As the ageing process takes hold and we are unceremoniously propelled – often most ungraciously and indeed ungracefully - into our 40s, (yes, middle age!) one thing we could always be pretty certain of was that our bodies would slowly begin to creak and ache, and with it our eyesight would inevitably diminish, making the once simple pleasure of reading a book nothing but a troublesome chore.
 
Whilst we at Optilase would of course love nothing more than to be able to offer the complete cure for all of those aches and pains which are an unfortunate, yet inevitable, by-product of ageing, what we can offer is a wonderful, reading vision treatment (Presbia microlens, to be precise), which will allow you to free yourself of reading glasses forever!
 
Imagine? No reading glasses ever again. Just think about it. Instead of spending half your day (well, am I right?) searching high and low for those magically disappearing reading glasses - muttering under your breath as your search becomes more and more frantic, until you finally give up looking altogether out of sheer frustration – this simple, painless, 10-minute treatment offered at Optilase Dublin, can free you from your reading glasses for good!
 
The treatment itself is specifically designed for those suffering from presbyopia, which is essentially a medical term for age-related long sightedness. Affecting people as they hit their forties and middle age, this ailment is caused by the hardening of the lens in the eye, which prevents the eye from adjusting and bringing close up objects into focus. The result is that sufferers end up having to hold an object at arm’s length just to be able to see it clearly. (Oh and by the way, there are over 1.7bn people worldwide and approximately 23m people in Britain alone who suffer from presbyopia, so you are certainly not alone!)
 

Reclaim your visual freedom of years gone by. 
The Presbia treatment helps rejuvenate your near vision.
 
In terms of how it works, the procedure involves implanting a tiny, prescriptive Presbia microlens lens (tiny as in one quarter the thickness of a single human hair), into a small pocket in the cornea of the patient’s non- dominant eye. This pocket seals itself, holding the tiny lens perfectly in place. The microlens is invisible in the eye, and is as easy to remove and replace (should the patient require a more powerful lens at some stage in the future), as it is to install in the first place.
 
Optilase also offers Kamra Vision treatment, a very similar form of treatment for presbyopia. This method involves placing a tiny ring (which has a hole in the middle of it) under the surface of the cornea, directly over the centre of the pupil. Again, a painless, 10 minute treatment that makes reading glasses a thing of the past!
 
(Oh and by the way, you will be interested to hear that a number of very well known people including model and presenter, Celia Holman Lee, television presenter Pamela Ballantine, and Northern Ireland football legend Gerry Armstrong, have all had their vision (and their lives), completely transformed by choosing the corneal inlay treatment cure for presbyopia....and the only thing they regret is not having had it done sooner!)
 
To find out if you are a suitable candidate for this life-changing procedure contact Optilase today on +353 1 223 8821 or fill out the green contact form above right. See the Difference with Optilase!

Article written by Alan Shanley

No matter what aspect of our lives we focus on, we are always looking for more convenience, simply to allow us to be more productive in our daily lives; it’s just a natural thing for us curious human beings to constantly seek progress, and it is essentially what distinguishes one generation from another. Cars, technology, food, travel....take absolutely anything you care to think of and you can be sure that with each passing generation, things will only get better!

Eye care is no exception in this regard and we are now at a point where the most sophisticated laser eye surgery - a genuinely life changing and painless (both financially and physically speaking!) procedure - is now very readily available to a much greater audience than ever before.....and you know, there are even a number of celebrities who have come through our own doors here at Optilase Dublin!

