What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is, as the name suggests, a procedure that’s carried out using a special type of laser. This can be utilized in many scenarios—the most commonly used being laser vision correction and laser cataract surgery. The following looks at both types and provides an overview of the most significant elements of each procedure.

Laser Eye Surgery for Vision Correction and Cataract Removal

• Laser eye surgery: laser vision correction
• Laser cataract surgery

Laser eye surgery: laser vision correction

One type of laser eye surgery is used to treat refractive errors. Nearsightedness, longsightedness, and astigmatism can all be treated this way. It’s a hugely popular and well-proven method of permanently improving vision errors. In many cases, it can lead to a life without the need for corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.The first-ever laser eye surgery for refractive errors was carried out by New York eye surgeon, Steven Trokel, in 1987. Since then, technology has advanced almost beyond belief, with millions of successful procedures being carried out around the world each year. Today’s advanced laser options mean that those who were deemed unsuitable for laser vision correction even as recently as 10 or fewer years ago, can often now benefit. There are different types of procedures. Some of the most common are:

• LASIK: Uses two separate lasers—one to create a tiny flap in the surface of the cornea and one to reshape the cornea itself. The procedure takes a few minutes and doesn’t require any stitches
• SMILE: A small hole is made in the cornea through which the surgeon can reshape it. The hole reseals itself
• Surface laser treatments: Such as LASEK, PRK, and TransPRK. The clear skin covering the cornea is removed, allowing the surgeon to reshape it. The skin is then allowed to grow back naturally.

Your eye surgeon will determine which is the most suitable and beneficial treatment for you. LASIK is perhaps the most commonly carried out option within the US.

Laser cataract surgery

Lasers are also utilized for cataract surgery. This is the most advanced form of the procedure, with treatment for astigmatism often carried out concurrently. Cataract surgery involves removing the diseased lens and replacing it with a new one. This is called an intraocular lens or IOL. The most advanced IOLs allow for focusing on both near and distant vision, so require very precise placement within the eye.With laser cataract surgery, the anatomy of the eye is digitally mapped. This is then programmed into the equipment to direct the incision from the laser, the removal of the diseased lens, and the precise placement of the new one.The procedure is safe, quick, and carried out on a day surgery basis. This means minimal time in the doctor’s office and you return home the same day. Cataract surgery is the most commonly carried out operation in the US and around the globe. It takes a few weeks to recover and return to wholly normal life, but many people experience dramatically improved vision within days or even hours. If you need cataract surgery on both eyes, you’ll need two separate procedures at least six weeks apart.

Want the Ultimate in Laser Eye Surgery? Contact the WBEC Today

Whether you’re considering laser vision correction or you need laser cataract surgery, the ultimate service can be found at the West Boca Eye Center. Head clinician, Brent Bellotte MD., is a world-leading surgeon who’s been pivotal in bringing some of the most cutting-edge laser eye surgery treatments to the mainstream.As such, his Boca Raton-based, academic-grade clinic provides laser eye surgery procedures that are often not available elsewhere. Interested in finding out more? Head to https://modern-cataract-surgery-2.webflow.io/services/laser-cataract-surgery and get in touch today for more details.