens, you may need more treatment to help your eye heal.

Low Or High Eye Pressure

After surgery, your eye pressure might go too low or too high. If the pressure is too low, it can make your eye hurt. If it’s too high, it could damage your optic nerve. Your doctor will check your pressure after surgery to make sure it stays at the right level.

Vision Changes

Sometimes, surgery can cause changes in your vision. These changes are usually temporary, but they can be upsetting. If you notice any problems with your vision, tell your doctor right away.

Need For More Treatment

In some cases, surgery may not lower the pressure enough. This means you might need more surgery or different medications to manage glaucoma.

Improving The Success Of Glaucoma Surgery

There are things you can do to help make glaucoma surgery more successful. Following your doctor’s advice and caring for your eyes can improve the results.

Regular Check-Ups

After surgery, it’s important to go to all your check-up appointments. Your doctor will check your eye’s pressure and see if everything is healing. These visits help your doctor catch any problems early.

Taking Medications As Directed

Even after surgery, you may need eye drops or other medicines. These help keep your eye pressure at the right level. Make sure to take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.

Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy life can help improve the success of your surgery. Eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking can all help your eyes stay healthy. Drinking water and managing other health problems can also make a difference.

Protecting Your Eyes

After surgery, your eyes might be more sensitive. It’s important to protect them from injury and strain. Wear sunglasses when you go outside, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Follow any advice your doctor gives about how to care for your eyes during recovery.

Staying In Touch With Your Doctor

If you have any concerns or notice changes in your vision, let your doctor know right away. The sooner you address problems, the better your chances for a successful recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is glaucoma surgery safe?

Glaucoma surgery may be okay, but there are risks involved. These risks include infection and scarring. So make sure you follow your doctor’s advice.

How long does it take to recover from glaucoma surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. MIGS has a short recovery time, while other surgeries may take weeks or more to heal.

Can glaucoma surgery restore vision?

Glaucoma surgery can help prevent vision loss but cannot restore already-lost vision. Early treatment is the best way to protect your sight.

Is glaucoma treatment expensive?

The cost of glaucoma treatment depends on the type of treatment and where you go for care. Some treatments, like eye drops, can be affordable, while surgeries may cost more. Your doctor can help you understand what treatment works best for you.

Key Points To Remember

Glaucoma surgery can help lower eye pressure and protect your vision. The success of the surgery depends on many factors. These factors include the type of surgery, your health, and the surgeon’s skill. Following your doctor’s advice and attending follow-ups may improve your chances of success. If you have glaucoma, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.

Do you have questions about glaucoma or your eye health? We’re here in Melbourne to help! Call Armadale Eye Clinic today at (03) 9070 5753 to learn more about how we can keep your eyes healthy.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources:

Healthdirect Australia 2022. Glaucoma. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/glaucoma [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Mayo Clinic Staff 2022. Glaucoma – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846 [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Moore W 2022. What Is Open-Angle Glaucoma? WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-open-angle-glaucoma [Accessed November 12, 2024]

NHS 2021. Glaucoma Treatment. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/treatments/ [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Puig M MD 2021. Complications and Management of Glaucoma Filtering Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Therapy, Surgical Therapy. Medscape. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1207755-treatment [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Smith H 2024. What to Know About Early Signs of Glaucoma. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-signs-of-glaucoma [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Taylor M 2023. 11 Tips for Eating for Glaucoma. HealthCentral. Available at: https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/glaucoma-diet-nutrition-tips [Accessed November 12, 2024]

Why Do You Have To Be Awake For Eye Surgery

Why Do You Have To Be Awake For Eye Surgery? A Closer Look At Patient Engagement

November 20, 2024/0 Comments/in Laser Eye Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Eye surgery, particularly laser eye surgery, has become popular for individuals seeking to correct vision problems and achieve clearer vision. One common question patients have is: Why do you have to be awake for eye surgery?

This article delves into the reasons behind this practice, types of laser eye surgeries, benefits, and what to expect during the procedure. Understanding these aspects can help individuals feel more confident and excited about their journey towards a better vision.

Why Do You Have To Be Awake For Eye Surgery?

Staying awake during eye surgery might seem daunting, but there are important reasons why this approach is used. Let’s explore these reasons in more detail.

Enhanced Precision And Quality

One primary reason patients need to stay awake during eye surgery is to ensure enhanced precision and quality.

Procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) require the patient’s cooperation to maintain eye position and focus.

Staying awake helps the surgical team monitor eye movements, ensuring the laser targets the correct areas.