Think of the name Donal Og Cusack and you will automatically think hurling goalkeeper, hurling legend (followed no doubt by an assumption that - given his passion was for standing on a goal line waiting to try and stop a ball travelling at a speed of around 100 miles per hour – there was absolutely no way that he could have had anything other than 20/20 vision). Well, believe it or not, Donal Og actually wore glasses and contact lenses, something which was clearly not ideal for a shot stopper on a hurling field. After years of struggling with dry eyes and irritation caused by contact lenses, he eventually reached a point where the only viable option was to undergo laser eye surgery and so, along he came to meet with us here in Optilase Dublin. After being deemed suitable and subsequently undergoing the laser surgery treatment, the benefits for Donal Og were enormous – full and uninterrupted vision with no risk of irritation, meant that he could concentrate solely on his game during a match – as opposed to also having to deal with vision issues, caused by problems with his contact lenses.

Another very well known Irish celebrity, who underwent laser eye treatment with Optilase recently is Irish model, Roz Purcell. Again, Roz is not someone you would associate with eye wear, but in fact for many years, she wore (and greatly struggled with) glasses and contact lenses, causing her much heartache in the process. Hardly surprising really; after all, as a professional model, looks are pretty important, right? Yes, they most certainly are and as a result, trying not to squint to even read auto cues and scripts was really not an ideal scenario, and one which made working life extremely difficult for Roz. As a result, just like Donal Og, she met with Optilase Dublin for a free consultation, to see whether laser eye surgery would be a suitable option for her eyes. Thankfully, it was and having now undergone the procedure, she has never looked back since. Roz now has 20/20 vision and is so much more at ease in her job that...well, let’s just say there is no chance of her ever stumbling over auto-cues, or having to squint to read!

Finally, (yes, I know we are name dropping now but only because we know you will want to know some celebrity gossip!) you have heard of Celia Holman Lee, right? Yes of course you have – famous model, TV presenter, fashion stylist and all round outstanding business woman. Well, just like Roz, Celia had found that wearing glasses and contact lenses in the busy, fast paced, glamorous world of modelling, was extremely difficult at the best of times. Again, Celia decided that the time had come to enquire about laser eye surgery, because she felt that what she really needed was a long term solution which would give her more confidence in her working life. Following an initial appointment with us to determine her suitability for laser eye treatment, Celia embraced the process from start to finish and simply couldn’t wait to experience perfect 20/20 vision....which is exactly what has happened!

To find out if you are a suitable candidate for this life-changing procedure contact Optilase today on +353 1 223 8821 or fill out the green contact form above right. See the Difference with Optilase!

Article written by Alan Shanley

As we age, the realisation dawns that everything we read about eating healthy foods for the good of our bodies is actually true. When we are young we feel immortal, but as our bodies and our eyesight begin to deteriorate, we understand that we need to fuel and nourish ourselves to stave off the effects of ageing for as long as possible.

Age-related eye diseases, like cataracts and even macular degeneration will cause impaired vision in older adults, so by making some lifestyle changes now we can help avoid or possibly prevent certain eye issues later.
The incidences of type II diabetes are on the rise in Ireland, and with it the disease brings a hugely increased risk of vision difficulties. Adopting a healthy diet will help people avoid diabetes, and simple things like protecting eyes against strong sunlight; quitting smoking and getting regular check-ups will help you maximise your eye health. The food we eat impacts our overall health as well as our vision, and some simple changes can make all the difference.

Fruit and Vegetables packed with goodness

Eat plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables for optimum eye health, as a diet that iss high in saturated fats and refined sugar will increase the risk of eye disease, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration- all of these conditions have been shown to occur less frequently in people who eat diets rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein.

Dark leafy green veg like kale, and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables contain a high level of antioxidants, which protect your eyes by reducing damage related to oxidizing agents (free radicals) that can cause age-related eye diseases.

The Vitamin C in citrus fruits, like lemon or grapefruit, helps keep eyes young and healthy by protecting some parts of the eye against damage caused by ultraviolet light.

Lutein, found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, is one of the best known eye-protecting antioxidants. Sweet corn, peas, and broccoli also contain large amounts of lutein.

Vitamin A, vital for healthy vision, is found in orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots and squash. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant.

