Laser Surgery for Your Eyes

Having problems with vision and having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses can be burdensome. Some have problems with constantly losing or breaking glasses and tearing contact lenses. Some find it difficult to look for glasses that perfectly fit the shape of their faces and some feel that it makes them look older. If you are looking for a more permanent solution to these problems, you might want to have a look at laser surgery for eyes.

Laser surgery can be the solution for the problems of your eyes. For those having vision problems, the procedures available are quick and recovery period is shorter. A number of laser surgery for the eyes are available to address different forms of vision problems. PRK and LASIK are two of the most common laser surgery for eyes recommended to correct vision problems.

The most common cause of poor vision results from poor refraction of light due to distortions on the surface of the eye. Before each laser surgery for eyes, a doctor uses an aberrometer s laser beams to produce a 3D image of the actual shape of the cornea on a monitor. This helps him find the exact area where re-shaping of tissues should be done. Laser surgery for the eyes involves scraping or lifting the cornea and using laser beams to re-shape the tissue beneath it.

This has been proven t be effective for astigmatism, near sightedness and far sightedness.

Laser surgery for eyes is also recommended for glaucoma patients. Glaucoma results from poor drainage of aqueous fluids in the eye. The result is a build- up of pressure that can press against the optic nerves. This can lead to serious complications especially if the optic nerves are damaged beyond repair. Laser beams can be directed into the area where this fluid accumulates to widen the angle through which it flows. In the case of glaucoma caused by the construction of new and more blood vessels, laser can be used to destroy these new and often poorly formed blood vessels so aqueous fluids can easily flow.

Some eye diseases can have very serious complications. One example is retinopathy which is a complication of diabetes which can compromise vision. If left on its own, it can cause permanent blindness. Through laser surgery for eyes, leaky capillaries, swelling and any build-up of fluids can be removed. This helps on preserving and restoring normal eyesight for these patients.

Advanced age can also lead to diseases that can seriously undermine vision. This is best exemplified by age related macular degeneration. New and defective blood vessels form networks that prevent normal eyesight. Through laser surgery for eyes, these unhealthy blood vessels are removed. People with cataracts can also benefit from laser surgery for the eyes. Through a specific procedure called phacoemulsification, the cataract is broken into smaller pieces. Afterwards, the pieces are suctioned off via a small cut. Minor problems can be in the form of hazy film or blurred vision which can easily be corrected. After the cataract is removed, it does not return.

Laser surgery for eyes has a good number of benefits. Surgery can be done in the doctor's office with the patient leaving for home as soon as the procedure is complete. Some laser surgery for eyes can take as little as 20 minutes to complete. They are virtually painless and some only describe minor stinging during the procedure. One may experience increased sensitivity to light and some blurring of vision but these are normal and will clear up in a matter of 3-4 days. Doctors often give eye drops or oral medication to prevent infection and to counter some minor side-effects. Recovery is also quick and the person can resume normal activities after 4-5 days.

Camden Medical Centre, Gleneagles Medical centre & Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre provide Lasik Surgery services.