Guide to Laser Vision Correction - By: Kathryn Dawson

Laser vision correction is a phrase used to describe surgery that corrects refractive problems in the eye. Some people are born with corneas that are too curved or that are not curved enough and this can lead to a lifetime wearing glasses or contact lenses. There is laser vision correction surgery however that is available. This article looks in more detail at the surgery, what it can be used for and how the procedure works.

Myopia or shortsightedness is one type of problem that some people are born with. This means their cornea is too curved and needs flattening slightly. Laser vision correction surgery can be used to flatten the cornea. Longsightedness or farsightedness can also occur as a result of a cornea that is not quite curved enough. This too can be corrected with laser surgery by making a steeper incline. Astigmatism is the term used to describe someone that has a cornea that is too flat on one side but too steep on the other. This can make vision blurry as the same eye is both long and shortsighted. Laser vision correction surgery can be used to fix this too.

The most common type of laser surgery to be used to correct these kinds of refractive problems is LASIK surgery. This stands for “Laser in situ Keratomileusis”. During this procedure an incision is made into the cornea and a laser is then used to either flatten or make more curved the cornea. By using eye drops with anesthetic the procedure is completely painless. There are many different types of LASIK surgery. Advanced Surface Ablation is when no incision is made in the first place. Blended Vision is the name of the procedure when each eye needs different treatment - one for shortsightedness and one for longsightedness. Intralasik involves making the initial incision without the use of a laser. Wavefront is the name of tailored LASIK surgery. The patient's eye is looked at via the very best diagnostic equipment so that a 3D image can be created. This image or map is then compared to an eye with perfect vision. Armed with this information the consultant surgeon can see exactly what needs doing to make the vision perfect for their patient.

There is another type of laser surgery used called LASEK. This differs from LASIK surgery and is used generally when a patient has quite thin corneas. Instead of making an incision in the cornea, the covering of the cornea is instead loosened and folded back before the laser can be used to either flatten or make the cornea more curved. This laser eye surgery is normally used in less severe cases. Recovery can be a little longer than with LASIK surgery, and whereas patients who have undergone LASIK can be back to normal life just a couple of days later, with LASEK surgery it can take a few more days. Their eyes can also be a little uncomfortable for a few days following surgery.

If you wear glasses or have very poor sight then undergoing surgery might be just the course of action you are looking for. It can be delivered on an outpatient basis and only takes a few days out of your life, especially if you have some form of LASIK surgery carried out. There will be several post surgery check ups required so the surgeon can check on progress but otherwise there is not much else involved.

laser vision correction surgery has helped millions of people receive better sight. People that wear glasses can have this eye treatment and perhaps throw them away for good. Laser eye surgery can help patients whose eyes are suffering from a variety of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes articles about Optegra, a leading eye treatment specialist in the UK offering excellence in the provision of laser vision correction. Optegra works with top ophthalmic surgeons to effectively and swiftly treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.

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