The best way to get the nutrition you need is from food, but some people find supplements are a good way to augment their diet; choosing ones that contain essential fatty acids and vitamin E can help maintain vision.

Eat whole grains and cereals- avoid refined white flour. Whole grains contain lots of fibre, which slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars and starches. Fibre will also make you feel full, which makes it easier to limit the amount of calories you consume. Experts suggest that at least half of your daily grains and cereals be 100 percent whole grains.

Healthy fats are the ones you need- the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil help to prevent dry eyes and possibly cataracts. Eat fish or seafood twice weekly, or take flax oil every day.

Remember that fat content and cooking methods are what make proteins healthy or unhealthy. Choose lean meats, fish, nuts, legumes and eggs for your proteins. Most meats and seafood also are excellent sources of zinc, and eggs are a good source of lutein.

High sodium intake may add to your risk of cataract formation so keep an eye on your salt consumption and stay below 2,000 mg of sodium each day.

Proper hydration is vital; drink lots of water or try 100% vegetable juices, fruit juices and non-caffeinated herbal teas. Proper hydration also may reduce irritation from dry eyes.

Vision Supplements

Many studies have shown that nutritional supplements can help prevent certain age-related eye diseases.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) tested a dietary supplement combination of vitamin C, beta carotene (the precursor of vitamin A), vitamin E and zinc, and the effect of this combination on macular degeneration. Results showed that people at risk for the disease were less likely to develop advanced macular degeneration when they took this formulation of supplements.

Researchers found that daily multivitamins and B vitamin supplements, especially folic acid and vitamin B12, reduced the risk of cataract formation in study participants. Results also showed that taking omega-3 fatty acids daily reduced the risk of cataracts.

The large amounts of nutrients used in these studies can be difficult to obtain by diet alone, so you can add the following supplements to your diet for optimal eye health.

• Daily multivitamin
• 500 milligrams of vitamin C
• 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E
• 15 milligrams of beta carotene
• 80 milligrams of zinc
• 2 milligrams of copper
• B complex supplement with 400 micrograms of folic acid
• 2500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids

If you are concerned about your vision, why not book a free consultation with Optilase and see if laser eye surgery can help. To book an appointment at the clinic nearest you, just call
+353 1 223 8821 or contact us using the green web form above right.

A comprehensive study carried out last year by Bayer found that 56% of Irish people wear glasses, while a further 8% chose to wear contact lenses, meaning that almost two thirds of the population has an eye condition that requires corrective lenses.

The compiled data also discovered that 32% of glasses wearers have being doing so for over ten years.

Glasses and contact lenses are used to treat the most common eyesight problems in Ireland, which are also known as refractive errors.

Refractive errors relate to how light bends in the eye and if the natural shape of the eye causes light to bend inaccurately, a refractive error is present and vision appears blurred.

At Optilase, Laser Eye Surgery is Ireland’s most popular alternative to glasses or contact lenses as the procedure offers those with refractive errors, life without lenses.

Short sightedness

Short sightedness or myopia is one of the world’s most common eyesight problems that is can be corrected with Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase.

Short sightedness affects distance vision so that objects far away appear out of focus.

The cornea which is a clear, transparent layer at the front of the eye is often too curved in those with short sightedness.

When light enters the eye, the cornea bends light too sharply causing is to land in front of the retina at the back of the eye.

Long sightedness

Long sightedness or hyperopia affects near vision making it difficult to read or focus on fine detail at close range.

Usually present at birth, the condition worsens after the age of 40 when the lens loses its ability to change shape.

Long sightedness can be caused by a cornea that is too flat which results in light landing behind the retina.

Laser Eye Surgery increases the gradient of the cornea so that light lands directly on the retina and clear near vision is established.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition that is often present alongside short or long sightedness, but it can also be effectively treated with Laser Eye Surgery.

The natural shape of the cornea should be spherical, resembling a football, but in some instances it can develop in an oval shape, like a rugby ball.

