Treatments

Our Treatments

At Optilase, in order to provide you with the best possible laser eye surgery, we have invested heavily in the latest technologies allowing us to bring you the best available choice of surgery options.

We provide both LASIK and LASEK treatments, and with each, offer you the choice of either Premier or the market leading Advanced WaveFront Treatment.

We have also incorporated two new procedures: Cataract Surgery and Implantable Contact Lenses.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) or 'IK' for short, is the most common procedure and the treatment of choice for patients with higher prescriptions. The process works by reshaping the cornea at the front of your eye by creating a tiny flap, using the laser to make the necessary adjustments to your eye and then replacing the flap. The key advantages of IK are that it requires less time for recovery, and most patients report feeling very little discomfort.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) or 'EK', is available for patients for whom IK is not a suitable procedure. The decision is usually made in consultation with your Optilase Optometrist or Surgeon. The procedure uses the laser to reshape the cornea but first the skin on the eye is loosened and then gently shaped before the laser sculpts the necessary adjustments. While the results of the procedure are similar to IK, the recover time can be a few days longer and a clear protective contact a lens needs to be worn for up to 5 day after the procedure.

With both the IK and EK treatments, you have the choice of either Premier or Advanced WaveFront Treatment.

Premier Treatment is based on your existing prescription and the eye exam carried out by your Optometrist or surgeon before surgery. The Premier Treatment provides results equivalent to your current sight prescription for the majority of patients.

The Advanced WaveFront Treatment takes advantage of the latest advances in laser technology. Your eye is first scanned by our laser to generate an incredibly accurate map of your cornea. With this additional information your Surgeon can make even more refined adjustments resulting in even greater results. The benefits of Advanced WaveFront are that it delivers the most individualised method of treatment available.

97% of our patients achieve 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses after having the Advanced WaveFront Treatment.

CATARACT PROCEDURE It is estimated that half of people aged 65 and over will develop a cataract at some stage in their lifetime. The aim of Cataract Surgery at Optilase is to restore clear vision and, in the majority of cases, it will remove the need for both distance and reading glasses.

What is a Cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye. This interferes with the passage of light rays, resulting in a general dimming of vision. It can be likened to looking through a dirty camera lens. The condition becomes worse over time as the cloudiness increases.

What is Cataract Surgery? Cataract Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and involves removing the cataract by emulsifying the lens by ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and replacing it with a small plastic lens.

Cataract Treatment Our comprehensive surgeon will assess your general health and undertake a comprehensive eye examination. Assuming a satisfactory outcome you will be offered surgery, which can take place soon afterwards. Cataract Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to sign an Agreement/Consent Form which summarises the surgical procedure, lists potential risks/complications and informs you of the options and alternatives available. A local anaesthetic will be given so that you will not feel anything. The area around the eye is cleansed and your face covered with a sterile drape. The eyelid is held open and surgery is carried out under the microscope while you are fully awake. The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and stitches are not normally necessary. You can usually remain in your own clothes throughout the procedure and walk into and out of the theatre. For safety reasons it is common to treat one eye at a time. This can be arranged to coincide with your one week or three month aftercare visit.

After Treatment You willl need to rest at the clinic for about an hour. Medical staff will give you some eye drops and explain how to use them to clean your eye. You will also be given written instructions to take home and a clear shield to cover the treated eye for 24 hours after the operation. You will need a friend or carer to help you get home and also to bring you to your aftercare examinations.

Possible Side Effects The risk of complication during or after Cataract treatment is very low. However, as with all surgery, problems can occur. There is a small but unavoidable risk of infection but this is minimised by the full sterile theatre conditions.

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) If you are unsuitable for laser eye surgery, there is another treatment option available at Optilase for you to consider. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) are used for the correction of very severe levels of short sight, long sight and astigmatism and can restore optimum vision. With the exception of some eye diseases, most people will be suitable for ICL and it may also be possible to treat those with Kerataconus but a perfect result is unlikely, only improved vision.

What is an ICL? ICL (or lens implants) is similar to a small 'contact lens' which is placed inside the eye instead of sitting on the surface. Benefits include pain free treatment with rapid recovery and increased clarity of vision.

Refractive Lens Exchange, Clear Lens Exchange For older people already requiring glasses, RLE or CLE may be preferable. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one of the correct power for the elimination of glasses. The procedure is identical to a cataract operation and will avoid the future necessity of cataract removal. Multi-focal lenses are available which may give good distance and near vision, thus removing the need for reading glasses.

The Consultation ICL treatment at Optilase is performed by our experienced surgeons. An initial consultation will confirm your suitability and determine the strength of lens required. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the lenses will be made to your exact specifications and will be ready in four to six weeks.

Treatment The procedure is performed in a specialist ophthalmic theatre. You will require a local anaesthetic (injection) to numb the eye and antibiotic eye drops are administered 30 minutes before the anaesthetic to help prevent infection during surgery.

After Treatment You will be able to go home on the same day and it is essential that you have someone to accompany you. You are free to leave the clinic as soon as you feel able, with padding over the eye to prevent infection. Visual recovery is rapid, with noticeable improvement within a day or two. You should be able to drive and be back to work within two weeks of the procedure. You will need to be seen again on the day after surgery, so an overnight stay at a local hotel may be desirable. Aftercare visits are required after one and three months, then as directed by the surgeon.

Possible Side Effects There is a small but unavoidable risk of infection but this is minimised by the full sterile theatre conditions. There is also a small possibility of damage to the structure of the eye, which could lead to Cataracts, Glaucoma, Retinal complications, corneal decomposition and rejection. Severely short-sighted people often have other eye problems such as damaged retinas and progressively deteriorating eyesight. ICL cannot help or stop these associated conditions. In the event of complications, lens implants are potentially reversible.

Age 60 Years or Over? Lens implants are unsuitable for people aged 60 years and over or anyone developing Cataracts. Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) may be a preferable option for those nearer the age of Cataract formation. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial lens of the correct power for the elimination of glasses. This procedure is also conducted by the surgeon and is the same as Cararact surgery. Multifocal lenses are available, which can give good disance and near vision.

Consultation and Treatment Treatment takes place approximately four to six weeks after consultation as the lenses are manufactured to your exact specifications. You will not be able to drive for up to two weeks after treatment.

Contact Optilase today on 01 6030905 to book your initial free consultation.