LASIK/LASEK

We are committed to safety and thoroughly screen each of our patients before performing a refractive procedure. All correction options are explored, not just laser eye surgery, and the best option for your eyes are presented to you. It may be that alternative vision correction procedures are best for you, such as Implantable Contact Lens, Refractive Lens Exchange with premium lenses or corneal implants.

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.

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 St Helens 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.

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 St Helens 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.

Viewpoint Vision surgeons have offered this treatment since 1995 with excellent long-term results.

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 from the method used to expose the surface of the cornea.

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.

Like LASIK, PRK and LASEK usually takes less than few minutes per eye. However, recovery time is slightly longer.

• Safety
• Excellent visual result
• Generally, less expensive
• Quick
• Painless outpatient procedure
• Minimally invasive
• Can be used to treat thin corneas

This lens shape is removed through a small incision created by the laser. The dimensions are tailored to correspond to your prescription, and most combinations of short-sight and astigmatism can be corrected.

Visual recovery is slower than for LASIK, but most patients are able to return to work within a week of SMILE.

The use of a femtosecond Laser (Intralase) to create the initial flap instead of a microkeratome is known as ‘All Laser LASIK’ or Intralase Lasik. The Intralase cuts the cornea in a more precise and reproducible manner. This enables the surgeons to create thinner flaps more safely. The potential benefits of Intralase LASIK are:

• Safety and accuracy
• Wider range of suitability
• Less Dry eyes
• Lower re-treatment rates

What is Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK is a new procedure that utilises a wavefront analyser and enables your doctor to customise the conventional LASIK procedure to your individual eyes. This customised 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 Custom LASIK and Conventional LASIK?

Custom LASIK uses a tool called the wavefront analyser 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 utilises that personalised, three-dimensional map to perform a more customised 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 Custom LASIK differ greatly. The wavefront analyser used with Custom LASIK 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 Custom LASIK do for me?

Clinical studies have shown that Custom LASIK 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 Custom LASIK, doctors are able to focus on the quantity and quality of your vision. Many patients who have had Custom LASIK 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 Custom LASIK is generally greater than the cost of Conventional LASIK. Custom LASIK is performed using some of the most advanced technology available in the laser vision correction field. The procedure combines the precision of a computerised laser with the skill and knowledge of our surgeons. Please call us on 01744 646643 to get a fully inclusive price for our advanced Custom LASIK procedure.

How will I know what procedure I need to have?

Your surgeon is the best person to determine that. Custom LASIK is necessary for some and desirable for many. Everyone’s eyes are different and your eyes may best be treated with Custom LASIK. You should schedule a consultation at Viewpoint Vision. Together, we can determine what is right for you.

Mr Deepak Chitkara is one of the first surgeons in UK to offer this treatment since 1995. His worldwide reputation as an innovator and leader in this field is underscored by 1000s of successful treatments as well as the numerous peer reviewed research articles, books, chapters on laser eye surgery and presentations at International conferences that are to his credit.

Laser Eye Surgery to correct vision was first performed on a sighted eye in June 1988 by Marguerite B McDonald in New Orleans, USA. Our principal surgeon, Mr Deepak Chitkara, was one of her trainee fellows. Under her guidance and inspiration, he was also one of the first surgeons in the UK to perform Laser Eye Surgery and, more specifically, LASIK in 1995, also known as ALK at the time. Today there are many advances in laser technology and techniques which have significantly improved the outcomes for all and made the procedure very safe and risk free. The choice of procedures available enables you to customise the treatment for your specific needs.