In this instance, astigmatism is present and incoming light rays are dispersed in the eye causing them to land on various focal points at the back of the eye.

To find out more about Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase for common eyesight problems, schedule a free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

For absolute accuracy and a truly individualized approach to Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, patients have the option of undergoing a 100% customised correction with a CustomVue WaveFront procedure.

Laser Eye Surgery corrects refractive errors that cause blurred vision by reshaping the cornea at the front of the eye.

Refractive errors are also known as lower order aberrations and include short sightedness (myopia), long sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, are found in the cornea.

However, like fingerprints, no two corneas are the same which is why sometimes there can be more than a single lower aberration present.

In these instances, the entire surface of the cornea can be effectively corrected with CustomVue WaveFront at Optilase to eliminate lower and higher order aberrations.

Diagnosing your vision errors

All patients of Optilase will undergo a free eye consultation to evaluate their eligibility for Laser Eye Surgery and whether their eyesight prescription would be more suited to a WaveFront correction.

To identify the extent of aberrations in the cornea, it will be scanned thoroughly using a WaveScan device at Optilase.

WaveScan technology is unique in that it can identify imperfections in each eye 25 times more accurately than a routine eye exam.

By scanning for vision errors from the centre of your cornea to its outer edge, WaveScan technology has the ability to recreate an exact map of your cornea and its individual errors.

Mapping out your Laser Eye Surgery

Patients will experience no discomfort during the WaveScan procedure as it only involves projecting a beam of light into the eye for a mere few seconds.

This beam of light undergoes the normal refraction process in the eye when it passes through the cornea, lens and eye fluid to reach the retina.

When the beam is reflected back from the retina to the WaveScan device, it contains all relevant data about how the eye treats incoming light.

This data is then translated to create a complex map of your cornea surface in each eye so that a tailored programme of Laser Eye Surgery can be created.

Computer-controlled correction

The exact nature and extent of errors present in each cornea as outlined from the WaveScan are programmed into a computer-controlled Excimer Laser, which is the type of laser that contours the surface of cornea to eliminate all aberrations.

The procedure lasts no longer than Standard LASIK at Optilase, allowing for patients who undergo WaveFront to experience perfect near and distance vision in 30 minutes.

To find out more about WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, book your free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

Can you imagine taking off your glasses and never having to put them back on again?

After years of tolerating glasses, making the move to permanent vision correction using Laser Eye Surgery is life-changing.

Often it is carrying out the small, everyday tasks without issue - such as showering and being able to distinguish shampoo from conditioner (we’ve all been there) - that will have you wondering why you didn’t opt for Laser Eye Surgery years ago.

At Optilase, you can give your eyesight the royal treatment with WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery which creates an intricate map of each cornea to outline the exact nature of your vision error so that it can be effectively treated.

Your exact refractive error

At your optician, you will have been prescribed lenses that are measured in diopters (D), which reflect your optical power in each eye.

Depending on your refractive error (myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism) you will wear lenses that will correct your vision.

However, glasses and contact lenses are prescribed in 0.25D increments which can result in you wearing lenses that do not match your exact refractive error.

WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase uses technology to measure your exact refractive error and is capable of performing corneal corrections in 0.01D increments, making for incredibly accurate results.

Transform your vision with WaveFront

The sophisticated laser technology used during WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery delivers a complex ablation pattern to each suited to individual specifications.

WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase delivers precision vision correction to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, while also offering a range of other benefits to patients:

Improved Contrast Sensitivity: Those who have difficulty distinguishing objects in low levels of light can expect a significant improvement in their night vision as well as a reduction in any glare, haloes or starbursts around sources of light.

20/20 Vision: Optilase patients who undergo WaveFront are more likely to benefit from 20/20 vision or better after surgery, making for incredible vision at any distance.

Better Vision Clarity: WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery creates unprecedented visual acuity and vision clarity in patients.

