Advancements in medical science have led to the development of a range of surgeries to cure vision defects. Laser vision correction methods are the most popular among the contemporary eye surgeries. These methods utilize a special kind of laser equipment, called excimer, to reshape the cornea, the source of the eye’s optical power. They are extensively used to cure vision defects, such as long-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism.

Types of Laser Vision Correction Surgeries

Some of the most popular laser vision correction surgeries are:

• LASIK: According to National Health Services (NHS), LASIK is the most popular form of laser surgery in the UK. It is used extensively to correct refractive defects in the eyes. This technique is mostly preferred by patients who have poor normal vision. After the surgery is over and the eyes have healed, the patients may expect to live a healthy life without the hassles of contact lenses or eye glasses. However, it is not the best technique to correct a high degree of myopia.

• PRK: This stands for photorefractive keratectomy and has been traditionally used to correct low degree short-sightedness. However, after the development of advanced technologies, such as LASIK, it has become outdated. This surgery is not much preferred because with age, the lens becomes flexible and reading glasses may be required after some time.

• LASIK: It is similar to the PRK technique, except that a flap is cut from the top surface of the cornea. This technique is necessary for patients with steep and flat corneas.

• Wave-front guided LASIK: This is the most advanced form of laser vision correction surgery. It utilizes high precision methods that eliminate the risk of incorrect laser focus to natural irregularities. This method produces better results than other laser vision correction methods. Some of the older patients have experienced its effectiveness in the long run. The results have done away with the common blurry and halo effects that are left behind after the traditional method. The various Air Forces in the world consider this method to be the best one for their pilots, although it is not suitable for those wishing to enter some US special forces.

Laser Vision Correction Surgeries: Complications

In a majority of the laser vision correction surgeries, there are no complications. According to the NHS, minor risks occur in approximately 5% of the surgeries. Thus, it is essential to consult an eye specialist before undertaking laser eye surgery. Some of the complications that may arise are:

• The patient may experience dry eyes for some months following laser vision correction surgery. To cure this problem, the eye doctor can recommend artificial tear supplements.

• The patient may experience excessive glare or halo effects around high-intensity light, particularly during the night. This happens primarily with patients who have undergone an intense vision correction surgery, such as patients with severe long or short sightedness.

• Some patients may require hard contact lenses for a short span of time after the surgery to acclimatise their eyes to natural light.

Consult an eye specialist to understand which laser eye surgery is suitable for your individual requirements. Also, consult the optician for possible complications. Laser vision correction surgeries are complex procedures that require advanced technologies. Given the risks associated with such surgeries, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends specialist supervision during laser surgeries.

Some of the leading optical centers in the UK now utilize the Wavefront Optimization technique to conduct laser vision correction surgery. Through advanced equipment, the top surface layer is folded back after a successful operation. This way, the patients can now expect to live a much healthier eye life, reducing or removing the need for contact lenses or spectacles.