How does laser eye surgery work Archives - Armadale Eye Clinic

Posts

How Is Laser Eye Surgery Performed

How Is Laser Eye Surgery Performed? Your Simplified Guide

March 19, 2025/0 Comments/in Laser Eye Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Laser eye surgery helps people see better without glasses or contact lenses. It uses specific lasers to fix vision problems by changing the shape of the eye. If you’ve ever wondered, “How is laser eye surgery performed?” this guide will explain it in simple steps.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery helps you see clearly by using lasers to fix the eye. It is an advanced and quick method of solving problems like blurred vision.

What Causes Blurry Vision?

Blurry vision happens when the eye is shaped so that light doesn’t focus properly. This can make things look unclear. You can wear glasses or contact lenses, but laser eye surgery can fix the problem for good.

How Do Lasers Help?

Lasers can reshape the eye to make light focus the right way. This helps people see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Types Of Laser Vision Correction

There are different kinds of laser eye surgery, and each one works in a specific way. Your eye doctor will help you choose the best possible type that fits your needs.

Let’s look at the most common types of laser eye surgery and how they help improve vision.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK surgery is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery. It is quick and helps you see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.

How It Works: The doctor makes a tiny flap on the top layer of your eye. Then, a laser reshapes the eye under the flap to fix vision.
Who It’s For: LASIK works well if you have blurry distance vision or problems caused by refractive errors.

LASIK eye surgery is great because it heals quickly, and you might see better the very next day.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a more recent type of laser eye surgery that uses a small cut to fix vision.

How It Works: A laser removes a tiny piece of tissue from inside the eye through a small cut.
Who It’s For: This method is perfect if you have thinner corneas or play contact sports.

SMILE is gentle, and healing can feel more comfortable for you because there’s no flap.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another way to improve vision without making a flap in the eye.

How It Works: The doctor works on the eye’s surface to reshape it with a laser.
Who It’s For: PRK is good for people with very thin or irregularly shaped corneas.

While healing might take a bit longer than LASIK, PRK is a practical option for many.

PRESBYOND (Laser Blended Vision)

PRESBYOND is for you if you can’t see either close-up or far away. This can often happen due to age-related vision changes (presbyopia).

How It Works: A laser reshapes the eye to help focus both near and distant objects. This creates a “blended vision,” where one eye focuses more on close-up tasks and the other on far distances.
Who It’s For: PRESBYOND is ideal for those aged 40 and older who want to limit their need for glasses or contacts.

PRESBYOND offers a solution for you to maintain clear vision at different distances.

How Do You Choose?

Each type of laser eye surgery is for specific needs. Your doctor will look at your eye shape, vision problems, and lifestyle to decide which one suits you best.

No matter which type you choose, these procedures can help you enjoy life with clearer vision!

How Is Laser Eye Surgery Performed?

Laser eye surgery procedures are simple and quick and help improve vision. They use a specific laser to change the shape of the eye so you can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.

Let’s take a closer look at how they’re done, step by step.

Getting Ready For Surgery

Before the surgery, your eye doctor will make sure everything is set for success. This step helps the doctor understand your eyes and plan the procedure.

Eye Exam: The doctor will examine your vision, eye health, and medical history. This includes looking at the shape of your eye and measuring how it focuses light.
No Contact Lenses: If you usually wear contact lenses, stop wearing them for a few days or weeks before surgery. This allows your eyes to return to their natural shape, giving the doctor accurate measurements.
Plan The Surgery: The doctor will explain the procedure and what to expect. They will also tell you how to care for your eyes afterwards. You can ask any questions you have during this time.

What Happens On Surgery Day?

Surgery day is exciting! The procedure is quick, and you’ll be ready to see the world better soon.

Numbing Drops: First, the doctor will put specific drops in your eyes to numb them. These drops ensure you won’t feel much pain during the surgery.
Comfortable Position: You’ll lie down on a comfortable bed under the laser machine. A gentle device will hold your eyelids open, so you don’t have to worry about blinking.
Relax And Stay Still: The doctor might ask you to focus on a small light. This helps keep your eyes in the right position for the laser.

Using The Laser

The laser reshapes your eye to fix vision problems. The type of laser used depends on the surgery you’re having.

For LASIK: The doctor makes a tiny flap in the top layer of your eye. The femtosecond laser works underneath the flap to reshape the corneal tissue and correct vision.
For SMILE: A small piece of tissue is removed through a tiny cut in the eye. This helps the laser reshape the eye without making a corneal flap.
For PRK: The excimer laser works on the eye’s surface, removing the outer layer (corneal epithelium). Then, it starts to reshape the cornea.

After The Laser

Once the laser has finished, the doctor will care for your eye to help it heal.

Replace The Flap (For LASIK): If you have LASIK, the flap will be gently placed back into position. It will heal naturally without stitches.
Protect Your Eye: To protect your eye while you heal, a shield or protective cover might be placed over it.

