Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery, or vision correction, reshapes the cornea to change the focusing of the eye and improve vision without glasses or contact lenses. Short/near-sightedness (myopia), Long/far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism can all be treated with this simple corrective procedure. There are three types of laser vision correction:
- Keyhole (SMILE)
- Flap-based (LASIK)
- Surface (LASEK/TransPRK)
Results for these types of surgery are the same, but the most appropriate procedure will depend on the examination results and the individual needs of the patient. Mr Gore will determine the best treatment for you during your consultation.
ICL Implants
The Implantable Collamer Lens (also known as Implantable Contact Lens) is a refractive lens implanted inside the eye to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism. The ICL is implanted through a key-hole incision in the eye behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye), and in front of the natural crystalline lens.
The ICL can correct a wide range of refractive errors between +10 (far-sightedness) and -18 (near-sightedness). Astigmatism of up to 6 dioptres can also be corrected. Your spectacle prescription should ideally have been stable for at least a year prior to surgery.
The ICL represents an alternative to other laser refractive surgeries LASIK or LASEK/TransPRK.
PhotoTherapeutic Keratectomy
PhotoTherapeutic Keratectomy is a type of laser eye surgery used for a range of problems affecting the superficial layers of the cornea. PTK uses the same excimer laser as in LASIK, LASEK or TransPRK. Instead of reshaping the cornea to correct your vision, PTK can remove scars, opacities or treats painful recurrent erosions.
If you already wear glasses or contact lenses and need to have a therapeutic laser treatment you could correct your vision simultaneously. As an alternative to PTK, PhotoRefractive Keratectomy (or LASEK) can, in most cases, correct short-sightedness (including astigmatism). For recurrent erosion symptoms, freshening up the top base layer is achieved during the same treatment. This additional treatment can be done with no additional risk.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) / Cataract Surgery
A standard (monofocal) lens implant will correct your distance vision as clearly as possible. Multifocal lenses also help with near vision, although you may still require reading glasses for some tasks.
