If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, chances are you've considered getting laser eye surgery at some point in your life.
The fact is that laser eye surgery (also known as "refractive surgery") has become increasingly popular over the past decade. And while the technology has become safer and more sophisticated in recent years, the procedure still has certain risks associated with it. Below are a few things you should consider if you're thinking about getting laser eye surgery with Optilase.
1. Should you get laser eye surgery?
When it comes to laser eye surgery there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, there are a number of conditions that can prevent you from getting laser eye surgery, including severe dry eyes and corneal diseases. Speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist first to find out if you're an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery.
2. Types of laser eye surgery
Most people tend to think of laser eye surgery as a single procedure. In fact, there are multiple types of the surgery. Two of the most common are LASIK and PRK eye surgery (short for Photorefractive Keratectomy), both of which can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. With LASIK, a flap is cut into the cornea through the top layer, to access the treatment area, whereas PRK removes the top layer of the cornea, which then grows back in place over approximately 72 hours. A PRK variation called LASEK also involves removing a layer of cornea and then replacing it afterward.
3. Is your surgeon qualified?
Despite now being widely available, laser surgery can only be performed by an experienced and licensed ophthalmologist. Optilase is Ireland’s leading laser eye clinic and we were one of the first private clinics established in Ireland. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments using the world’s most advanced technology and are dedicated to providing patient care of the highest professional standard throughout every stage of the laser eye surgery process.
At Optilase, we believe that laser eye surgery should revolve around the patient. Our focus is on trust, reliability , quality and care. With clinics nationwide and flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings, including Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork, our experienced team would be delighted to welcome you for a free consultation.
As a forward-thinking company, Optilase is committed to providing patients with the latest and most effective products, surgery techniques and care programmes. Our passion for delivering exceptional results shines through in everything we do. We are constantly seeking ways in which we can improve our services.
What’s more, we will keep you informed of the latest advances in laser eye care. Be sure to check our websites, blogs and social media channels for the latest news and developments in the exciting world of optical care and laser eye surgery.
4. The risks associated with laser eye surgery
There is no such thing as a "minor eye surgery". Laser eye surgery is still an invasive procedure and complications can occur. The most common risk is over-correction or under correction, which leads to decreased vision. In addition, it's also possible (though rare) to damage the cornea, resulting in inflammation and infection. In some cases, patients may need a second surgery to deal with an overcorrection or under-correction. Talk to your optometrist about the risks involved in the procedure.
5. What are the limitations?
While most laser surgery patients will experience an improvement to their vision, no surgeon will guarantee 20/20 vision or that patients won't still require corrective eyewear after the procedure. One other important thing to consider is that laser surgery will not correct presbyopia, meaning that as you age you may still need reading glasses.
6. What can you expect after surgery?
Be sure to speak with your surgeon to find out what kind of post-operative eye care they provide and what exactly you'll need to do to ensure the procedure is as effective as possible. Optilase offers a free Lifetime Care Guarantee as part of our on-going commitment to patients and provide you with a thorough aftercare programme for the 12 months following your laser eye surgery procedure. Depending on the individual, this will contain an average of four post-operative appointments to attend throughout the year.
After the first year of check-ups, you’ll be discharged from our aftercare programme, but don’t be a stranger – our doors are always open if you’re ever unsure of anything or have any questions regarding the treatment.
While laser eye surgery can offer freedom from corrective eyewear, it's important to consider all factors involved. The more you know about your own eye health, your surgeon and the procedure itself, the better you'll be able to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.
To find out if you're a laser eye surgery candidate and to get a referral, book an consultation with Optilase by calling or by clicking here.
