Laser Eye Surgery Terminology

01 Nov 2013

When it comes to researching the ins-and-outs of Laser Eye Surgery, a lot of scientific words can be thrown about that are often never explained.

 

So rather than having to search the meaning of each one, here’s a quick list of the most common language used so you can get up to speed when it comes to Laser Eye Surgery.

 

Aberration: A vision defect caused by a flaw in the structure of the cornea. There are two types of aberrations – higher and lower.

 

Ablation: The process in which cells are removed from the surface of the cornea by laser energy.

 

Astigmatism: When the cornea is an irregular shape – oval instead of spherical – it causes vision to appear blurry. Often astigmatism presents itself along with myopia or hyperopia.

 

Cornea: Transparent dome shaped layer at the front of the eye that has microscopic amounts of tissue removed from it during Laser Eye Surgery.

 

Excimer Laser: Extremely precise laser used to reshape the cornea. It uses a cool beam of light so surrounding eye tissue is unaffected by Laser Eye Surgery.

 

Femtosecond Laser: Creates the corneal flap needed for Laser Eye Surgery.

 

Hyperopia: Long or farsightedness that causes objects up close to appear out of focus.

 

IntraLase: Using bladeless technology, IntraLase represents the latest advances in Laser Eye Surgery.

 

LASIK: Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis – the most common Laser Eye Surgery procedure. It requires the creation of a corneal flap in order to expose the part of the cornea that receives corrective treatment.

 

Myopia: Short or nearsightedness causes objects in the distance to appear blurry.

 

Presbyopia: When the eye is unable to focus clearly on near objects because of the ageing process. The condition is commonly associated with the need for reading glasses.

 

PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy is a type of Laser Eye Surgery that sees the outer layer of the cornea removed by an alcohol solution instead of creating a corneal flap. Recovery time is longer than LASIK or other procedures.

 

Refraction: The process that takes place in the eye whereby light rays are bent so that they focus directly on the back of the eye.

 

Refractive Surgery: Another term for Laser Eye Surgery.

 

Refractive Error: If you suffer from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism you are deemed to have a refractive error – light that enters the eye isn’t refracted correctly.

 

Topography: The process in which a map of the cornea’s surface is created, illustrating it’s curve and any aberrations.

 

WaveFront: A customized Laser Eye Surgery procedure that corrects the exact errors on your cornea.

 

To find out more about Laser Eye Surgery, book your free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

 

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Patient Reviews

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Monica mc mahon
April 15, 2024

From beginning to End of my procedure with Optilase, I was treated personally and professionally. The surgery, true aftercare was smooth and efficient and I can only say it was the perfect choice for us . I highly recommend Optilase.

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Roxanne Bartolome
April 15, 2024

I recently had the PRK procedure a month ago. It's been life changing to be able to see clearly after wearing glasses for 20 years. My vision was not 20/20 after surgery since I had PRK and I was first scared that it won't get better. But give it time and patience and it will improve. Optilase was superb on aftercare and the team during the surgery really took care of me. I'm so happy ❤️ Thank you Optilase!

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Lin Walsh
April 12, 2024

Omg i thought about having lens replacement for 2 years , i just wish i did it then , I’m absolutely delighted with my eyes now , i am only 3 weeks over it and cant believe how wonderful it is to see everything so clear , i nearly want to tell everyone who wears glasses to do this , if i had known sooner how painless this op is i would have booked in immediately , Everyone in my Clinic were fantastic so friendly , just do it you certainly wont regret it , also the aftercare is amazing .

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Susan Sutton
April 8, 2024

Staff are all very nice and procedure was painless and quick

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David Hill
April 8, 2024

Delighted with my experience at Optilase. Professional staff who looked after me from start to finish. Procedure itself was very quick. A big thanks to the whole team.

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Aoife Mckenna
April 8, 2024

Absolutely delighted with the results of my surgery. I wish I done it years ago

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Denise Carroll
April 8, 2024

Does what it say, corrects your vision! Very fast and professional service.

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jessica daiana
April 8, 2024

Great price for excellent service. All staff was very professional and welcoming, great results and good aftercare

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gary Malone
April 6, 2024

Best thing I ever done ,👍

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Catriona Brady
April 1, 2024

Fantastic experience throughout, from consultation to aftercare. Professional, welcoming and calming staff. Appointments and procedure were easy and relaxed and the overall result was excellent. Aftercare was also great, nothing was ever a hassle.

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Rebecca Walsh
March 29, 2024

Worth the money. Staff guide you step by step to relax you through the surgery. Recommend

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Mark O'Keeffe
March 28, 2024

I found the whole process very professional and very well organised. They also assisted in the documentation process very easy. They were also very good to help in arranging the reference process too. If I was make one small comment is they need to add a prescription painkiller to the process. Although the after experience was exactly what was expected it could been managed better with a stronger pain relief. Other than that I have recommended 3 people to get the procedure from Optilase, all of which had a great experience. I would highly recommend Optilase for vision correction and the long term benefits have changed my life.

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