Why Laser Eye Surgery is Fast Becoming the Nation's Favorite
Much of the population suffer from some kind of visual impairment, usually either long or short sightedness. Until recently, wearing glasses or contact lenses were the only options economically available to most people, but now the increase in popularity in laser surgery has meant that perfect vision has become increasingly good value.
Unlike glasses and contacts, more people are going under the knife, or laser, in an attempt to improve their eyesight as, unlike other alternatives, it can give patients absolutely perfect eyesight without the need for any day-to-day maintenance or care.
eyelaser is the most popular form of laser treatment in the UK, and was developed in the 60s. A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner layers of the cornea. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser, the surgeon gently replaces the flap and align it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely'. Afterwards, the incision is sealed closed again and, after a few minutes, the entire procedure is usually complete. It corrects the impairment by essentially altering the way the eye focuses, so that both eyes are matched in their focal lengths and depths. However, eye surgery patients should always be made aware that the procedure may not last their entire life, as the lenses in the eye change with age too, so there is always a chance that another operation may be required in later life.
Thanks to regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council, the Eye Laser Association and the International Medical Advisory Board, which includes many of the world's leading surgeons and strives to keep surgeons up to date with medical developments, laser eye surgery is a very safe procedure. Like any surgery though, there is still a small chance that there may be minor complications, like dry eyes, for example.
In the UK, laser surgery is rarely available on the National Health Service, as it is usually classified as a non-essential medical procedure, but there are many private practices and clinics that a GP should be able to recommend, and likewise the Royal College of Ophthalmology can provide a list of recommend laser eye surgeons.
Many eye surgeons are now actually taking the next step in corrective surgery by using VISX lasers to operate with. VISX are considered to be the most technologically advanced lasers that can be used in eye surgery and offer even better precision than usual lasers, with an accuracy that is the equivalent of 1/200th of a human hair.
If you are thinking of undergoing laser eye surgery review all of the options available first, always go for a consultation beforehand and research any possible side effects or risks before you go through with it.