Minimising Risks Involved

Being awake during the eye procedure allows patients to provide immediate feedback if they experience discomfort or unusual sensations.

This real-time communication with the eye surgeon helps promptly address any issues, thereby minimising the risks involved.

Avoiding General Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia, which induces sleep, is not typically preferred for eye surgeries like LASIK and cataract surgery.

Instead, local anaesthetics, such as numbing eye drops, are used to ensure the patient remains comfortable without the need for deep sedation.

Types Of Laser Surgery

Various types of laser eye surgeries are available, each suited to different vision correction needs. Here are some of the most common types.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK surgery is the most well-known laser eye surgery for correcting refractive issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

The LASIK procedure involves making a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes per eye.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another type of laser eye surgeries that do not incorporate creating a corneal flap. Instead, the cornea’s outer layer is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped using an advanced laser beam.

This procedure is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas.

SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE® is a minimally invasive laser eye procedure that entails creating a small incision in the cornea to remove a lenticule (a small piece of corneal tissue). This procedure is known for its quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.

Benefits Of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for many patients. Let’s look at some of these advantages.

Quick Recovery And Minimal Discomfort

One of the most significant benefits of laser eye surgery is the quick recovery time. The vast majority experience mild discomfort for a few hours post-surgery and can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Clearer Vision

Laser eye surgery ensures clearer vision, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. Many patients report significantly improved vision shortly after the procedure.

Long-Lasting Results

The results of laser eye surgeries are generally long-lasting, providing patients with better vision for many years. This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long term.

What To Expect During Laser Eye Surgery

Understanding what to expect during laser eye surgery can help ease anxieties and ensure patients are well-prepared.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive eye test to determine their eligibility for the procedure. The eye doctor discusses the specific procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. It’s essential to follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by the surgeon.

During The Procedure

Patients will receive numbing drops on the day of the surgery to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the process. The surgical team will use tiny tools to keep the eyelids open and ensure the eye stays in the correct position. Mild sedatives may be provided to help patients remain calm.

The Procedure Process

The surgical procedure is relatively quick, often taking only a few minutes per eye. Patients must focus on a bright light while the laser reshapes the cornea. Due to the numbing eye drops, most patients do not feel much pain despite being awake.

Post-Procedure Care

After the surgery, patients may experience dry eyes and mild discomfort for several hours. It’s crucial to follow the post-surgery care instructions the eye surgeon provides, which may include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any pain after laser refractive surgery?

Yes, some patients may feel slight pressure after laser eye surgery, but this is generally well-tolerated. Your eye specialist will tell you exactly what to do after the surgery.

How long does the recovery take?

The recovery time for laser eye surgery can be quick. Patients may resume normal activities within a day or two with minimal discomfort. Follow-up visits may be essential to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcomes.

Is it possible to drive immediately after the surgery?

It is advisable to arrange for someone to drive patients home after the surgery, as their vision may be blurry, and they may experience light sensitivity. Patients may drive within a few days, depending on their recovery progress.

What are the risks involved?

Potential risks involved include dry eyes, glare, or under- or over-correction. Patients are encouraged to discuss these risks and their medical history with their eye doctor beforehand to help them make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts: Why Staying Awake Enhances Your Eye Surgery Experience

Staying awake during eye surgery, such as LASIK, is essential for improving the procedure’s accuracy and quality. Using anaesthetic drops makes the patient experience comfortable while allowing the surgical team to achieve the best outcomes.

Understanding the reasons behind staying awake and what to expect during the procedure can help patients feel more confident and excited about their journey towards a better vision.

Laser eye surgeries offer numerous benefits, including quick recovery, clearer vision, and long-lasting results. If you are considering laser eye surgery, consult a qualified eye specialist to identify the best possible approach for your vision needs and enjoy the life-changing benefits of better vision.

Remember to follow all pre- and post-surgery instructions provided by your surgical team and attend the required follow-up appointments to ensure a simple recovery and optimal results.

If you want to learn more about your options, Armadale Eye Clinic is here to help! Discuss your vision needs and determine if you’re suitable for a life-changing procedure by calling our team in Melbourne, VIC, at (03) 9070 5753.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources:

Boyd, Kierstan. “Laser Surgery Recovery.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, edited by David Tubert, 25 May 2023, www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery. Accessed 16 July 2024.

Dunkin, Mary Anne. “A Guide to Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery.” WebMD, 6 Mar. 2023, www.webmd.com/eye-health/overview-refractive-laser-eye-surgery. Accessed 16 July 2024.

Esfahani, Parsa Riazi, et al. “A Review of the Usage and Post-surgical Outcomes of Anesthesia for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Procedure.” Cureus, vol. 14, no. 10, Oct. 2022, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30241.

