Your Journey to Clearer Vision: Discover Laser Refractive Surgery
Introduction
Ever imagined a world where you wake up to crystal-clear vision without reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses?
Welcome to the exciting world of laser refractive surgery!
What is Laser Refractive Surgery?
Laser refractive surgery is an innovative approach to correct common vision problems like short-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These conditions occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina.
Laser refractive surgery uses precise, computer-controlled laser beams to reshape your cornea, helping you to see the world more clearly.
Types of Laser Refractive Surgery:
The beauty of laser refractive surgery lies in its diversity. We offer several types tailored to your unique needs:
- LASIK: LASIK is the superstar of laser eye surgeries and is known for its precision and swift recovery times. There is a wealth of research data about the long-term accuracy and safety of LASIK. We offer state-of-the-art bladeless LASIK. Many of our patients are back to work with excellent vision within 1-2 days!
- LASEK, also known as PRK: The pioneer in laser eye surgeries, LASEK, is an excellent choice for individuals with mild eye dryness, those who play contact sports, and those with thin or abnormal corneas. At Harley Vision, we use one of the most forefront technologies in the world, called transepithelial PRK. This enable no touch LASEK with fantastic visual outcomes.
Modern laser refractive surgeries offer equivalent visual outcomes and safety profiles.
The surgeon’s advice will be tailored to your personal circumstances and preferences.
The Laser Refractive Surgery Experience:
The journey to improved vision with laser refractive surgery is typically swift and painless. The entire procedure for both eyes often takes 20-30 minutes! Numbing eye drops are used so that the laser is painless. Moreover, you’ll be walking out of the clinic on the same day, all set to start a new chapter of improved vision.
Expertise of the surgeon
Mr Mukhtar Bizrah is a cornea and refractive surgeon by training, which is important for you to know. His fellowship training was primarily in refractive, cornea and complex cataract
disorders at two of the world’s leading institutions: Western eye hospital (London, UK) and University of British Columbia (BC, Canada).
Mr Bizrah has a wealth of experience in delivering state-of-the-art laser refractive surgery treatments, enabling him to choose the right treatment for you.
Mukhtar Bizrah is one of the few laser eye surgeons in the world who has experience in treating patients using three of the world’s fastest and more precise laser technologies: Schwind eye-tech-solutions laser technology, iDesign laser technology and Zeiss Visumax/MEL90 lasers.
Laser refractive surgery is performed on the clear window of the eye called the cornea. Mr Bizrah manages cornea conditions in both his private and NHS practice, and deals with complex cases and referrals from the UK and abroad. While the risk of complications following laser eye surgery is rare, rest assured that your surgeon is a refractive and cornea specialist.
Mr Bizrah is a founder and director of the world’s most successful eye courses, including the London laser and refractive surgery course. This is an international specialist course to promote effective, safe and ethical refractive surgery practice.
Safety and Success of Laser Refractive Surgery:
Laser refractive surgery has an impressive track record when it comes to safety and effectiveness. Most people who undergo these procedures achieve 20/20 vision or close, significantly reducing or completely eliminating their need for glasses or contact lenses. Like any surgery, it carries potential risks. However, severe complications are rare, and most side effects like dry eyes or temporary visual disturbances are manageable and typically resolve over time.
Financing Your Laser Refractive Surgery:
Laser refractive surgery is an investment in your vision. While the upfront cost is higher than that of glasses or contact lenses, in the long run, it can be a cost-effective solution, considering the recurring costs of glasses or contact lenses and their associated care. At Harley Vision, we offer 0% finance to enable you to spread the cost.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses forever? A: Many people achieve such good vision they no longer need glasses or contacts for most of their daily activities. However, you might still prefer to use them for certain tasks, like reading small print or driving at night. It’s also important to note laser surgery doesn’t prevent age-related eye changes.
Q: Is laser refractive surgery safe? A: Laser refractive surgery is one of the most common procedures worldwide, with a high success rate and low risk of severe complications. That said, it’s essential to discuss your individual risks and benefits with your surgeon.
In laser refractive surgery, the laser is applied on the transparent layer of the eye called the cornea, to modify its shape. If a cornea complication occurs, rest assured that our experienced, Mr Mukhtar Bizrah, is a cornea specialist. Mr Bizrah deals with all sorts of cornea problems and complications in his private and NHS practice, and often gets referred challenging cases. It is important to remember that most complications are manageable, and excellent vision can be achieved.
The success and safety of the surgery largely depend on the skills and experience of your surgeon, the technology and surgical technique used, and whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. That’s why choosing the right surgeon and clinic for your laser refractive surgery is of utmost importance. With the right team supporting you, the journey to clearer vision can be both safe and liberating.
Q: Are contact lenses safer than laser refractive surgery? A: Both contact lenses and laser refractive surgery have their own risks. Complications from contact lenses, such as infection, can occur but are typically rare and can be mitigated with proper hygiene and care. Laser refractive surgery also carries risks, though severe complications are quite rare. It’s important to note that unlike contact lenses, laser refractive surgery aims to provide a long-term solution to refractive errors. It’s best to discuss both options with your eye care specialist to understand which is most suitable for you.
