Laser Surgery
Lasers are used for a variety of eye conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and cataract. This new technology is also used to correct focussing faults or 'refractive errors'. The most established treatment is known as Lasik.
Corrective laser surgery to alter the shape of the cornea of the eye has now been possible for more than 19 years. During that time Sheinman Opticians recommended this form of sight correction as an equally safe, reliable and valued service as spectacles and contact lenses.
Our current Lasik co-management programme combines our local expertise and care with the finest treatment by leading corneal eye surgeon David Gartry at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
In order to remain at the forefront of this technology, as with our many other advanced procedures, we have continually maintained very close contact with both the principal developers of the laser equipment and the leading eye surgeons who perform this type of treatment. We have also followed the latest developments worldwide through professional papers, contacts and meetings to enable us to bring to our patients the best possible advice in this relatively new and innovative procedure.
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What is Lasik?
Lasik is short for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and is currently the most reliable form of laser treatment for the refractive errors (focusing defects) of short sight, long sight and astigmatism. A 'cling-film' thin flap of cornea is created by microsurgery. Whilst this is hinged away from the centre of the cornea precise layers of tissue are removed using an Excimer Laser which reshapes the cornea and alters its refractive power. The procedure is called 'flap and zap' for obvious reasons.
The cutting of the corneal flap is known as Lamellar Microsurgery and requires great skill and experience. Lamellar Microsurgery together with Excimer Laser ablation (Lasik) is a more comfortable procedure and produces significantly superior and more predictable healing than the original surface Laser surgery (Photo Refractive Keratectomy or PRK). For these reasons PRK is no longer considered the best choice of treatment by most surgeons.
What is Wavefront Laser Surgery?
Research has suggested that ‘high order’ faults within the eye, known as aberrations, have limited the sharpness of our vision but this may now be a thing of the past.
Wavefront laser surgery is now available to provide a sophisticated, ultra-microscopic smoothing of the cornea. Combining the elimination of ‘high-order’ vision faults with the correction of the ‘low-order’ defects (short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism) Wavefront can provide the best possible outcome for unaided vision.
Wavefront technology’s ultra-fine mapping of the cornea is interpreted by the laser programmes and used to cancel out the ‘high-order’ aberrations inherent within the eye during the Lasik procedure.
This more complex analysis and laser treatment involves no additional risk but should fine-tune the sight correction to provide even higher standards of vision than in the past with just Lasik alone.
There is an extra charge to have this surgery performed, but may be a small price to pay for ‘polishing’ your vision.
The Future...
Our current experience from our ongoing association with leading corneal specialists at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Harley Street in London plus our continual evaluation of the world's leading Excimer Laser manufacturers is proving increasingly promising.
We provide a direct link with the foremost surgeons in the field. As experience grows our referral service for laser surgery, along with our other established private surgical referrals, is likely to develop towards a full treatment centre at our practice in Northampton.
If the concept of laser surgery to correct your sight is an option that you would like to consider please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment with one of our optometrists to discuss your prospects of treatment.