“SMILE Eye Surgery.” Cleveland Clinic, 15 June 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.

Watson, Stephanie. “LASIK Surgery: What to Expect.” Harvard Health, 10 June 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/lasik-surgery-what-to-expect. Accessed 16 July 2024.

cataract surgery recovery melbourne

Cataract Surgery Recovery – What To Expect On The Treatment

September 30, 2020/0 Comments/in Laser Eye Surgery /by armadaleeye

The thought of cataract surgery can be a daunting one as many people have a fear of operations or procedures to the eyes. Even if you’re not one to be squeamish, you may be wondering about the process of cataract surgery recovery, such as the expected recovery time and what post-operative instructions you may be required to follow.

Cataracts and Cataract Surgery in a Nutshell

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure in the Western world, particularly because cataracts are so common themselves as a natural part of ageing. A cataract is any sort of opacity of the lens inside the eye; typically, this lens is clear and transparent to allow the transmission of light to make vision possible. Any haze or clouding of this lens hinders the passage of light, resulting in hazy or cloudy vision. In the early stages, as a cataract grows, it may simply cause a change to your spectacle prescription, which can easily be addressed by simply updating your glasses. However, eventually, the cataract progresses to a stage where your vision can no longer be improved to your satisfaction with an update in prescription – it’s at this point your eye care professional may recommend you consider cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery in Australia is associated with very high success rates, often quoted to be around 98%, and uneventful cataract surgery recovery. During the operation, you will have the eye area numbed with a local anaesthetic. A small incision is created in the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, to allow the surgeon to access the cataract behind the coloured iris.

The cataract is then broken into smaller fragments and then removed from the eye using a suction device. The membrane in which the cataract used to sit is retained in order to hold the artificial lens implant that will replace the cataract, known as an intraocular lens. The corneal incision is usually allowed to self-seal without the need for stitches.

Even before going into the operating theatre, your eye specialist is likely to discuss with you about what to expect from the surgery, including the steps to optimise your cataract surgery recovery. However, it’s important to understand that everyone’s bodies and healing responses are different and your total recovery time may be slightly shorter or longer, dependent even on factors such as your vocation and favourite hobbies.

Cataract Surgery Recovery Tips

Cataract surgery is a day procedure and most people expect to return home the same day though will be advised against driving immediately after the operation and potentially for the following several days until their postoperative vision can be assessed. It’s quite normal for vision to feel slightly blurry immediately after surgery and for your eye to be a bit red and sore for the next few days. Your vision will continue to improve and stabilise over the following 4-6 weeks of recovery time but within a few days of the operation, many people often notice their vision is already much better than when they had the cataract.

After having cataract surgery, it’s important to follow all post-op instructions from your ophthalmologist in order to maximise your likelihood of a smooth cataract surgery recovery period. Different ophthalmologists may have slightly different post-op instructions, but most will include similar guidelines such as:

Protect the eye: You will be given a protective plastic shield to tape over the operated eye. Your eye specialist may recommend you keep this on for a couple of days, or may say that it’s okay to remove after a few hours but should be worn to sleep to prevent you from accidentally rubbing the eye. Protecting the eye as it heals also involves avoiding any foreign particles that may contaminate the wound. This includes dust, dirt, makeup, and even soap, shampoos, and unsterile water such as swimming pools and spas.

Avoid strenuous activity: This is typically recommended after any surgical procedure and eye surgery is no different. For a few weeks post-op your ophthalmologist will advise you to stay away from vigorous exercise or heavy lifting. It is also recommended to try and avoid any other activity that may increase the pressure around the eye immediately after surgery, such as bending over or vomiting.

Use your prescribed eye drops: Your ophthalmologist will provide you with a prescription for a few topical medications. These will include an anti-inflammatory eye drop, typically a steroid, and an antibiotic eye drop to prevent any infections. It’s important to follow the dosing regime as prescribed even if you think your eye is feeling okay as not doing so could prolong your recovery time unnecessarily in the event of unexpected inflammation or infection.

Seek medical attention if your eye doesn’t seem right: A deterioration in the clarity of your vision or progressively increasing pain, redness, or discharge after surgery is not normal and should be brought to the attention of your eye surgeon immediately. Most ophthalmologists will have already organised a review exam roughly a day after your operation, a week later, and a month after that, but if at any time in between you think something is not right with your eyes you should have it promptly attended to. Remember, your care with your eye specialist doesn’t stop once you leave the operating theatre.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

how does laser eye surgery work Armadale

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?

