Understanding Laser Vision Correction

The innovative procedure that corrects eyesight problems.

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The journey to clear vision

Why do I need laser vision correction?

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See your life as it is meant to be seen

If you have near-sightedness or blurry vision, you probably depend on spectacles or contact lenses for clear vision.

These solutions might not suit the needs of everyone. For some it could be bothersome, but for others it could even become challenging, especially for those who may be engaging in outdoor activities or experience eye sensitivities.

It is natural for you to desire freedom from spectacles or lenses, but how can you achieve that without compromising on vision?

Laser vision correction may be an option.

Near-sightedness or blurry vision occur if the front part of the eye (cornea) has an abnormal shape.1,2 A surgical technique called keratomileusis can correct your vision by changing this abnormal shape.3

With laser vision correction, you:

  • No longer have to worry about misplacing your glasses
  • Don’t need to remember to remove your contact lenses at night
  • Can freely engage in outdoor sporting activities without worrying about getting hit in your eyes and breaking your glasses
  • Don’t need to think twice about how you look with glasses on
  • Can explore opportunities in professions which require perfect vision

What happens in laser vision correction?

The road to innovation in vision correction

Surgical reshaping of the cornea was pioneered in the 1960s, using surgical blades. Although the procedure was groundbreaking at that time, it was invasive and lacked precision.4

Most vision correction surgeries now use laser-based technologies and are precise, minimally invasive and can be painless.

The lasers used are based on the excimer laser, the discovery of which in the 1970s, revolutionised vision correction surgeries.4

The 4 steps in a typical laser vision correction surgery

Further technological innovations resulted in procedures which did not involve creating a flap.6 This reduced the risk of side effects such as dry eyes or complications due to flap wrinkles or inflammation, associated with flap-based surgeries.6

In addition, flapless laser eye surgeries also lead to faster recovery, without the need for stitches or bandages.

Rapid recovery, high precision and minimal side effects, all make flapless laser eye surgeries the preferred treatment choice for most people.

Myth or fact?

It may take 2-3 weeks to get normal vision after laser eye surgery.

Answer: Depends on the procedure you choose.

While it’s true that some laser vision correction procedures like photoreactive keratotomy (PRK) may take even up to a few weeks to gain normal vision, there are procedures that use advanced laser technologies which would allow you to perform your daily activities, as soon as the day after surgery.

Is eye surgery for you?

Am I a good candidate for laser vision correction?

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Eligibility criteria for laser vision correction

If you are 18–40 years of age and have had a stable prescription for spectacles in the last 1 year, then you may want to consider laser vision correction.7

But laser vision correction is not suitable for some people, such as pregnant or lactating women, and those with autoimmune disorders, diabetes or under steroid or retinoic acid treatment.7 Consult your ophthalmologist to help you make the right choice in your vision correction solutions.

References:

  1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Near-sightedness: What Is Myopia? Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness. Accessed March 2024.
  2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Astigmatism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism. Accessed March 2024.
  3. American Optometric Association. Corneal Modifications. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/corneal-modifications?sso=y. Accessed March 2024.
  4. Wellington Eye Centre. The Evolution of Laser Eye Surgery. Available at: https://wefixeyes.co.nz/articles/the-evolution-of-laser-eye-surgery/. Accessed March 2024.
  5. All About Vision. LASIK Eye1, Surgery. Available at: https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasik.htm. Accessed March 2024.
  6. Clearvision Eye Clinic & LASIK Centre. Comparing LASIK and SMILE. Available at: https://clearvision.com.sg/lasik-vs-relex-smile/. Accessed March 2024.
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When is LASIK not for me? Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/when-lasik-not-me. Accessed March 2024.

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