Setting A New Standard with Advanced Laser Vision Correction Surgery
As a highly trained refractive ophthalmologist, Dr. Rylan Hayes specialises in vision correction and eye surgery. Dr. Hayes’s skill and use of state-of-the-art technologies really shine when it comes to his advanced approaches to laser vision correction surgery, available at the Sunshine Coast area in Maroochydore, Queensland.
What is laser vision correction?
By now, you probably know someone who has undergone refractive surgery and no longer relies on their glasses. The most common type of surgery for vision correction and to treat “refractive errors” (such as nearsightedness and farsightedness) is LASIK. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a mouthful; it is simply the medical term for a procedure where a laser device is used to reshape the cornea. While it may be the best-known procedure to correct vision and free individuals from the hassle of glasses and contacts, LASIK is not the only form of laser-assisted refractive treatment. Dr. Hayes is also pleased to provide advanced Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) techniques, including no-touch PRK which can potentially be done without anything touching the eye at all.
How is LASIK performed?
LASIK involves altering the way that light rays focus on the retina. Individuals with refractive errors are unable to bend light properly due to the shape of their corneas. Since the light doesn’t focus properly on the retina, vision among those with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism is blurry without corrective eyewear or lenses. So, LASIK and other forms of laser refractive surgery address the root of the problem by reshaping the anatomy and correcting the poor eyesight that necessitates the use of prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.
What does treatment entail?
The procedure primarily involves numbing the eye with special drops to ensure optimal comfort and minimise discomfort. The eye is then prepared for laser treatment. Patients will stare at a lit target to ensure their eyes don’t move as the cornea is precisely shaped with the laser. As the treatment site heals, you’ll wear a protective shield as directed by Dr. Hayes and the team. Special eye drops and instructions can help to alleviate dryness and accelerate healing.
It must be noted that not all patients are suitable candidates for laser vision correction. This can be determined during the free eligibility screening. However, other treatment options may still be available, such as implantable contact lenses / implantable collamer lenses (ICLs), which can help reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Like LASIK, PRK is a laser-assisted vision correction treatment. However, it may be appropriate for individuals who are not good candidates for LASIK. These patients may have conditions that preclude them from treatment, such as dry eyes and thin corneas. Unlike LASIK, traditional PRK begins by removing the outermost layer of epithelial cells from the numbed cornea before reshaping the cornea. Dr. Hayes is always on the leading edge of the newest techniques and treatments to benefit his patients. In turn, he offers no-touch PRK as an alternative to conventional PRK. Also known as trans-PRK or bladeless PRK, this procedure is 100% laser-assisted. The epithelial removal does not involve any manual techniques or tools, making it a completely “no contact” procedure. This means our patients potentially enjoy:
- Less tissue disruption and a more conservative treatment
- Reduced inflammation and discomfort
- Precision epithelial removal as mapped by our advanced MS-39 tomography scans
- Faster healing and less downtime
- Earlier functional vision
- More consistent outcomes
You deserve to lead your life on your own terms – free of the ongoing hassles and expense of corrective eyewear and contact lenses. Request a consultation with The Vision Surgeon today to find out more about our advanced laser-assisted options. Our teams in Maroochydore, QLD – at LASERSIGHT Sunshine Coast – can be reached at 07 4515 6084.
