How is Surface laser different to LASIK, and why is Surface laser sometimes the favoured option?

There are basically two laser refractive procedures to correct myopia (shortsight), hyperopia (longsight), and astigmatism… and most recently with blended vision, presbyopia. Both procedures are very safe and will give you the same results; the only difference to you is recovery time.

What is Surface laser?

Surface laser is the variety of procedures that work directly on the outer surface of the cornea. PRK is the acronym for Photo Refractive Keratectomy, the precursor to LASIK eye surgery.  Like LASIK eye surgery, PRK uses an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. However, PRK works directly on the outer surface of the cornea.

How Surface laser works

The vision correction treatment begins with anesthetic drops applied to numb your eye and prevent pain during the procedure. A lid speculum is placed in the eye to hold the lids apart for the procedure, eliminating possibility of blinking.

The surgeon will then gently remove the surface corneal cells (epithelium) and proceed with the laser aspect of the procedure. The laser is computer driven for accuracy and precision and it is programmed based on the patient’s refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

The eye correction surgery takes less than one minute for most patients. After the procedure a soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for three to five days until the epithelial layer regenerates.

Advantages of Surface laser over other procedures

  • Uses less tissue
  • Allows patients who are non-candidates with LASIK to have a laser refractive treatment
  • No flap created so no chance of a flap complication
  • Less than 1% chance of enhancement required
  • Can resume all physical activities within 2 weeks

Disadvantages to LASIK

  • Healing takes longer than LASIK (driving vision in 4 to 14 days)
  • Slight risk of haze (little risk with modern laser and adjunctive chemical therapy)
  • Delayed epithelial healing

Blended vision for reading and distance

The laser eye procedure to correct presbyopia or 'aging eyes' involves a technique called Blended Vision. In Blended vision, we treat one eye to predominantly view objects at distance, but a little up close. We treat the other eye to predominantly view objects up close, but a little at distance.

The patient is able to see distance and near without effort because the brain combines the images. In most cases, patients experience an excellent depth of focus and overall visual acuity, without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

To schedule a consultation

Please call 0845 6430 466 or fill in the web form to your right and we’ll get in contact with you.

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