eye laser surgery : What is eye laser surgery?
Eye laser surgery
Sir Elton John is the latest star to say he is planning to throw his spectacles away and undergo eye laser surgery.
BBC News Online examines the procedure and why it is proving popular with so many people.
What is eye laser surgery?
Traditionally, eye sight problems are corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.
In recent years, lasers have become a popular alternative. The laser is directed on the cornea, the outer, clear round structure that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and the pupil.
For people with short-sightedness, for instance, the laser is set to reduce the thickness of the cornea. This enables the eye to bring images into focus properly.
The cost of eye laser surgery varies between clinics but generally starts at around £500 per eye.
Are there different types?
Yes. There are three main types of eye laser surgery.
The newest and most popular type of eye laser surgery is called LASIK. Under this procedure, a thin layer of the eye's cornea is sliced off to create a flap. This enables the laser to target the tissue underneath. The flap is simply replaced and grows back naturally. Vision is restored almost immediately.
Another option is EPIFLAP or LASEK surgery. This involves the partial removal of the epithelium or outer layer of cells on the eye to reveal the cornea. The cornea is then flattened or reshaped by a laser and the outer cells are pushed back and the eye heals within a few days.
PRK was the standard eye laser surgery for many years. It involved the complete removal of the epithelium or the outer layer of cells on the eye.
LASIK is usually used on patients with severe long sight or short sight. LASEK is used on patients with moderate or mild short sight.
© MMIII
Sir Elton John is the latest star to say he is planning to throw his spectacles away and undergo eye laser surgery.
BBC News Online examines the procedure and why it is proving popular with so many people.
What is eye laser surgery?
Traditionally, eye sight problems are corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.
In recent years, lasers have become a popular alternative. The laser is directed on the cornea, the outer, clear round structure that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and the pupil.
For people with short-sightedness, for instance, the laser is set to reduce the thickness of the cornea. This enables the eye to bring images into focus properly.
The cost of eye laser surgery varies between clinics but generally starts at around £500 per eye.
Are there different types?
Yes. There are three main types of eye laser surgery.
The newest and most popular type of eye laser surgery is called LASIK. Under this procedure, a thin layer of the eye's cornea is sliced off to create a flap. This enables the laser to target the tissue underneath. The flap is simply replaced and grows back naturally. Vision is restored almost immediately.
Another option is EPIFLAP or LASEK surgery. This involves the partial removal of the epithelium or outer layer of cells on the eye to reveal the cornea. The cornea is then flattened or reshaped by a laser and the outer cells are pushed back and the eye heals within a few days.
PRK was the standard eye laser surgery for many years. It involved the complete removal of the epithelium or the outer layer of cells on the eye.
LASIK is usually used on patients with severe long sight or short sight. LASEK is used on patients with moderate or mild short sight.
© MMIII
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