Techniques used in Laser Surgery
Advantages and disadvantages

Excimer Laser Techniques
All forms of refractive error can be treated using an excimer laser. The 3 techniques are LASIK Laser Surgery, LASEK Laser Surgery & PRK Laser Surgery.

The excimer laser was invented 30 years ago and allows the surgeon to remove corneal tissue with precision of 0.25 microns (or 0.00004 of an inch) without damaging surrounding tissue. The process is known as ablation.

The laser beam removes corneal tissue, which changes the curvature and therefore the refractive power of the cornea. The process can be carried out for myopia, where the cornea is flattened, for hyperopia, where tissue is removed at the periphery, effectively steepening the centre or a combination of both (which is the case in those with astigmatism). The aim is to correct the error and eliminate the need for spectacles.

Below is some further information about laser surgery. If you would like to talk with us about laser surgery or have any questions, please call our laser surgery team on 01483 209 518 or email info@surreyeyesurgeons.com. We are based in Guildford, Surrey and have a team of highly qualified eye surgeons.

The Advantages of Laser treatment (LASIK, LASEK, PRK)

Unlike major surgical techniques, no instrument enters the eye. This reduces the risk of damage or infection. Developments in this area have resulted in precision surgery and excellent outcomes in the vast majority of cases. Patients who have had laser treatment have a wealth of comments and observations ranging from' feeling younger' without specs to 'have you ever tried running a marathon, with specs on'? The positive comments are too numerous to list.
Learn about our LASIK Laser Surgery procedure »
Learn about our LASEK and PRK Laser Surgery procedure »

Disadvantages of laser treatment

Laser procedures on the cornea are irreversible. Night vision can produce haloes round lights. The risk of this occurring, can be minimised by taking pupil measurements in dim light, before embarking on surgery. No operation is risk free and as with any operation, the risks should be balanced with the advantages.

A significant proportion of the population will require cataract surgery in later life. To ensure the correct lens power is chosen for this operation, should you need it, it is helpful to keep a record of your corneal measurements before refractive surgery is undertaken.

Wavefront

There are natural irregularities (aberrations) in the structural components of the eye which can cause lightwaves to focus incorrectly. The latest technology called wavefront analysis can detect such abberations. The Excimer laser can then be used to reduce these aberrations as well as long and short sight. This customised ablation, using wavefront analysis, costs a little more than standard LASIK but can offer improvements in post operative vision especially in patients who have particularly high degrees of aberration before surgery. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss this option with you.