Also known as ‘custom’ LASIK, Wavefront-guided LASIK tailors the laser eye surgery to specific alterations in a patient’s eye. Your eyes are unique, much like your fingerprints, and Wavefront mapping can chronicle the details minutely.
It’s based on your prescription, but also takes into account corneal curvature and thickness, and applies laser energy in a unique fashion around the periphery of the cornea.
Treats Higher-Order Aberrations
It’s essentially similar to conventional LASIK but has a major added benefit - in addition to treating a patient's basic refractive error; specific alterations in a patient's eye (high order aberrations) can also be treated.
In wavefront-guided LASIK, special mapping is performed before surgery to identify irregularities in the patient's optical system. When these irregularities are severe, they can affect vision quality, contrast sensitivity; night vision; glares and haloes that can sometime occur after conventional laser eye treatment.
When significant irregularities in a patient's wavefront mapping are found, wavefront-guided LASIK can be used, and the treatment will be based on the wavefront-map generated.
Other types of refractive surgery
The type of laser eye surgery you need depends on your particular vision issue; your overall health; underlying medical issues and the thickness of your corneas. Optilase perform a comprehensive consultation to ensure the appropriate treatment recommendation for you.
Advanced surface ablation: There are a variety of other techniques that utilize the excimer laser to reshape the cornea in much the same way as LASIK, but without the creation of a corneal flap.
These are generically termed advanced surface ablation (ASA) and include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK).
All of these techniques involve first removing the most superficial corneal layer (epithelium) and then performing excimer laser ablation.
KAMRA and Presbia are two options for patients with age-related degeneration of their reading vision; both methods involve the placement of a corneal inlay/onlay to eliminate dependence on reading glasses for close vision.
For more information or to book a free Laser Eye Surgery consultation, call Optilase on +353 1 223 8821.
LASIK laser eye surgery to correct a person’s vision has been in use for many years, but it’s always hard to gauge the long-term outcome until enough time has passed. LASIK recipients can rest easy: studies have shown that the surgeries are now safer and more beneficial, with excellent long-term results.
LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that utilizes a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea. Nearsightedness and farsightedness are both caused by distortions in the cornea, so laser surgery is used to correct vision.
A flap is created in the cornea so that a computer-controlled excimer laser can vaporize a portion of the stroma, which is located in the middle of the cornea. The flap is closed again, once the curvature of the cornea has been adjusted to improve vision.
Excellent Results Worldwide
Dr. Marc Werner, an ophthalmologist at the Stahl Eye Centre in New York City, says “We still have lots of people we started on 18 to 19 years ago who are perfect. It’s still a very good procedure with long-term results.”
In a 2008 retrospective study of LASIK procedures, Spanish researchers followed up with 70 patients for 10 years and found that, overall, participants had healthy corneas and that their vision remained accurate.
The procedure has become even better as advances in laser eye surgery and technology have also improved.
Advanced technology and bladeless surgery
In the mid-1990s, surgeons used a surgical blade to create a flap in the cornea; now Optilase Clinics use a femtosecond laser. The laser separates tissues by creating a layer of bubbles, then making an incision to create the flap.
Optilase also conduct a thorough preoperative testing process, monitoring multiple elements of the cornea to ensure LASIK is proper for the patient.
The procedure is approved for adults for adults age 18 and over.
As there are now more long-term studies then were available at the advent of the surgery, the safety and effectiveness of the surgery has been proven worldwide.
To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, or if another procedure may be the solution to your vision problems, you can call Optilase for a free consultation on +353 1 223 8821.
Your body experiences many changes during pregnancy – some are common; some are a bit odd. Many women report changes in their vision as fluctuating hormones; metabolic rate; circulation and fluid retention all affect your eyesight.
The thickness and curvature of the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye through which light is refracted to form an image), can change due to water retention.
This can impact how well you see, even if you wear glasses or contact lenses- it’s should go away after birth and it’s just one of the reasons you shouldn’t get laser eye surgery while pregnant.
Any existing eye conditions can change too; for example diabetics need to be very careful and get frequent eye exams to monitor for diabetic retinopathy, whereas people with glaucoma often notice an improvement in symptoms.
Dry Eyes
Dry, irritated eyes are a common complaint during pregnancy or nursing, which might make contact lenses more difficult to wear. Some over-the-counter solutions are fine to use, but you need to ensure that they do not contain active ingredients that may not be completely safe during pregnancy.
If you use contact lenses, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If that doesn't help, switch to glasses until you have your baby.
