The Ultimate Guide to Laser Vision Correction

Many would have heard about LASIK and have an inkling that it’s a procedure used to correct imperfect vision e.g. myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and presbyopia. For those who are thinking of bidding glasses and contact lenses farewell, the next step is probably to understand how laser vision correction can work for you.

LASIK is only one of the many laser vision correction options available today and different options including ZEISS SMILE® and Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA). So while you might be considering LASIK only, your ophthalmologist may ultimately suggest another procedure that may be more suited to your condition and needs.

Here is an introduction of the various treatment options.

How Do Lasers Correct Vision?

Myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism and hyperopia are vision problems caused by irregularities in the shape and length of the eye. This leads to blurry vision if glasses or contact lenses are not used.

In general, the laser is applied in a highly targeted manner to reshape the front of the eye, so as to adjust the focusing of light rays and allowing clear vision.

With more than 28 million procedures performed worldwide, LASIK, also known as Laser in situ keratomileusis, is a two-step procedure that involves the creation of a flap in the cornea, using either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser.

The excimer laser will then be used to reshape the cornea in order to rectify the refractive error, before the flap is put back in place. The whole procedure usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes for both eyes.

The increasingly performed laser refractive procedure with more than 3 million surgeries completed globally – ZEISS SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally-invasive and gentle flapless procedure.

During the 10-15 minute procedure, a low energy laser will create a piece of lenticule followed by a 4mm small incision through which the lenticule is removed. The removal of the lenticule allows the cornea surface to flatten and light rays to be more accurately focused on the retina.

As it is a flapless procedure, there are no flap-related complications e.g. displacement or wrinkling of LASIK flaps and a shorter physical recovery time. Corneal structure is also better preserved. There are also less dry eye symptoms after surgery.

Flapless procedures such as ZEISS SMILE® are typically recommended for individuals who participate in contact sports (e.g. Muay Thai, football, etc).

ZEISS SMILE® can correct refractive powers of up to 1000 degrees in myopia, and 500 degrees in astigmatism.

Cost of ZEISS SMILE®: $5,380

Presbyopia, also commonly known as “lao hua”, is an age-related eye condition where the lens inside the eye decreases in elasticity, causing difficulty for the eye to focus on near objects. It is usually present in individuals aged 40 or older.

The treatment of presbyopia or “lao hua” is called Monovision, which is available with all laser techniques. It involves leaving behind a small degree of myopia in the non-dominant eye to allow better near vision. However, this is at the expense of distance vision and a period of adaptation is needed.

Before going for the procedure, individuals are advised to understand the concept of Monovision. At LSC Eye Clinic, our optometrists will schedule a time with you to try on a pair of trial lenses, so as to simulate what you might see after the procedure. Thereafter, you can better decide if this procedure is for you.

While the above laser eye surgery procedures have been performed on countless people worldwide, it is important to note that not every individual is suitable for laser vision correction.

The criteria for laser vision correction are as follows:

• at least 18 years of age
• stable refractive power
• and the absence of pre-existing eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma

As pregnancy can also affect vision temporarily, expectant women are also not eligible for laser vision correction.

An eye examination is required to assess suitability for laser vision correction. The assessment results will then inform your ophthalmologist on the most suitable option for you.

Schedule your laser vision correct assessment today.