Laser Eye Surgery has been performed since 1983 and over 17 million procedures have been performed worldwide. It is a growing worldwide business; celebrities such as Padraig Harrington and Richard Branson being amongst the most notable people to opt for this medical procedure.

The eye is like a camera that focuses a clear  image onto the retina at the back of the eye. The shape of the cornea at the front of the eye determines the focusing power. If this is not perfectly aligned with the length of the eye itself, the image on the retina may be blurred or distorted. These misalignments are called refractive errors and this is why glasses or contact lens are needed to sharpen the focus.

The aim of laser eye surgery is to change the shape of the cornea using a cold ultraviolet laser. The ideal shape for clear vision is calculated pre-operatively at your assessment using state of the art digital optical system

• To correct short-sight (myopia) the cornea needs to be made flatter.
• To correct long-sight (hyperopia) the centre of the cornea needs to be made steeper.
• To correct astigmatism the laser beam modifies the corneal shape in different regions.

At the Cathedral Eye Clinic we use the Schwind Amaris total-tech laser. It combines a very high ablation speed with a turbo eyetracker considering pupil and limbus tracking, rotation balance and advanced cyclotorsion control. These ensure the perfect balance between extremely high speed and accuracy.

There are many different forms of refractive surgery. The two most common procedures are LASEK and LASIK. At your suitability appointment you will be advised which procedure is best for your eyes. If these treatments are unsuitable for you alternatives such as intraocular lens placement may be recommended .e.g. Phakic IOL’s, or simply returning to contact lens or spectacles.

Any surgical procedure can have potential risks or complications. These may vary from mild light sensitivity (or glare) and dryness of the eye, which can last several weeks to those that require additional treatment or enhancement.

A detailed explanation of all the benefits and possible complications is provided at your initial consultation. One of our team will be available to discuss these in further detail.