Laser Vision Correction is now in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Heavy patient demand for laser vision correction has inspired surgeons and laser manufacturers to make tremendous advancements in both Excimer laser technology and surgical techniques.

When laser vision correction was first performed in 1988, only low to moderate nearsighted patients without astigmatism could be treated. Today, with third generation Excimer lasers, very low to moderately high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be effectively treated.

LASIK
One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), which uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quicker than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery. LASIK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to moderate levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASEK
LASEK is a relatively new laser vision procedure that combines elements of PRK and LASIK, and may offer some advantages over both. Instead of removing the epithelium (the thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea) like in PRK, a flap of surface epithelium is loosened with a diluted alcohol solution and moved aside. The surface under the epithelium is then treated with the laser and the epithelial flap is returned to its original position. Using the epithelium flap as a natural protective bandage with LASEK, as opposed to completely removing the epithelium as with PRK, may improve healing and the incidence of postoperative haze.

LASEK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Wavefront Guided LASIK/LASEK
Custom laser treatment is designed specifically to treat your unique corneal curvature and visual imperfections. Wavefront is a mapping system that reveals the way your entire optical system processes light. Like your DNA or fingerprint, your Wavefront map is unique and individual to you and allows us to personalise your treatment, thereby assuring the very best possible results. This treatment can be combined with either LASEK or LASIK

Although this site offers an overview of a number of treatments to correct vision, the information presented here is merely a beginning. We frequently have patients come in to speak with us, that have already decided which treatment they would like, only to learn that we offer other, more suitable procedures, that will deliver better results for them. At Birkdale Puresight, we believe all patients should be receive a comprehensive assessment of their vision and eye health. By doing this, we can offer the most appropriate form of vision correction procedure to suit you.