Laser Eye Surgery in London: A Comprehensive Guide by a Consultant Ophthalmologist
Mr Alex Day, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, is an expert in laser eye surgery. Whether you're searching for a London eye surgeon, exploring options for private laser eye surgery, or simply curious about the benefits of laser eye surgery, here's everything you need to know.
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, to correct vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. There are a number of surgical techniques, each offering the same final visual outcomes but differing in healing and recovery times. Mr Alex Day will advise you on which technique is best for your eyes. These are:
LASIK: Flap-Based: This is the most common method with the fastest recovery and uses two types of laser.
Surface-Based (transPRK): A "no-flap, no-touch" technique, suitable for those with thin corneas.
Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): A newer method, often referred to as "keyhole LASIK," involves removing a disc of tissue created by a femtosecond laser.
Laser eye surgery can correct shortsightedness (myopia), longsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
Ideal candidates for laser eye surgery should be over 21 years old and have a stable glasses prescription, with no significant changes (more than 0.5D) in the last two years. Laser vision correction can typically correct up to -8.00D of myopia, up to +6.00D of hyperopia, and up to ±5.00D of astigmatism.
For those with higher prescriptions or specific eye conditions like dry eyes or very thin corneas, lens implantation techniques such as Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) might be more appropriate.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Each method of laser eye surgery offers unique advantages:
LASIK: Known for fast visual recovery and minimal discomfort. LASIK has been performed for over 35 years, and in modern LASIK, a femtosecond laser is used to create a corneal flap that is lifted, and then an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. LASIK takes around 20 minutes for both eyes. Most patients can return to work within 48 hours.
transPRK: This method is ideal for individuals with thinner corneas or those involved in activities at risk of facial trauma, such as military personnel or contact sports enthusiasts. It is also recommended for higher prescriptions. It is a no-touch, no-flap, fully automated type of laser vision correction, with the laser typically taking 30-45 seconds to reshape the cornea.
Lenticule Extraction. There are a number of commercial names for this method depending on the manufacturer of the femtosecond laser used with SMILE being the most well-known: This technique involves creating a small incision to remove a lens-shaped tissue (lenticule) to correct vision. It is similar to LASIK but without the flap.
Recovery and Results
Almost all patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after laser eye surgery, significantly reducing or eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK patients are typically 20/20 within 24 hours. Recovery after transPRK and SMILE is slower, and typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Benefits of laser eye surgery:
Improved Vision: Many patients attain perfect or near-perfect vision.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Freedom from glasses and contact lenses benefits those with active lifestyles, including sports enthusiasts especially water sports where contact lens should not be worn.
Quick Recovery: The procedure is painless, and most patients return to their normal activities quickly.
Cost Savings: Eliminates the ongoing cost of corrective eyewear.
Considerations and Risks
While recovery is usually swift with minimal side effects, all patients will experience temporary symptoms such as light scatter, intermittent blurring, and dry eyes for a couple of months. Serious complications are rare, with the risk of significant vision damage being less than one in 1,000 per eye. Overall, laser eye surgery is a low-risk procedure with high patient satisfaction rates.
In conclusion, choosing the right London eye surgeon and understanding the various options for private laser eye surgery are crucial steps toward achieving clear vision and a better quality of life. For those considering laser eye surgery in London, consulting with an expert like Mr Alex Day can provide the necessary information and confidence to proceed.