Eye laser treatment

The laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure to correct the defective eyes, so that you can see clearly again – without optical aids. There are several surgical procedures, the most common form of laser eye surgery treatment is: LASIK. Eye laser treatment is simple, fast, safe and virtually painless – meaning that immediate afterwards – without a long healing process – you have good vision.

SORT OF EYE LASER TREATMENTS

Depending on the structure of your eyes, together with your treating physician, you will decide which method is the right one for you. Your personal life style will also flow in the direction of the matching method.

In addition to the LASIK method, CARE Vision offers the PRK/LASEK method. For more details about this type of treatment, please see the respective information pages.

Upon deciding to undergo a laser eye treatment, it is important that you feel you´re being taken care of. At CARE Vision our first priority is for you to have a reliable and expert advice.

LASIK TREATMENT

LASIK is at the moment the most common form of laser eye surgery. The procedure is performed in an outpatient basis and lasts a few minutes. After anesthetic eye drops are administered, a tiny-hinged flap of tissue is cut, the so-called flap. The flap will be gently lifted and the actual laser begins. The laser will reshape the corneal tissue correcting your vision. When the procedure is completed, your surgeon will meticulously replace the corneal flap and gently smooth it into place.

PRK/LASEK TREATMENT

PRK/LASEK is a painless laser treatment for permanent treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The treatment is especially suitable as an alternative to LASIK for particularly thin corneas.

This procedure involves removal of the top layer of the cornea – the epithelium and then reshaping the cornea with the laser. A bandage contact lens is placed and the epithelium is then allowed to regenerate.

Treatment Glaucoma

There are several different treatments for glaucoma, including eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. The best treatment for you will depend on your circumstances.

Treatment can’t reverse any loss of vision that has already occurred, but it can help stop your vision getting any worse.

Your treatment plan

Your treatment will largely depend on which type of glaucoma you have. The most common type, primary open angle glaucoma, is usually treated with eye drops. Laser treatment or surgery may be offered if drops don’t help.

Treatment for other types of glaucoma may include:

• Primary angle closure glaucoma – immediate treatment in hospital with medication to reduce the pressure in the eye, followed by laser treatment
• Secondary glaucoma – eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, depending on the underlying cause
• Childhood glaucoma – surgery to correct the problem in the eye that led to the build-up of fluid and pressure

You’ll also be advised to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your eyes and check that treatment is working. Most clinics have an eye clinic liaison officer who you’ll be in contact with. It’s important not to miss any of these appointments.

The main treatments are described below.

Eye drops

Eye drops are the main treatment for glaucoma. There are several different types that can be used, but they all work by reducing the pressure in your eyes.

They’re normally used between 1 and 4 times a day. It’s important to use them as directed, even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your vision. Your sight is at risk if you don’t stick to the recommended treatment.

You may need to try several types before you find the one that works best for you. Sometimes you may need to use more than one type at a time.

Eye drops can cause unpleasant side effects, such as eye irritation, and some aren’t suitable for people with certain underlying conditions.

How to apply eye drops

To apply eye drops:

• Use your finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid
• Hold the bottle over your eye and allow a single drop to fall into the pocket you have created in your lower eyelid
• Close your eye and keep it closed for a few minutes

If you’re using different types of eye drops, allow at least 5 minutes between using the different types.

After you have put in the eye drops, gently press in the inside corner of the eye (over the eyelid) for about a minute. This reduces the drainage of the eye drop from the eye, which helps to increase its effect. It also helps to reduce any side effects.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment may be recommended if eye drops don’t improve your symptoms.

This is where a high-energy beam of light is carefully aimed at part of your eye to stop fluid building up inside it.

Types of laser treatment include:

• Laser trabeculoplasty – a laser is used to open up the drainage tubes within your eye, which allows more fluid to drain out and reduces the pressure inside
• Cyclodiode laser treatment – a laser is used to destroy some of the eye tissue that produces the liquid, which can reduce pressure in the eye
• Laser iridotomy – a laser is used to create holes in your iris to allow fluid to drain from your eye

How to get rid of red eyes

Because red eye have so many causes (including some that are serious and require immediate attention), you should see an eye doctor right away if you have red, bloodshot eyes — especially if the redness comes on suddenly and is associated with discomfort or blurred vision.

Also, see your eye doctor before using “red eye remover” eye drops. These drops may contain drugs called vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels. Making blood vessels on the sclera smaller will whiten your eyes, but if you use red eye remover drops frequently over a period of time, you may start needing to use them more often to keep red eye from coming back. And you might experience more severe red eye if you stop using the drops.

For the best and safest way to get rid of red eyes, see your eye doctor to determine the cause of your bloodshot eyes and receive the most effective treatment options.

Until you can see your eye doctor about your red eye problem, remove your contact lenses (if you wear them) and wear your glasses instead. And bring your contacts with you to your appointment so your doctor can evaluate whether your contact lenses are causing your red eyes.

You also may want to moisten your eyes frequently with preservative-free lubricating eye drops until you can see your eye doctor.

Laser eye surgery procedure

5 simple steps

We usually operate on both eyes on the same day. However, as a safety precaution Centre for Sight ensures that each eye is treated as a separate procedure with separately sterilised instruments and new disposable instruments.

Step 1 – Anaesthetic drops given to numb the eye

Before your procedure numerous checks are performed and we always verify that your treatment plan matches correctly with your test results. The laser is calibrated and disposable instrumentation prepared.

Step 2 – IntraLasik_creating-the-flap

Numbing eye drops are used along with strong antibiotics to prevent infection. The area around the eye is cleaned thoroughly with a disinfectant and to prevent the eye from closing during the procedure a special eyelid holder is used. During laser eye surgery you will be asked to look as steadily as you can at the centre of a flashing red light.

Step 3 – IntraLasik_lifting-the-flap

The Intralase femtosecond laser is initially used to create the corneal flaps at the exact dimensions and depth needed.

Step 4 – IntraLasik_reshaping_the_cornea

Next the laser bed will automatically move to the Excimer laser. The eye is recognised using iris recognition technology to ensure accurate eye tracking and precise delivery. After carefully lifting the flap, the laser will rapidly reshape the inner cornea according to your own unique prescription.

Step 5 Flap is replaced back in place and smoothed to complete the procedure

Once the laser reshaping is completed the flap is replaced and allowed to dry. Drops are used to prevent infection.

What Facts Should You Know About Eye Pain?

• Eye pain is often described as burning, sharp, shooting, dull, gritty, a feeling of “something in my eye,” aching, pressure, boring, throbbing, or stabbing. People sometimes confuse pain originating from the eye with other symptoms, such as a headache, sinus pain, toothache, or a migraine.
• Seek emergency medical care for eye pain if you’ve experienced a chemical or flash burn, a traumatic event, or have accompanying vision loss.
• Treatment depends upon the cause of the eye pain.

Eye pain is a very common reason for people to seek medical care from their family doctor or an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

What Symptoms and Signs May Be Associated With Eye Pain?

Pain is a variable measure. Each person may interpret pain differently. Discomfort in the temple area or the forehead is often due to tensing of the facial muscles after use of the eyes for close work. This is commonly known as eye strain and is usually not associated with any eye disease.

Other symptoms often described by those experiencing pain in and around the eye include the following:

• Partial or complete loss of vision
• Extreme light sensitivity
• Tearing
• Double vision
• Halos (colored circles or halos around lights)
• New floaters (spots, strings, cobwebs, or shadows seen before the eyes)
• Limitation of normal eye movement
• Pain with movement of the eye in different directions
• Sensation of flashes or streaks of light
• Severe headache associated with eye pain