Not suitable for laser?
Laser works well for most people, but there are exceptions. It does not work for very strong glasses and may not be ideal if your main problem is dependence on reading glasses. Some eye disorders or general health problems preclude laser and in a few cases the cornea of the eye is too thin.
If you are not suitable for laser, other refractive surgery technologies may help you. I am a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in refractive surgery and have the expertise necessary to offer effective alternatives to laser, such as the implantable contact lens and replacement lens implants.
May I speak to a previous patient?
You are welcome to contact my office if you would like to speak to one of my patients who has had refractive surgery after your initial consultation.
I still need glasses after cataract surgery, can you help?
Many patients are dependent on glasses after cataract surgery, especially reading glasses. Two technologies may be helpful. Firstly an additional artificial focusing lens may be placed inside the eye: the new lens rests on top of the lens that was originally inserted during cataract surgery. A monofocal lens is inserted to reduce dependence on distance glasses or if freedom from reading glasses is required a high-tech multifocal lens implant is used. Alternatively, if the problem is dependence on distance glasses, laser eye surgery may be the solution.
Laser or lens implant choosing the technology that's best for you
I am a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in refractive surgery and provide a comprehensive range of treatments so that treatment is customised to your personal needs. It is possible to treat any prescription no matter how large for short sight, long sight, astigmatism and presbyopia (reading glasses). The technology best for you depends on factors such as your age, strength of your prescription, whether you use reading glasses, your lifestyle and the particular characteristics of your eyes.
At your initial consultation, I examine your eyes myself and there is an extremely thorough examination with the most sophisticated diagnostic instruments available. I will then discuss the technology best for you.
As an approximate guide
Laser Wavefront all-Laser Lasik: Ideal for younger people and older patients who do not mind reading glasses afterward. Corrects reading glasses dependence in some cases. Prescription +5.0 to -9.0 dioptres hyperopia or myopia and 5.0 dioptres astigmatism.
Lasek Wavefront Lasek: Same age considerations as Lasik, prescription +3.0 to -6.0 hyperopia or myopia and 3.0 dioptres of astigmatism. Lasek is appropriate for people with smaller prescriptions or whose inclination is to have a less interventional procedure and accept the slower recovery time of Lasek.
Implantable Contact Lens: Age less than about 50, prescription outside the Lasik range eg: myopia more than -9 dioptres. Almost any myopic or astigmatic prescription may be treated and some hyperopic
patients are also suitable.
Replacement Lens Implants: Age about 50 or more especially if freedom from reading glasses is required or if the prescription is outside the Lasik range. Almost any prescription may be treated by this method.