Make regular breaks from the computer part of your routine. Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time (during which you may not blink as frequently as usual) can exacerbate the dryness and irritation.
Cause for Concern
Some potentially dangerous conditions can cause specific eye problems during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia; always contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- double vision
- blurry vision
- sensitivity to light
- temporary loss of vision
- seeing spots or flashing lights
Once you have finished breastfeeding and are not planning on becoming pregnant anytime soon, you can establish whether or not any vision changes have disappeared.
If you rely on corrective eyewear and would like to be free of fiddly contact lenses or worry about losing your glasses, a free consultation at any of the Optilase eye clinics will help you find out if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery.
Call +353 1 223 8821 or see our contact page.
It’s not recommended; as even though Laser Eye Surgery has advanced hugely in terms of technique as a result of advances in science and technology, visual changes and other factors occurring in pregnancy mean you are not a good candidate whilst pregnant.
While Laser Eye Surgery focuses solely on the eyes, the amount of correction administered during the procedure must reflect a person’s exact refractive error.
For example, if you wear -3.00D glasses, the laser will be programmed to reshape the surface of the cornea to bring the reading as close to 0 as possible so that 20/20 vision is restored.
Vision changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes and fluctuating levels of hormones and the possibility of some fluid retention can affect vision.
This will affect any measurements taken during the initial consultation for Laser Eye Surgery and as a result the procedure would be performed based on an incorrect vision prescription, which could lead to an over/under correction.
Furthermore, pregnant women can sometimes suffer from dry eyes and Laser Eye Surgery would exacerbate the condition and cause complications.
When can I undergo Laser Eye Surgery after pregnancy?
Suitability for Laser Eye Surgery after pregnancy can vary from patient to patient, as it is vital that your refractive error has stabilized and any measurements taken accurately reflect your normal state of refraction.
Usually it is advisable to wait six months after pregnancy before undergoing Laser Eye Surgery and for women who are breastfeeding, it is recommended that the procedure is only performed once breastfeeding has ceased.
To find out more, call Optilase on +353 1 223 8821 or see our contact page.
No; you’ll need the day of surgery off and we advise taking the next day as well; mainly as your eyesight will be a bit blurry and if you work with computers you may be better taking that day off.
Taking time out of your work schedule for an elective procedure like Laser Eye Surgery might not seem ideal, but the life-changing effect of this short and relatively simple procedure has on patients’ lives makes the time off completely worthwhile.
To minimize disruption to our patients work routine, Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Ireland is carried out on both eyes on the same day in under half an hour.
Advances in laser technology and an improved understanding on how the eye responds to and heals after Laser Eye Surgery, means that most patients are able to return to work 24-hours after the procedure.
How soon will I be able to see after Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery permanently removes a pre-determined amount of tissue from the cornea of each eye to correct the original error that caused blurred vision.
Changes in vision acuity are immediately apparent after the procedure, so that patients leave Optilase with fully restored vision.
In the hours after Laser Eye Surgery it is not unusual for vision to appear blurred intermittently as your eyes begin to adjust to their new focusing power.
Other normal post-surgery symptoms include sensitivity to light, eye irritation and excessive tearing, but these should abate in the first eight hours after surgery.
How can I be sure that my Laser Eye Surgery was a success?
After your Laser Eye Surgery you will be prescribed antibacterial eye drops that must be used in order to keep the eyes moist and prevent infection.
Protective goggles must also be worn to shield the eye from any being exposed to drying conditions, dust or involuntary rubbing by the patient.
The day after Laser Eye Surgery, you will attend a follow-up consultation at your Optilase clinic in order to evaluate the success of the procedure and to ensure that the eye is healing correctly.
If you are interested in Laser Eye Surgery, book your free consultation at one of our Optilase clinics by calling
+353 1 223 8821.
Some teens who have to wear glasses to compensate for a refractive error would love to avail of eye surgery to free them from a dependence on corrective eyewear.
They can’t get the surgery until they are at least 18, and it’s because throughout childhood the body is continuously growing, and during the teenage years when there is an unprecedented growth spurt the eyes are susceptible to changing shape.
Teenagers who need glasses in order to see clearly will not be able to undergo Laser Eye Surgery because it is likely that their eyesight will continue to change until the eye stops growing.
Laser Eye Surgery permanently reshapes the cornea in order to negate any refractive error, and in the case of teenagers it is unsafe to perform the procedure as the cornea is not fully developed.
In order to be considered as a viable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase, a patient must be over 18 and have a stable refractive error for at least 12 months.