June 29, 2020/0 Comments/in Laser Eye Surgery /by armadaleeye

The concept of surgically correcting vision was first recorded in the 1800s with the use of a spring-mounted mallet to flatten the cornea. Fortunately, laser eye surgery methods have progressed significantly since then, propelled further with the invention of tools such as the femtosecond and excimer lasers.

Refractive error, also known as ametropia, refers to a mismatch of the power of the eye’s focusing system (the cornea and the lens) to the length of the eyeball, also known as the axial length. As light passes through the cornea and lens of the eye, ideally it is focused, or refracted, to a sharp point on the sensory retina at the back of the eyeball – this is what we perceive as clear vision. In eyes where light comes to a focus either before the retina (as is the case of short-sightedness or myopia), behind the retina (as in long-sightedness or hyperopia), or at two separate points around the retina (as in astigmatism), vision is blurry and the patient is considered to have a refractive error.

The use of glasses and contact lenses helps to refocus the light entering the eye so that it will come to a clear point on the retina. However, these optical aids come with some disadvantages, such as life-long costs, cosmetic issues, and even some eye health risks. For patients seeking freedom from the inconvenience of glasses and contacts, laser eye surgery could be a very tempting option. So, how does laser eye surgery work?

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work ?

Laser eye surgery aims to adjust the focusing power of the eye through surgical means, essentially by reshaping the cornea. In addition to the refractive power of the lens inside the eye, the shape of the cornea is responsible for a proportion of the refraction of incoming light.

Details of how laser eye surgery works will be dependent on the specific technique used. We have a growing armamentarium of laser eye surgery methods which continue to expand the criteria of suitability, allowing more and more patients access to laser vision correction where perhaps just a decade ago they may have been deemed ineligible.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

Despite being one of the earlier methods, PRK continues to be a valuable technique still used today. As the excimer laser is applied to the inner corneal layers known as the stroma for the reshaping process, the superficial layer of corneal cells called the epithelium must first be removed. The removal of epithelium is performed either with an alcohol solution or manually with a hand-held instrument, which then exposes the corneal stroma. Guided by computer, the excimer laser then removes select areas of the cornea to adjust its shape, a process called photoablation. After the operation, the cornea naturally regenerates its epithelial layers as part of the healing process.

Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis

Probably one of the most well-known laser eye surgery techniques, LASIK is similar to PRK in that it requires the corneal epithelium to be moved away in order for the excimer laser to access the underlying stromal layers for reshaping. However, unlike PRK, the LASIK method creates a flap of superficial corneal tissue which remains attached to the eye by a hinge. The flap may be formed using a manual bladed instrument or with another type of laser tool known as a femtosecond laser. Once the photoablation reshaping process is complete, the corneal flap is replaced over the eye and allowed to self-seal. A benefit of LASIK surgery is the shorter recovery time compared to PRK; however, one disadvantage is that LASIK is not suitable for thinner corneas as the creation of the flap reduces the amount of corneal tissue available for reshaping.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

SMILE® laser eye surgery is a much more recent method and is not yet widely offered across all ophthalmology practices in Australia. Hailed as a revolutionary, minimally invasive refractive surgery technique, SMILE® allows the biomechanical stability of the cornea to remain largely intact, resulting in faster healing times and a lower risk of complications. Unlike both PRK and LASIK, the epithelium is more or less undisturbed, and the corneal stroma is instead accessed via a small keyhole incision. A femtosecond laser is used to create a disc-shaped sliver of tissue within the stroma known as a lenticule, the dimensions of which are pre-calculated to correct for that eye’s particular refractive error. This lenticule is then removed through the keyhole incision, adjusting the cornea’s overall shape and curvature and thereby redirecting light to focus clearly onto the retina.

So, there you have it – how laser eye surgery works. There are also other forms of refractive surgery that don’t depend on the use of laser technology; some of these techniques may be more suitable for certain patients, particularly those who have factors that make any sort of corneal disruption undesirable or those who have insufficient corneal thickness for reshaping.

Surgical procedures such as intraocular contact lenses (ICL) and refractive lens exchange (RLE) still achieve clear vision with independence from optical aids but without any significant interference to the cornea.

Patients who have been excluded from laser refractive procedures based on inadequate corneal thickness may find themselves eligible for refractive surgery through one of these other techniques.

The idea of surgery on such a delicate, sensitive organ as the eye can be daunting, but refractive surgery in Australia is associated with very high rates of success.

To discuss your eligibility for surgical vision correction, call us on (03) 9070 5753 and make an appointment with our rooms today.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.