Laser eye surgery procedures
With10 million successful procedures worldwide, LASIK is our most popular surgery.
LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK combines two techniques of surgery to correct refractive error. First, a micro thin flap is created on the front surface of the eye (cornea), lifted back and preserved. Next, a cool beam excimer laser sculpts the underlying cornea into a new shape to correct the refractive error. The flap is then repositioned and adheres on its own without sutures after only a few minutes.
Vision recovery typically is rapid, and there is little or no post-operative discomfort. You can usually return to work, and drive, within 24 hours of surgery.
Depending on your age and refractive error, the results from LASIK surgery may last a lifetime.
Find out more LASIK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) & LASEK
Like LASIK, PRK and LASEK use the excimer laser to shape the cornea. These surface ablation techniques are sometimes recommended instead of LASIK for people with thin corneas because they do not penetrate as deeply into the eye's surface. They may also be recommended if you are in the armed forces or have physically challenging hobbies or occupation.
In PRK, the epithelium, the layer of cells covering the cornea, is gently removed and the excimer laser sculpts the cornea to correct refractive error. A 'bandage' contact lens is placed on the eye following the procedure to speed the epithelial regeneration, which usually takes three to four days.
LASEK, unlike PRK, attempts to preserve the epithelium. In LASEK, the epithelium is loosened and peeled back to expose the cornea. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea and the epithelium is placed back into position.
FEMTO-LASIK
Femto-LASIK is an advanced, computer guided laser technology that provides a more predictable, safer approach to the important first step of the LASIJs procedure, creation of the flap. Femto-LASIK utilises femtosecond technology to produce a light beam generating thousands of pulses per second to form a layer of microscopic bubbles within the cornea to create the flap. Femto-LASIK is more precise, consistent and safer method, making this truly 'all laser LASIK' procedure.
Benefits of Femto-LASIK
Enhanced safety
With Femto-LASIK's computer controlled technique the risk of complications are dramatically reduced, making it an even safer procedure.
Predictable results
Femto-LASIK's micron level accuracy makes every procedure more predictable, enabling you to choose laser vision correction with increased confidence.
Technology of choice
The Femto-LASIK Laser is the technology of choice among the world's leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions.
More people are now eligible
With Femto-LASIK, the flap thickness is adjustable and more predictable, leaving more residual corneal thickness. This is especially beneficial for people who previously did not qualify for LASIK, such as those with thin corneas.
Therapeutic treatment for corneal disease.
There are a number of other treatments we are capable of doing on the femtosecond laser for those with corneal disease such as Keratoconus. Previously corneal graft was the only treatment available.
Is Femto-LASIK better than the standard LASIK procedure?
Both achieve excellent results, especially in light of the unsurpassed level of skill and experience of the surgeons at LASERSIGHT. Their ability to achieve the desired patient outcome and a superior standard of care are attested to by the many thousands of happy LASIK patients who have undergone LASIK surgery at a LASERSIGHT centre.
Employing a microkeratome at the first stage of the procedure, in the past has been our most popular treatment method and represents the technology used In 10 million successful procedures worldwide.
Femto-LASIK allows an additional level of precision and predictability. The use of computer controlled laser technology elevates the procedure to an even higher level of safety and accuracy. Every cornea is different. Femto-LASIK is the ideal method to create the exact size, shape and depth of the corneal flap to suit each person, and thereby helps to deliver the best possible result.
SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE® is a 3rd generation laser vision correction procedure, and the first minimally invasive, flapless surgery for the treatment of eye conditions like myopia and astigmatism. Featuring the latest femtosecond technology, SMILE provides a higher safety profile, improved predictability and greater precision.
What's the difference between SMILE® and LASIK?
Whereas conventional LASIK procedures involve cutting a flap, folding it back and removing the corneal tissue through point-by-point ablation using an excimer laser, SMILE® is a minimally invasive and gentle surgical procedure that requires no flap. As a result, the outer corneal layer of the eye remains largely intact and there are less incidences of post-surgery side effects. Additionally, this procedure is suitable for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, contact lens intolerance and those who were previously unsuitable for LASIK.
Benefits of SMILE®
Minimally Invasive
SMILE® is the first minimally invasive vision correction technique - the treatment is pain-free, blade-free and flapless.
Flapless
This minimally invasive refractive method without a flap enables eye surgeons to operate with greater precision. Additionally, there is no risk of flap displacement or other flap-related complications.
Single-Step Treatment
The entire SMILE® correction is performed as a single-step: on one laser, with one treatment plan and one laser process. This means faster treatment time, shorter recovery for patients and greater satisfaction.
Better Biomedical Stability
With SMILE®, the surface of the cornea is almost untouched and there is less disturbance of the corneal nerves, meaning reduced incidences of prolonged dryness of the eyes or infections.
Bupa Ultimate private health insurance will cover the entire surgery cost of PRK, LASIK or SMILE® once you have been a plan member for 12 months*.
*Please note as of the 1st July 2018 Bupa are introducing a restricted cover period of 3 years for new members or for members upgrading to the Ultimate policy.