Long-term results: Since WaveFront treats the entire surface of each cornea and corrects an array of vision defects, it is unlikely further treatment will be required by patients.

To find out more about WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery, schedule your free eye consultation at Optilase on +353 1 223 8821.

If you have been thinking about Laser Eye Surgery, but fear the idea of anything going near your eye, you can relax knowing that at Optilase you can chose blade-free vision correction.

IntraLase vision correction at Optilase is an entirely bladeless procedure that corrects common refractive errors including short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism.

These refractive errors usually develop in the cornea, which is a clear dome-shaped layer of tissue at the front of the eye.

Those who have 20/20 vision have so because their cornea is perfectly round and curved.

If you need glasses or contact lenses, it often is because the curve of the cornea is too steep or too flat. In cases of astigmatism, the cornea is irregularly shaped.

IntraLase vision correction

The majority of Laser Eye Surgery procedures at Optilase require the creation of a corneal flap.

IntraLase differs from other procedures in how the corneal flap is created using a Femtosecond Laser.

Pressurized air infiltrates the cornea to produce a layer of microscopic air bubbles at a predetermined depth to separate the outer layer of the cornea from the inner layer, where vision is corrected.

This painless and bladeless incision only takes 15 seconds per eye and can even be performed on patients with thin corneas as the depth of incision can be altered.

The corneal flap is then lifted aside to allow for a patient’s eyesight to be corrected using an Excimer Laser.

An Excimer Laser removes tiny amounts of corneal tissue to instantly create 20/20 vision or better.

IntraLase advantages

IntraLase uses the latest techniques and advanced technology to make Laser Eye Surgery minimally invasive for Optilase patients.

The innovative procedure offers a range of added benefits over standard procedures, in that there is a significantly lower risk of corneal flap complications or infections thanks to the use of the Femtosecond Laser.

IntraLase allows for increased surgical precision while delivering an exact prescription correction in each eye, and is suitable for those with thin corneas.

The IntraLase procedure enables patients to choose customized vision correction with minimal recovery time required.

For more information on the IntraLase procedure at Optilase, arrange your free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

Most people just think of their pupil as a simple a black dot in the centre of each eye that changes shape every now and again.

While this is true, the pupil actually plays a significant role in determining whether you are suitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

How does pupil size play a role in patient selection for Laser Eye Surgery?

The true size of your pupil can only be determined when its pupillary response to different levels of light is measured.

Constriction of the pupil (miosis) and the dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) are two key measurements that are taken during your free Laser Eye Surgery consultation at Optilase to decide whether a person can undergo treatment.

Why pupil size matters in Laser Eye Surgery

The normal pupil size in adults in bright light is approximately 2-4mm wide, whereas in darkness the pupil can expand to 4-8mm.

If Standard Laser Eye Surgery is performed on patients with larger pupils, it can cause complications post-surgery when the pupil may dilate wider than the zone of treatment.

This can cause light to reflect or bend incorrectly which can reduce the quality of eyesight clarity and/or create problems with colour vision.

There is also a greater chance of night vision being affected in patients with large pupils, which can cause glare, halos or starbursts to appear around light sources in low light environments.

WaveFront Laser Eye Surgery

WaveFront is a form of Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase that can be used on patients that have larger-than-average pupils, as the software used can accommodate for pupils up to 9mm wide without compromising on surgery outcomes.

The WaveFront procedure begins with an in-depth WaveScan being carried out on the corneal surface when the pupil is fully dilated.

This WaveScan creates a 3D map which outlines where the exact correction needs to take place on each cornea.

Corrective treatment is then carefully programmed into a computer-controlled Excimer Laser which performs the correction to each eye, while taking into consideration pupil size.

By accommodating for a greater pupil size using the latest technology, WaveFront at Optilase can create clear vision without compromising on colour vision or night vision.

For more information on WaveFront, arrange your free Laser Eye Surgery consultation at Optilase on +353 1 223 8821.