What is a refractive error?
A refractive error is related to the process of refraction that takes place in the eye and allows a person to see clearly.
Light rays from the outside world enter through the front of the eye where the cornea is located and undergo refraction or the bending of light.
When light is refracted correctly by the cornea it lands directly on the retina at the back of the eye and images appear in focus.
If there is a refractive error, it can be linked to either the shape of the cornea or the length of the eye.
A refractive error causes light to land either in front of or behind the retina, which causes blurred vision.
What is a stable refractive error?
A stable refractive error means that there has been no change in a patient’s eyesight for a period of 12 months or more.
When the eye has completed growing, the original refractive error remains the same and can be effectively treated with Laser Eye Surgery.
In the case of teenagers, any refractive error cannot be deemed stable and therefore there is a risk of under-correction if they were to undergo Laser Eye Surgery.
An under-correction would mean that as the eye continues to grow the corrective measure is reduced and once again glasses would be needed to see clearly.
Laser Eye Surgery would have to be performed again once the refractive error had stabilized.
For more information, call +353 1 223 8821.
IntraLase is one of the latest and most advanced versions of Laser Eye Surgery that has made the concept of “going under the knife” completely redundant as it is a 100% bladeless procedure.
Thousands of Optilase patients have already embraced this new procedure to rediscover life without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What kind of technology is used during an IntraLase procedure?
Most Laser Eye Surgery procedures begin with a Femtosecond Laser to create a corneal flap on the surface of the eye and expose the inner cornea.
An Excimer Laser is then used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue to allow for clear vision at any distance without prescription lenses.
IntraLase differs from traditional Laser Eye Surgery by way of how the Femtosecond Laser is used to create the all-important corneal flap.
The computer-controlled Femtosecond Laser injects air into the cornea to produce a layer of microscopic air bubbles at a predetermined depth (usually 105 microns) to separate the outer epithelial layer from the inner stromal layer.
This painless and bladeless incision only takes 15 seconds per eye and can even be performed on patients with thinner-than-average corneas.
The corneal flap is then lifted aside to allow for the corneal correction to take place as normal using the Excimer Laser, before being reapplied to complete the Laser Eye Surgery procedure.
Reasons to consider IntraLase for your refractive error
IntraLase is suitable for treating any of the most common refractive errors found in patients, such as short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism.
Additionally, IntraLase offers added benefits to traditional Laser Eye Surgery practices:
- Significantly lower risk of corneal flap complications or infections
- Suitable for patients with thin corneas
- Allows for greater surgical precision
- Greater patient comfort and safety
- Corneal flap creation can be tailored to suit your natural eye shape
Book your free IntraLase consultation on +353 1 223 8821 or fill out our contact form.
Useful Eye Care Facts:
- Optometrists are the principle providers of eye examinations to the public in Ireland. They are fully qualified to check the health of your eyes, and they can also provide you with a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
- You need to achieve a certain standard of vision to be eligible to drive. Your optometrist can confirm whether or not you do so.
- Certain occupations and trades require specific visual standards. Your optometrists can inform you of these standards.
- Many eye conditions are hereditary, so it’s important to be aware when a relative is diagnosed with an eye condition.
- Children should be examined at a young age - if they have an uncorrected problem for a significant length of time they may develop a permanent reduction in vision in one or both eyes. Appropriate vision correction before the age of 7 is the best way to avoid this long-term visual problem.
- It is recommended that you have your eyes checked at least every two years and more often when your optometrist advises. Some patients with underlying medical issues, like diabetes, need to be checked at least once a year.
- Certain medications can affect your vision and the health of your eye. For example some malaria tablets can damage the macula, which gives you sharp central vision; prolonged steroid use can speed up the development of cataracts. Your optometrist can advise you of any ocular side effects of medication you may be taking.
- Using a computer for long periods throughout the day can have a negative impact on your eyes. If you spend a lot of time on a computer for work, you may be eligible for a free VDU (Visual Display Unit) eye test on a regular basis.
Things to get checked out immediately
See your Optometrist if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Eyelid lumps or bumps
- Sudden loss / reduced vision
- Stingy / itchy /red eye
- Flashing Lights
- Double Vision
- Blurry Vision
- Unexplained headaches
- Flaky/ red eyelids
To book an appointment with an Optometrist at Optilase, call +353 1 223 8821 or visit our clinic contact page.
