Laser Vision Correction
Undertaken at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
One of the most well defined and safest medical procedures in the world.
With over 30 million procedures undertaken worldwide, the safety profile of laser refractive surgery is well-established. The aim of laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea (the window to the eye) to reduce the dependence upon glasses or contact lenses.
What is Laser Vision Correction?
Two main forms of laser surgery exist.
Surgery that involves a flap created on the surface of the eye in the form of LASIK, and treatments that do not have a flap that affect the surface of the eye directly (LASEK). Other procedures can be used where lenticules can be removed from the eye. These procedures are undertaken within the private patient centre at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, using the latest femtosecond and Excimer laser technology.
LASIK SURGERY (FLAP BASED)
A thin flap is created using bladeless, femto second laser technology on the surface of the eye. This provides a highly accurate and safe approach to creating a flap, and also gives the option to further customise detailed treatment for patients. The flap acts as a natural bandage, aiding rapid visual recovery and reducing pain after the procedure.
During the procedure, the flap is gently lifted to allow the Excimer laser treatment to be applied underneath the flap. It is then carefully repositioned meaning healing can start immediately. No stitches are required to hold the flap in position, only the natural healing of the eye.
LASEK SURGERY (FLAPLESS)
LASEK surgery utilises excimer laser technology to apply laser directly to the surface of the eye, and no flap is created. This is usually undertaken in specific situations where your eye is not deemed suitable for flap based surgery. This type of surgery is safe and effective, with visual outcomes being comparable to flap based (LASIK) surgery.
As the laser is applied directly to the surface of the eye, it can create more short term post-operative discomfort than LASIK surgery, and the healing process can be slower, meaning the visual recovery takes a bit longer than flap based surgery.
Further information
These procedures are undertaken within the private patient centre at Manchester Royal Eye hospital, using the latest femtosecond and Excimer laser technology.
This treatment is undertaken in the surrounds of a large teaching hospital, with access to all of the facilities that may be required. This includes out of hours emergency care, if clinically indicated.
If you are not suitable for LASIK surgery (with a flap,) there may be the option of undertaking LASEK surgery, where no flap is used. This type of surgery is safe and effective, although it can create more short term post-operative discomfort than LASIK surgery, and has a slower visual recovery than surgery with a flap.
Despite a well-established safety profile for these treatments, ss with all medical procedures, there are potential serious risks. We strive to provide a detailed and thorough approach to determine the safety of undertaking the surgery. Each patient is carefully examined using slitlamp bio-microscopy and a range of tests, including wavefront technology and pupil assessments, to determine whether you are suitable for this kind of surgery.
If you are deemed not suitable for any type of surgery, a thorough and detailed explanation will be provided to you at your consultation.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss all of the different kinds of treatments available, allowing you to make an informed and personal decision, tailored to your requirements. Patients are given information that they can take home and consider to help make the best possible decision.