Success of Laser Vision Correction

Excimer laser vision correction is one of the most remarkable medical developments of this century.

First performed in 1985, it combines highly advanced laser and computer technology to make clear, normal vision a reality for most people. A million or more successful procedures have been performed throughout the world, and the procedure is widely accepted in many countries worldwide.

The success lies not only in the procedure, but in the type of laser that is used for the treatment. At Eyetech LASIK Clinic we are proud to use the Mel 80 Excimer Laser for proven effective treatment of our patients. Eyetech LASIK Clinic’s Medical Director, Des Kadambi, M.D. trusted the technology enough that he had no concerns when all his four daughters had the procedure done. Many Doctors, Optometrists, and Opticians have had Laser vision correction.

99.8% of our patients achieve lens-free driving ability (20/40) in a single treatment. Over 90% enjoy 20/20 vision or better.

Many surgeons quote the success rate as “99% 20/20 or better” based often on a small number of cases and most significantly on very low corrections with little or no astigmatism. The pie graph shown of Dr. Kadambi’s result is based on the analysis of 600 consecutive cases followed up by an optometrist in the United States. This included a large number of very high corrections (over -7.0) ,some with astigmatism as high as 5.0.

Night Vision

Dr. William Jory of the London (England) Centre of Refractive Surgery published a study that received much media attention. In his study of 38 patients with moderate to severe corrections, he reported that 56% experienced night vision problems. The information in this study led numerous people to hesitate about refractive laser surgery. To be able to make an informed decision about whether or not laser refractive surgery is right for you, some clarification is needed:

1. Less than 1.08% of patients report night vision problems
The majority of patients who have refractive laser surgery have low correction requirements. The sample in Dr. Jory’s study was an extremely narrow sample of 38 patients with moderate to severe corrections.

2. Laser technology has improved dramatically over the years
Patients who were treated with first generation, broad beam lasers have side effects including corneal haze, and uneven contours. The cases Dr. Jory reported were all treated with broad beam lasers. Advanced lasers like the Technolas 217, used in leading practices today, now have flying spot technology. The flying spot laser provides a smooth corneal curvature with a computer controlled transition zone.

3. Some conditions have a higher risk of complication
Patients all have different eyes. Some conditions such as large pupils and high degrees of myopia and hyperopia put some patients at greater risk for night vision problems. If you are at greater risk for night vision problems your surgeon will speak with you so you can make an informed decision.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

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Surgical Information Package for LASIK and PRK Recommended Activity Schedule Following LASIK Surgery

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There is a risk of some complications with the Laser vision correction, no matter at which laser clinic it is performed. As with any type of surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of certain risks to consider. It is important for candidates to understand that although data from hundreds of thousands of cases has been collected, the final outcome of the procedure cannot be guaranteed.

Infection:
The largest risk is infection. Because of the chance of infection occurring, all patients are asked to take special care during the initial stages of healing. The surgeon will give patients a post surgery activity schedule to follow.

Undercorrection:
It is far more common to be undercorrected than overcorrected after PRK. Large amounts of Undercorrection require a touch up, which can be performed 90 days after the initial procedure.

Overcorrection:

Initial Overcorrection is usually planned as the cornea has a tendency to bounce back towards its original shape while healing. Near predicted results are achieved at 3 month post operatively and should the patient remain overcorrected, a thin pair of glasses or contacts can be worn, or newer laser techniques can be introduced for the patient to consider. The risk of Overcorrection is extremely low.

Night Glare:
Many nearsighted patients experience poor night vision with their glasses or contact lenses, and this symptom is not uncommon immediately following surgery. Patients typically report day and night glare or haloes for 3-4 days, and then it will start to clear. After 6 months, the majority return to pre-surgery levels of night glare.

Regression:
Regression is the shift back towards astigmatism or nearsightedness after PRK. In most cases, only a minimal shift occurs and medications can be reintroduced, or an enhancement procedure can be performed. Regression is not common for mild to moderate myopia.

Corneal Haze:
Corneal haze is dependent on the way the eye heals. The higher the correction, the more chance of a haze. Usually haze is associated with regression and may disappear with re-treatment.

Free Flap with LASIK:
Occasionally the corneal flap which is to be hinged gets completely cut. Usually this free flap is repositioned properly after the LASIK without any ill effects.

Epithelial ingrowth after LASIK:

The epithelial tissue may grow underneath the flap from the edges. Other risks associated with LASIK are irregular astigmatism or corneal perforation. These are significantly reduced with the newer microkeratomes.

Set up a consultation appointment with us to discover if laser eye surgery is the right treatment option for you.

US and Canadian patients choose Winnipeg laser vision correction specialists EyeTechLasik. Our LASIK eye surgeon, Dr. Desikan R. Kadambi is a renowned and experienced laser eye surgeon. Using state-of-the-art Mel 80 LASIK eye surgery technology we deliver the highest standard of laser eye surgery at an affordable price. You will find the cost of LASIK treatments to be highly affordable and the results exceptional. Enjoy perfect vision with the premier Winnipeg LASIK center.