Q: Is laser eye surgery more expensive than eyeglasses or contact lenses?
A: The upfront cost of laser refractive surgery can be higher than that of eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, considering the long-term expenses associated with updating prescription glasses or purchasing contact lenses and cleaning solutions, laser eye surgery could potentially save you money over time. It’s a one-time investment for years, possibly a lifetime, of clear vision.
Q: What is the success rate of laser refractive surgery?
A: Laser refractive surgery has a high success rate. According to various studies, more than 90% of patients achieve between 20/20 and 20/40 vision following the procedure, which is typically enough to carry out most daily activities without the need for corrective eyewear.
Your exact outcome can depend on several factors, including the severity and type of refractive error you have. Discussing your individual case with your surgeon will give you a clearer idea of the potential results.
Q: How soon after laser refractive surgery will I see clearly?
A: Most people notice an improvement in their vision immediately after surgery, but it can take several weeks for your vision to fully stabilize.
Q: Is laser refractive surgery painful?
A: The surgery itself should be painless. Before the procedure, numbing drops are placed in your eyes to ensure you remain comfortable throughout. Some people feel a slight pressure sensation, but you should not feel any significant pain during the surgery.
Q: Can anyone have laser refractive surgery?
A: While many people are suitable candidates, it’s not for everyone. Factors such as age, eye health, certain medical conditions, and the stability of your prescription can all impact whether or not you’re a good candidate.
Q: Is the laser refractive surgery procedure quick?
A: Yes, the application of laser on each eye only takes seconds. You can expect to be in the surgery suite for about 20-30 mins though.
Q: Are the results of laser refractive surgery permanent?
A: Yes, the changes made to your cornea during surgery are permanent. However, it’s important to note that laser refractive surgery does not prevent normal age-related changes to your eyes.
In 2-3% of eyes, laser enhancement may be required. This is more common in people with high prescriptions (refractive error), such as high myopia or astigmatism. Enhancement is needed if there is significant regression (recurrence of refractive error), over-treatment or under-treatment of refractive error.
Q: Can laser refractive surgery treat presbyopia?
A: Some laser refractive surgery options can help manage presbyopia (age-related difficult in reading without spectacles). For example, a procedure called monovision LASIK corrects one eye for distance vision and the other for close vision. This may not be suitable for everyone, so a detailed consultation with your eye surgeon is necessary.
Q: Are there age limits for laser refractive surgery?
A: While there isn’t a strict age limit, laser refractive surgery is generally recommended for adults over the age of 18 (or 21 in some cases), as one’s vision prescription should be stable for at least a year before surgery. For older adults, the onset of cataracts or other age-related eye changes may impact the effectiveness of surgery.
Q: Will I still need reading glasses after the surgery?
A: If you’re over 40 and use reading glasses due to presbyopia, you might still need them after the surgery. However, there are certain techniques like monovision LASIK that can help reduce this need. There are other types of refractive surgery that can enable you to see distance and near vision, such as refractive lens exchange (see our website).
Q: How many times can you get laser refractive surgery?
A: Ideally, laser refractive surgery is a one-time procedure. In some cases (2-3%), a second surgery, or enhancement, might be necessary to achieve the best possible vision.
Q: What happens if I blink during laser refractive surgery?
A: There’s no need to worry about blinking. During the procedure, a device called a lid speculum is used to keep your eyelids open. At Harley Vision, we use advanced eye-tracking systems that ensure the laser stays focused on the correct part of your eye, even if your eye moves.
Q: Are the results of laser refractive surgery the same for everyone?
A: While most patients achieve 20/20 vision or close, the exact results can vary. Some factors that can affect the outcome include the severity of your refractive error, the type of procedure you have, and how your eyes heal after surgery.
Q: What laser technology do you use?
A: Our clinical director has treated patients using three of the world’s fastest and more precise laser technologies: Schwind eye-tech-solutions laser technology, iDesign laser technology and Zeiss Visumax/MEL90 lasers.
Modern state-of-the-art excimer lasers have similar accuracy and safety, giving you fantastic visual outcome. We use Schwind eye-tech-solutions laser technology, which has world-renowned precision and speed. However, we advise you to avoid getting stressed about the best laser technology as this stress is often the result of marketing.
What makes a big difference to laser eye surgery outcomes is more:
- Understanding your personal goals, visual requirements and expectations (extremely important)
- Pre-surgical assessment and testing
- Going for the correct type of refractive surgery (i.e. laser versus lens based surgery)
- Follow up and after-care
Q: I am worried that I will be ‘pressured’ to have laser, when there may be another treatment option that is better and more permanent.
A: This is a valid and understandable concern. Some clinics or eye specialists offer only one service.
At Harley Vision, our surgeon Mr Bizrah performs both laser and lens based refractive surgeries: e.g. LASIK, LASEK, ICL implantation, refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery.
So you never have to feel that my surgeon or eye clinic will offer me laser or lens based surgery because they do not do the other. At Harley Vision, we will advise you what we professionally think is the best and safest option to give you maximum independence from eyeglasses and contact lens.
If you are still unsure after receiving medical advice, then having a second opinion is always an option you should consider. If you’d like to book an appointment with Mr Bizrah please call our friendly team on 0207 030 3181 today.