Laser Eye Surgery and Medical Conditions

Laser eye surgery can help to correct a number of conditions that impair vision, and in recent years it has become an increasingly popular treatment for myopia, hyperopia (short sight and long sight respectively) and astigmatism. There are also several specific disorders that can be treated safely and effectively with non-laser treatments, including intra-ocular lens implants and ultraviolet light-based procedures. For more information on laser eye surgery treatments visit Ultralase Laser Eye Treatment.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder which causes the cornea - the transparent front part of the eye - to become thinner over time. If left untreated, the cornea becomes conical in shape and can lead to distorted eyesight, increased light sensitivity and "streaky" vision. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and begins during teenage years, stabilising in the 30s and 40s.

While keratoconus can be managed with rigid corrective lenses, they can become uncomfortable to wear due to the bulging of the cornea. Progression of the disease can be halted entirely with a procedure called Corneal Collagen Crosslinking.

With Corneal Collagen Crosslinking, riboflavin eye drops are applied to the eye before being activated with exposure to ultraviolet light, strengthening the collagen links within the cornea. This outpatient procedure is often considered a less invasive alternative to a corneal transplant, which involves a long recovery time.

Cataracts

While the chance of experiencing cataracts becomes higher as people age, they can begin to form at any time of life, sometimes as a result of eye trauma or other conditions such as diabetes. The lens of the eye becomes gradually clouded with protein, causing blurred vision, faded perception of colours and eventually blindness.

Surgery is usually the only treatment option for dealing effectively with cataracts. The procedure involves replacing the natural lens with an artificial one, which then acts as a contact lens within the eye. Multi-focal and accommodating lenses that correct myopia and hyperopia can be used according to the patient's needs.

Intra-ocular lenses

Intra-ocular lenses are essentially contact lenses that are implanted into the eye, and are generally recommended either for patients with extremely high prescription lenses or severe astigmatism. With an Artificial Lens Implant procedure, a small lens is implanted in the eye while the natural lens remains in place, while with Refractive Lens Exchange the natural lens is removed.

Vue+ Microlens

Vue+ is an advanced treatment that implants a microlens in the cornea, which improves the focus of the eyes at a range of distances. Usually, just one eye is treated with advanced femtosecond laser technology, and the treatment reduces or removes the need to use reading glasses.