LASIK, LASEK, and Other Laser Eye Surgery Procedures Offered at our Manchester Clinic
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
- Custom LASIK Surgery
- Zyoptix™ System
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- EPI-LASIK
- XP- Microkeratome
- Microkeratome vs Intralasik (Femtosecond Laser)
- Custom Lasik FAQ
LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery)
Laser Eye Surgery has been used for almost 20 years
and
Corneal flaps have been created for almost 50 years
17 million patients have been treated worldwide
‘I have been a friend and colleague of Mr Deepak Chitkara since we trained together. I have the greatest respect for his professional skills in refractive surgery and in 2007 I decided to undergo LASIK for my moderate short sight at Viewpoint. I am delighted with the outcome and I was back to operating on my patients eyes within 3 days of surgery.’ – Mr Tim M, Consultant Eye Surgeon, had LASIK surgery
LASIK surgery has become a very popular type of laser eye surgery throughout the United Kingdom. It is typically a painless five minute procedure under local anaesthetic. We use only numbing eye drops, not needles, and we can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and, in some patients, presbyopia (age-related loss of reading vision).
At Viewpoint we are committed to exceeding the average standard of care. Safety is of utmost importance to us and we take every measure to ensure you will receive the highest quality of care available anywhere.
LASIK has been performed by our surgeons since 1995. This procedure involves surgically creating a corneal cap, which can be folded back to allow the placement of laser therapy inside the cornea. Once this has been achieved (about 20-30 seconds) the corneal flap is repositioned and left exposed for only minutes during which time it adheres to the underlying corneal substance without the need for any stitches.
It is suitable for myopia of up to –8.00D and for hyperopia up to +3.00D with or without astigmatism. This technique combines the accuracy of the excimer laser with faster recovery of vision and less discomfort associated with the surgical procedure.
LASIK is now considered the Procedure of Choice for treatment of low to moderate myopia and hypermetropia. Few patients develop serious complications but performing the procedure requires specialist training. Some patients experience a variation in their vision, an increased sensitivity to light and a glare effect when looking at lights at night. Many of the complications are similar to those with PRK, most are minimal and diminish with time. For a list of possible risks/side effects and to find out if you’re a good candidate, please consult the FAQs section of this website.
Why LASIK rather than the better known photorefractive keratectomy or P.R.K. or LASEK?
LASIK has the advantage of avoiding the variable surface healing properties of the cornea which may affect the outcome of P.R.K. or LASEK. Unlike P.R.K. and LASEK the effect is almost painless and if the laser dose is calculated correctly, the effect is attained within hours of surgery. This procedure is preferable to the surface ablation by P.R.K. in higher myopes, which may take weeks or months to stabilise.
Custom LASIK or ‘Anti-Halo’ Wavefront LASIK Surgery
We are proud to offer the newest form of laser eye surgery at our Manchester Clinic - custom LASIK surgery. Custom LASIK takes into account the unique visual characteristics of your eyes.
Custom-LASIK is now a fully approved procedure by NICE in UK and FDA in USA. It has also been endorsed by NASA for its Astronauts: ‘current evidence suggests that photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors is safe and efficacious for use in appropriately selected patients’
– NICE Guidance Document on LASIK 2006
NASA Approves Advanced LASIK for Use on Astronauts (and Hopefuls)
By Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides September 24, 2007
"In a move sure to alter the landscape for non 20/20 space dreamers, NASA approved the use of advanced LASIK surgery for U.S. astronauts. Already approved by the Navy and more recently the Air Force for use on fighter pilots, NASA was a hold out to allow the surgery. Naval aviator clinical trial data however, made a compelling case that the procedure could withstand even the most extreme rigors of warfare and flight."
To perform custom LASIK surgery, our Manchester Clinic utilises cutting-edge wavefront technology. This technology first maps out the unique ‘fingerprint’ of each person’s imperfect vision. It then uses the information to smooth out the imperfections with the laser.
One of the main advantages of custom LASIK surgery is that it can improve much more than just how much you can see. It can also improve the quality of your vision by enhancing your contrast sensitivity and ability to see fine details. You will also be less likely to experience post-LASIK complications such as night vision problems, glare, and halos.
"Prior to going ahead with my laser eye surgery I thoroughly investigated various clinics and chose viewpoint vision based on its reputation and the expertise of the surgeons. I had my surgery in April '07 and I am extremely pleased with the result. The procedure only took a few minutes on each eye and a few hours later I could see clearly.
Such a simple procedure has made a huge difference to me. It was well worth it, and the aftercare has been great. The staff at Viewpoint always made me feel comfortable and they are very professional. I have already recommended viewpoint vision to friends and family, my advice is - if you want to live life without the hassle of glasses, then go for it at viewpoint." – Melisena M, from Manchester had LASIK
"Absolutely wonderful. I love my new eyes and I would definitely recommend Viewpoint to anyone. The team are spot on. Brilliant aftercare. Have it done."–Laura S, from Manchester had LASIK
“Thank you so much for all your care and attention and for setting me free!"
– Sue V from Lancashire had LASIK
“Excellent service throughout. Very professional and caring. Would recommend to anyone. Thanks."
– Shahed D from Cheshire had LASIK
Zyoptix™ System – Truly Customised Treatment at our Manchester Centre
We are pleased to offer Bausch & Lomb’s sophisticated Zyoptix™ system at our Manchester practice. Zyoptix™ software works by collecting data about your eyes from two different sources and then using the data to programme a laser with your individual treatment. Zyoptix™ not only utilises wavefront technology to measure your optical system, but also assesses the structure of your cornea.
Like standard laser treatment, Zyoptix™ is fast and virtually painless. However, Zyoptix™ differs from LASIK surgery because it measures and treats small vision errors and provides patients with highly customised treatment. No two Zyoptix™ treatments performed at our Manchester practice are the same – instead, each treatment is unique and tailored to a patient’s individual needs.