If you are currently relying on glasses in order to see clearly, you probably find it a bit tiresome. Misplacing them or breaking them leaves you vulnerable; especially if you’re travelling. People who need glasses to see feel quite helpless without them.

If you are ready to call time on your days needing glasses and transform not only your eyesight, but your entire outlook on life, then Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase is the clear option for you.

If you are short sighted, take a moment to consider waking up and seeing everything around you exactly as is without having to reach for your glasses.

Alternatively, if you are long sighted, consider never having to search high and low for your glasses so you can sit down and relax with the newspaper or your favourite book.

With Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, clear, uninterrupted vision can be restored in less than half an hour so you never have to rely on lenses ever again.

Different Laser Eye Surgery options

At Optilase there are a number of different variants of Laser Eye Surgery available to cater for a variety of vision needs and personal preferences.

During your free consultation the procedure that best suits your needs will be determined after a thorough eye examination.

Once you are deemed to be a suitable candidate for the Laser Eye Surgery, you will be able to explore the options available to you at Optilase.

Depending on the structure of your eye and the type of vision error you suffer from, you will be informed as to whether LASIK, PRK, CustomVue WaveFront or IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery is right for you.

LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomileusis)

The LASIK procedure involves a corneal flap being created using a Femtosecond Laser and an Excimer Laser being used to reshape a patient’s cornea.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Rather than creating a corneal flap, the outer layer of the cornea is removed for surgery using an Ethanol solution. The correction then takes place as in LASIK, but healing time is slightly longer.

CustomVue WaveFront

A 3D scanner generates a map of each cornea and their individual errors which are then corrected using the Excimer Laser.

IntraLase

This is the most advanced version of Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase that uses a Femtosecond Laser that pulsates at incredible speed to create remarkable results with minimal impact on the eyes.

Suitability for Laser Eye Surgery

During your free consultation at Optilase you will be assessed as to whether you are a suitable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery.

Eligibility for Laser Eye Surgery depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of your cornea and the size of your pupils when dilated, the severity of your refractive error as well as your general health.

To find out more about Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, schedule a free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.

If you have been squinting or straining to see things in the distance clearly, it is time to get your eyesight checked at Optilase and explore the world of laser vision correction.

For long-term glasses wearers when you struggle to see clearly even when wearing your favourite pair of specs, it can be a signal that your prescription has yet again increased.

This can only mean one thing – new glasses to add to your already impressive collection that you have acquired over the years.

When you add it up, eye test + lenses + frames + additional extras, you can soon find yourself out of pocket to the tune of hundreds of Euros or more because you are unlucky enough to have poor eyesight.

If you’ve had enough of lenses, you can chose to trade in your glasses for good and enjoy the lifelong benefits that Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase offers those with short sightedness.

What exactly is short sightedness?

Myopia or short sightedness is one of the most common eyesight problems in Ireland.

When a person is unable to see objects in the distance clearly, it is causes by a refractive error in the eye.

A refractive error relates to how light is changed in the eye to allow a person to see.

In order to see clearly, light must land directly on the retina but those with short sightedness often have a cornea that is too steep or an eyeball that is too long.

Either of these scenarios is the refractive error which causes incoming light being focused in front of on the retina.

Correcting your short sightedness at Optilase

Short sightedness can vary from being very mild to moderate with a person’s prescription usually increasing with age until the condition eventually stabilizes.

Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase can correct mild to moderate levels of short sightedness.

During your free consultation at any Optilase clinic, you will undergo a thorough eye exam and questionnaire to ensure that you are eligible for Laser Eye Surgery.

The procedure itself sees the cornea being permanently reshaped so that light in the eye can land directly on the retina.

Results are instant with patients enjoying perfect vision immediately after the procedure has taken place.

If you are interested in Laser Eye Surgery, book your free eye consultation on +353 1 223 8821.