The doctor and team will guide you through every step to ensure your comfort and relaxation. Soon, you’ll be on your way to clearer vision!

Laser Surgery Recovery

After a laser eye surgery procedure, your eyes start healing right away. The good news is that most people notice better vision within just a day or two!

Let’s talk about what to expect during your recovery and how to take care of your eyes while they heal.

Tips For Healing

Follow a few simple tips to help your eyes heal as fast as possible. These will ensure your recovery goes well and your vision improves over time.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes: After surgery, your eyes may feel a little itchy or dry. It’s important not to rub them, even if it feels tempting. Rubbing can irritate or harm the healing process.
Use The Eye Drops: Your doctor will give you eye drops to keep your eyes moist and prevent infection. It’s important to use these drops exactly as your doctor tells you.
Wear Sunglasses: Your eyes might be extra sensitive to light after surgery. So wearing sunglasses when you go outside will help protect them. Sunglasses also help keep dust or wind from irritating your eyes.
Rest Your Eyes: Take breaks from screens, reading, or anything requiring much focus. Giving your eyes some rest will help them heal faster.

What To Avoid

During your recovery, there are a few things you should avoid to make sure your eyes heal well:

Swimming: To avoid infection, don’t swim in pools, lakes, or hot tubs for at least a few weeks after surgery.
Makeup: Avoid applying makeup, especially eye makeup, until your doctor allows you. This helps avoid irritation.
Strenuous Activities: You should avoid things like lifting or contact sports for a few weeks.

Follow-Up Visits

Your doctor will plan follow-up visits to check on your healing progress. These visits are important to make sure everything is healing as it should.

Ask your doctor during these visits if you have any concerns or questions.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

Many people might recover fast, but healing can take a few weeks. It’s important to continue using your eye drops and following your doctor’s advice during this time.

Your vision will continue improving over time. As a result, you’ll soon enjoy clear sight without glasses or contacts.

Benefits Of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery has many great benefits that can change how you see the world! It can make life easier by helping you see without glasses or contact lenses.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the amazing benefits of this procedure.

Clearer Vision

One of the biggest perks of laser eye surgeries is clearer vision. Many people notice a big difference in how they see things right after the surgery.

For some, it happens within hours, while for others, it may take a few days to notice the improvement. Whether reading street signs or watching your favourite TV shows, laser eye surgery helps you see everything better.

Long-Lasting Results

One of the best parts about laser eye surgery is that the results last a long time. The improvements you see in your vision should last many years or even for life!

Say Goodbye To Glasses And Contacts For Good: After the surgery, you might never have to worry about visual aids again. This saves money in the long run since you won’t need new glasses or contact lenses.
Enjoy Clear Vision For Years: The reshaping of your eye lasts a long time. This means you’ll enjoy a clearer vision for many years to come.
Less Need For Future Treatments: Laser eye surgery offers improvements for most people. Some people rarely need a minor touch-up, but this is uncommon.

Laser eye surgery offers many exciting benefits that can make life more enjoyable. It’s a great way to improve your vision and live without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can have laser eye surgery?

Not everyone can have laser eye surgery. The doctor will check your eyes to see if it’s right for you. Here are some things to keep in mind:

You need to be 18 or older.
Your vision should be stable.
Your eyes should be healthy.

Can I drive after surgery?

After your surgery, you won’t be able to drive right away. Your vision might be blurry, so you’ll need someone to drive you home.

What happens if I need a touch-up after the surgery?

In some cases, you may need a small touch-up after your surgery. This is usually a quick procedure a few months after the first surgery. If it’s needed, your doctor will talk to you about it and make sure you understand what to expect.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery is a simple way to help you see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses. It can make a big difference in your everyday life, from reading to driving to enjoying outdoor activities.

Now that you know how laser eye surgery is performed, you might feel ready to take the next step. Remember, every eye is different, and an eye doctor can check your eyes to see if laser eye surgery suits you.

Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly—without reaching for your glasses or contact lenses. It’s possible!

Laser eye surgery can help you see better and live without limits. Want to find out if it’s right for you? We’re here in Melbourne to help!

Take the first step today! Talk to us and learn how laser eye surgery can change your life.

Call Armadale Eye Clinic now: (03) 9070 5753.

A clearer vision is just a step away—let’s get started!

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

Sources

Boyd K 2023. Laser Surgery Recovery Tubert D, editor. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery [Accessed November 22, 2024]

Healthdirect Australia 2022. Laser Eye Surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed November 22, 2024]

U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2021. What Is LASIK? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-lasik [Accessed November 22, 2024]

Watson S 2022. PRK Vs. LASIK. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik [Accessed November 22, 2024]

Williams F 2021. What to Know About LASIK and Dry Eyes. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lasik-dry-eyes [Accessed November 22, 2024]

Zimlich R 2022. Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed November 22, 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.

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.