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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.
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