Probably not. Although sometimes treatable, problems with night vision could be anything from an early sign of progressive cataracts, to an indication of a congenital issue like retinitis pigmentosa or other more serious conditions. There a number of potential causes, and it’s best to visit an Optometrist to get your eyes tested.
Poor Night Vision
Difficulty with night vision can stem from conditions ranging from exposure to the sun and vitamin deficiencies, to a chronic disease like diabetes.
Cataracts
The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil. Over a lifetime, the process of cell turnover inside the lens produces debris that gradually builds up. This creates a cataract. Painless and progressive, cataracts slowly cloud the lens.
The first symptom of cataracts is often decreased night vision. The light distortion caused by cataracts also frequently produces halos around lights -- again, mostly at night. Blurry vision is also common.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that's found in carrots and yellow or green leafy vegetables. It helps keep the retina -- in the back of the eye -- healthy.
Vitamin A deficiency is a rare cause of night blindness, as it occurs mostly in people with problems absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. This might occur as a result of different diseases and conditions such as Crohns disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic insufficiency.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc works in the eye as a partner to vitamin A. Without zinc, the vitamin A that's present may not be as effective, and night blindness could result. Beef, poultry, beans, and nuts are rich sources of zinc. It’s a rare problem in Ireland because of our diet.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is an uncommon genetic disorder. It affects young people, usually before age 30. Worsening night vision is often the earliest symptom. Variable amounts of vision loss follow, although most people retain some eyesight.
Sunlight exposure
If your night vision seems temporarily worse after a trip to the beach, it probably is. Sustained bright sunlight can impair night vision for up to two days. Wear your sunglasses regularly to avoid this cause of poor night vision.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk for night vision problems. Over years, high blood sugar is toxic to the blood vessels and nerves in the eye.
The retina -- the back of the eye where images are focused -- is gradually damaged (retinopathy). Two early signs of retinopathy from diabetes are poor night vision and taking a long time to see normally after coming indoors from bright light outside.
If you are experiencing any vision problems, call an Optometrist to get an eye test. Although an Optometrist cannot treat complex eye diseases or issues, they can refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Patients are often befuddled by all of the terminology surrounding laser eye surgery. It doesn’t help that to the layperson, many of the terms sound very similar.
If you are interested in getting laser eye surgery at Optilase, we regularly publish informative articles on the details of the surgery on this site, and explain some of the terminology involved.
What is IntraLase?
You may have wondered about the issue of "blade versus bladeless" and worry about the thought of a ‘blade’ going anywhere near eye. Read on for an explanation.
In traditional LASIK, some surgeons used to use an instrument known as a microkeratome cuts a thin, hinged flap into the eye's clear surface (cornea).
The microkeratome is a very thin blade. This is what people talk about when they refer to a ‘blade’ in eye surgery.
The flap then is lifted, and a specialised laser is applied that reshapes the eye for vision correction. In this type of LASIK surgery, many surgeons then replace the flap over the eye to promote faster healing.
No more blade; just laser
Nowadays the more common method of creating a LASIK flap uses a laser, rather than a microkeratome, to do so.
It’s a high-energy laser (femtosecond laser) instead of a blade, and it’s what we use at Optilase.
The first FDA-approved bladeless flap-making system in the United States, called IntraLase, was acquired by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) in 2007 and integrated into the company's CustomVue excimer laser platform — which now is marketed as iLASIK.
Besides IntraLase, other bladeless LASIK systems include zLASIK (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems), Femtec (2010 Perfect Vision) and Visumax (Carl Zeiss Meditec).
Femtosecond laser systems often are marketed as "bladeless" or "all laser" LASIK, and the surgeon at Optilase uses his ‘all laser’ approach.
Two types of laser used in LASIK
Just to confuse matters, patients who are receiving LASIK surgery will experience two different types of laser during the surgery.
They will first have the ‘flap’ cut using a femtosecond high energy laser, and then the actual reshaping of the cornea is done using a ‘cool-beam’ Excimer laser.
Depending on the patient, your ophthalmic surgeon may or may not replace the flap he cut with the femtosecond laser in order to get at the cornea-every single patient is assessed individually; the lasers are computer controlled and programmed with your exact eye specifications, and the entire surgery is completely customised for you.
Optilase offer a free consultation to everyone who is thinking about having laser eye surgery, to discover if they are viable candidates for surgery or not.
This consultation gives potential patients an opportunity to discuss their vision and requirements with an Optilase Optometrist, who will explain the procedure in detail to you.
Call Optilase on +353 1 223 8821 or see www.optilase.com/laser-eye-surgery/
