Lasik (Laser In
Situ Keratomileusis)
•
This procedure is usually carried out on both
eyes at the same time.
•
There is a fast initial healing time with this
procedure.
• There is rapid visual recovery
and most people are legal to drive within 24 hours.
• There is very little discomfort.
• Patients wear goggles for 24
hours.
• This procedure usually gives
excellent results for most short-sighted patients and
for a limited range (up to plus 4.00) of
long-sighted patients.
Lasek (Laser
Epithelial Keratomileusis)
• This
is a relatively new technique which can be used on short-sighted
on
long-sighted patients requiring a fairly
low correction.
•
Generally one eye is treated at a time however
some patients do opt to have both eyes treated
on the same day.
•
Visual recovery is slower than with LASIK however normally
it starts to improve 48 hours after the
procedure and after two weeks is similar to vision with
LASIK.
•
Discomfort is greater than with LASIK however
this is managed with a therapeutic contact
lens and analgesics. Discomfort improves greatly within
two to three days.
•
The final outcome is the same as with the
LASIK procedure.
•
Patients who are not suitable for LASIK may
be suitable for this procedure.
PRK (Photorefractive
Keratotomy)
•
Long term results of PRK are excellent for
low to medium levels of
short-sightedness.
• One
eye is treated at a time.
•
This procedure is the most painful of the treatments
however this is helped by use of a therapeutic
contact lens and analgesics. Discomfort improves within
five days.
•
Visual recovery takes between seven to fourteen
days.
•
Not suitable for patients with high levels
of short-sightedness or longsighted patients.
How do I know which procedure
is right for me?
Patients will be advised on their options for
laser refractive surgery on the day of their consultation.
Several factors will be taken into consideration
before advising on whether to have LASIK, LASEK or PRK
treatment
• Degree
of short or long sightedness.
• Thickness
of the cornea.
•
Physical aspects of the eyes.
•
Convenience.
Our qualified Optometrist will
ensure that you are advised about which is the most
suitable treatment for you.
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