One of the first steps in making sure you have an excellent outcome from laser eye surgery is to understand about the different types of laser surgery available.
There are 2 different types of lasers used for laser eye surgery at the moment:
- Excimer laser: this laser shapes the cornea to correct the focus of the eye
- Femtosecond laser: this laser cuts the LASIK flap. It is also the laser used in SMILE, and in Laser Cataract Surgery.
The two commonest types of laser eye surgery carried out are
- LASIK: a flap is cut in the cornea with the Femtosecond laser, then the Excimer laser shapes the cornea to correct the prescription of the eye. Vision is excellent within a few days.
- LASEK: the surface of the cornea is gently removed, then the Excimer laser shapes the cornea to correct the prescription of the eye. This is safer for people who enjoy boxing or martial arts, as there is no potential risk of the flap dislodging with a strong injury to the eye. Vision takes 10 days or so to recover. Depending on the glasses prescription being treated, long term outcomes are similar for both procedures.
I was invited by Clinic Compare* to do this educational video, which I did when I was working as a Consultant Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Moorfields Private Hospital. I hope you find it helpful.
[*No financial interest]