The system is married to a 3D eye tracker and a ‘state-of–the-art’ Iris recognition technology which is one of the most sophisticated in the industry. The tracker follows your eye movements in all directions, including rotation and the Iris recognition software together ensures that the laser treatment is not only applied to the correct eye but placed precisely where needed on the cornea even if you move your eyes during treatment.
If you are interested in receiving custom LASIK surgery with the Zyoptix™ system, please contact our Manchester practice to set up a consultation.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK
PRK is another type of laser eye surgery offered at our Manchester centre. It treats nearsightedness, mild to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. As with LASIK surgery, the surgeon at our Manchester practice uses an excimer laser during the procedure. However, the difference is that the surgeon removes the surface layer of the cornea rather than creating a corneal flap. Like LASIK, PRK usually takes less than one minute per eye. However, recovery time is slightly longer.
Excimer Laser surgery (PRK and LASEK) involve the use of a laser to reshape the cornea (the clear portion of the eye). Excimer laser treatment has been available for over 15 years and during this time in excess of 5 million patients have been treated worldwide.
The procedure involves gently removing the surface cells of the cornea before reshaping it with the laser. In PRK the surface cells are gently scraped away with a scalpel whereas in LASEK the surface cells are loosened by soaking the surface of the cornea in Alcohol for a minute and then gently displacing the surface layer. In effect the two procedures are identical apart form the method used to expose the surface of the cornea. LASEK has no advantage over PRK but the alcohol vapours around the laser may linger and may even have a detrimental effect on the excimer laser beam.
The actual laser procedure is short, painless, and only requires topical anaesthetics or eye drops. PRK or LASEK can be used to treat myopia up to –6.00 dioptres, hyperopia up to +2.00 dioptres and mild to moderate astigmatism. The treatment is very successful for this level of correction.
Application of Laser
Central corneal Flattening
There are three main limitations with the use of this procedure:
- Pain in the first 2-3 days as the surface cells are replaced.
- Prolonged recovery (up to 3-6 months) with fluctuating vision during this period.
- Loss of sharpness of vision due to central corneal haze formation.
PRK and LASEK are usually reserved for patients whose flat or thin corneas make them poor candidates for LASIK. To find out more about this type of laser eye surgery, please contact our Manchester practice.
EPI-LASIK
This is a relatively new procedure and predictability is still being assessed.
In Epilasik the corneal flap is made up of the superficial layer only and is created by a blunt blade. After the laser treatment the flap of the surface layer is replaced in position. The advantage of this technique is that it can be used in patients with thin corneas. It has all the advantages of LASIK such as faster, pain free recovery but without the disadvantage of cutting deep into corneal tissue. Unlike PRK and LASEK it is relatively pain free.
The procedure has merit and once predictability is established it may replace LASIK as the procedure of choice for treatment of low to moderate myopia and hyperopia.
XP- Microkeratome
The clinic has invested in the very latest microkeratome from Bausch & Lomb to make the initial corneal cut during LASIK surgery. All tests so far show that this technology provides equivalent flaps to an all laser technique such as femtosecond laser without the added risks of a new procedure. The added safety provides us with greater confidence and belief in our procedures.
Microkeratome vs Femtosecond Laser
In our opinion, we believe that these are the advantages of the Microkeratome.
Microkeratome |
Femtosecond Laser |
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CustomLASIK Frequently Asked Questions
What is CustomLASIK?
CustomLASIK is a new procedure that utilizes a wavefront analyzer and enables your doctor to customize the conventional LASIK procedure to your individual eyes. This customized procedure can result in patients seeing clearer and sharper than ever before.
Which procedure is right for me?
In order to find out which procedure is right for you, you will need to undergo a consultation at Viewpoint Vision to determine which procedure is best for you.
What is the difference between CustomLASIK and Conventional LASIK?
CustomLASIK uses a tool called the wavefront analyzer to accurately measure the way light travels through the eye. The resulting unique map of your eye is then transmitted to the laser. The surgeon utilizes that personalized three-dimensional map to perform a more customized treatment.
Is the actual LASIK part of the surgery performed the same way? Or is it a completely different procedure?
The pre-operative testing for Conventional LASIK and CustomLASIK differ greatly. The wavefront analyzer used with CustomLASIK brings an entirely new level of knowledge and accuracy to the surgeon. The laser beam is now guided by the wavefront map, instead of by the traditional glasses prescription.
So what can CustomLASIK do for me?
Clinical studies have shown that CustomLASIK can improve not only what you can see but how well you can see it. In the past, all vision was measured using a standard vision chart. If you could see the letters, the doctor would proclaim your vision as a number, such as 20/20, 20/100, etc. Now with CustomLASIK, doctors are able to focus on the quantity and quality of your vision. Many patients who have had CustomLASIK are reporting improvements in the quality of their vision.
Will I be 20/20?
As with any procedure, there is no guarantee, but after an eye care professional performs a comprehensive examination, he or she will have more information to educate you further on your possible outcomes. In Studies, 98% of eyes saw 20/20.
How much do these procedures cost?
The cost of CustomLASIK is generally greater than the cost of Conventional LASIK. CustomLASIK is performed using some of the most advanced technology available in the laser vision correction field. The procedure combines the precision of a computerized laser with the skill and knowledge of our surgeons. At our practice, CustomLasik costs £1600 per eye.
How will I know what procedure I need to have?
Your surgeon is the best person to determine that. CustomLASIK is necessary for some and desirable for many. Everyone’s eyes are different and your eyes may best be treated with CustomLASIK. You should schedule a consultation at Viewpoint Vision. Together, we can determine what is right for you.