LaserVision

Q&A Series: What are the Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery?

Q&A Series: What are the Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery?

Here at LaserVision we are often asked about the different types of laser eye surgery available and which type is most suitable for each refractive error. As we specialise in personalised vision correction, we always endeavour to complete a comprehensive consultation before recommending a treatment option. In our latest blog however, we have developed a guide on the different types of laser vision correction and their general suitability.

LASIK

LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

The facts:

  • LASIK is the most common form of laser vision correction procedure in the world.
  • More than 15 million LASIK procedures have been performed worldwide.
  • Over 99% of patients reach the legal driving standard without glasses or lenses following LASIK treatment.

The procedure:
LASIK is a very quick procedure and involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and the laser is then applied to the mid corneal structure. The flap is then replaced and the vision recovers very quickly.

Benefits:

  • Very quick procedure generally 5-10 minutes per eye
  • Virtually painless
  • Very fast recovery time

Most suited to:
Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism.

LASEK

LASEK stands for Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis.

The facts:

  • LASEK is the main alternative to LASIK.
  • Success rate is very similar to those for LASIK.
  • Healing process is generally shower than LASIK.
  • LASEK surgery involves excimer laser and wavefront technology.

The procedure:
LASEK involves preserving the extremely thin epithelial layer by lifting it from the eye’s surface before laser energy is applied for reshaping. After the LASEK procedure, the epithelium is replaced on the eye’s surface.

Benefits:
LASEK is the safer option for patients with a thin or steep cornea.

Most suited to:
Myopia and Astigmatism where LASIK is not suitable.

ReLEx and SMILE

Femtosecond Laser Extraction and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

The facts:

  • A new ground-breaking technique.
  • Uses just Femtosecond laser technology to create a removable lenticule.
  • The procedure takes laser vision correction for short-sight beyond LASIK.

The procedure:
It uses the femtosecond laser to precisely separate and then remove a ‘lenticule’ (a very thin disc) of tissue to re-shape the cornea and change its lens power.

Benefits:

  • Makes laser vision correction more suitable for patients with higher prescriptions and thinner corneas.
  • Very quick surgery time.
  • Reduced risk of ‘dry-eye’ symptoms post treatment.
  • Very quick surgery time.

Most suited to:
Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism.

RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange

The facts:

  • RLE is generally more suitable than laser eye surgery for patients over 40.
  • Recommended for patients whom have lost the ability to accommodate the need for glasses to read as well as see in the distance.

The procedure:
Refractive Lens Exchange involves the replacement of the natural lens in the eye, with a new mono-focal, multi-focal or pseudo-accommodative intra-ocular lens implant (IOL).

Benefits:

  • A comprehensive range of bespoke lens treatment options to provide the best, personalised vision correction.
  • It may eliminate the need for bifocals or reading glasses.
  • Immediate improvement in vision following treatment.

Most suited to:
Patients over 40 with Myopia, Hyperopia and Presbyopia.

Please note, that only after a thorough assessment of your eyes can we accurately recommend a personalised treatment plan to get the best results. A LaserVision consultant surgeon can expertly guide you through the best treatments for you – make an enquiry here.

fred chow
fred chow
2023-11-24
Mr Tappin, top consultant and trusted surgeon for your cataract!
Jason Green
Jason Green
2023-09-06
Professional competent advice and absolutely no pressure to make a decision. I could not have predicted how much this procedure has changed my life in such a positive way. Thank you team.
Lelita Baldock
Lelita Baldock
2023-07-25
Dr Tappin and the team at LaserVision were amazing. I underwent Lasik corrective surgery and the process could not have been smoother. I was guided through the process with care and professionalism throughout. My results have been outstanding. I could not have asked for more from the team at LaserVision and I am truly grateful for my new vision.
Robert & Gia Anderson
Robert & Gia Anderson
2023-06-08
Utterly professional and caring from start to finish. I was quite nervous about having laser but am so pleased with the results. There has always been someone to advise and support every step of the way and patient care and well being really is the priority here. Thank you for looking after me and my eyes so well.
NewestToad
NewestToad
2023-04-24
Really excellent level of care from Mr. Rakesh - great communication, excellent standard of care, no complaints whatsoever, top notch service!
Christina Cook
Christina Cook
2023-04-17
Mr Tappin and his team are very professional and efficient. The whole experience from beginning to end was done with ease. I highly recommend.
Amanda Thorsen
Amanda Thorsen
2023-03-10
Dr Jayaswal has been amazing and changed my life. He made me feel so comfortable and relaxed in his care at the first meet, to remembering me with a personalised greeting, calmly explaining the procedure and reassuring me all the way through the surgery. I couldn’t recommend him enough for Lasik eye surgery - I now have perfect vision, a real dream come true! Thank you so much!
Nikki Blake
Nikki Blake
2023-02-02
Fantastic process from beginning to end - professional yet incredibly personable. The professional team, especially Mr Tappin, made me feel at ease throughout and the surgery was a great success.
April Dansie
April Dansie
2022-12-22
I had lens replacement surgery. After being both short sighted and long sighted for decades I can now see near and far without glasses or contact lens. It really is amazing. The care was great and so far the recovery has been easy.
George Judge
George Judge
2022-11-03
Amazing service from start to finish, I had LASIK surgery in August this year after years of consideration I finally took the plunge and went for the surgery with Mr Tappin. Mr Mike Tappin and his team were brilliant from the consultation right through to the surgery and aftercare. Mr Tappin and his team were very reassuring throughout the surgery and put me at ease every step of the way. If you are thinking about having laser eye treatment or at the start of your journey with it, I would highly recommend seeing Mr Tappin and his team!
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