LASIK Surgery Sydney

Many people who use eyeglasses or contact lenses are now considering having laser eye surgery to correct their vision. It is estimated that around 50 percent of the population of Australia uses contact lenses or eyeglasses. While there are many different kinds of this type of surgery to consider, the most commonly used procedure for correcting astigmatism, long-sightedness, and short-sightedness is LASIK surgery.

One method of this type of laser eye surgery is the IntraLase method. This is a bladeless computer guided procedure which provides more accuracy than a procedure using a hand-held mechanical microkeratome instrument. Pulses of laser create a flap in the cornea which can then be lifted to reshape the cornea.

For people who have what is known as higher order aberrations, a Wavefront scan can be performed to assess the actual measure of these minute distortions so that they can be corrected during the LASIK procedure. With the results provided by the Wavefront scan a customised LASIK surgery treatment can be performed that will not only correct astigmatism, long-sightedness or short-sightedness, but also these higher order aberrations. People who may want to consider Wavefront treatment include people with a moderate amount of astigmatism, larger than normal pupils, or those who experience poor night vision.

One of the main benefits of LASIK surgery is that patients don't need to go through a long recovery process. The majority of patients experience increased vision within 24 hours, and are even able to return to their job and drive an automobile within that time as well. This laser eye surgery is also virtually pain free, which is why many people now electing to have corrective surgery for their eyes are considering this type of procedure.

While LASIK is a procedure which involves creating a flap of the cornea, there are also advanced surface laser procedures that can laser the surface of the cornea first. There are various terms used for these type of laser eye surgery procedures, including Epi-LASIK, Nu-LASIK, ASLA, ASL, LASEK, and PRK. This procedure is normally recommended for patients who have cornea's that are too thin for regular LASIK surgery. While Advanced Laser Surgery is similar to LASIK, the recovery time is usually longer, and the procedure is also a little more uncomfortable.

The process of Advanced Laser Surgery takes about 15 minutes per eye. Anaesthetic eyedrops as well anti-inflammatory drops are applied to the eye and an eyelid holder is used to prevent the eyes from blinking. The epithelium layer of the cornea is removed. The cornea is then re-shaped by a laser beam consisting of UV energy. A pre-determined amount of tissue is then vapourised, thus reshaping the cornea and correcting the vision problem. Both eyes may be treated on the same day.

There are a number of LASIK surgery physicians available in Sydney, as well as a number of different procedures that can be done. Consulting with your doctor can help you find the best laser eye surgery procedure for your needs.