Treatments: Questions and Answers

There are several options for eye correction to suit the needs of different types of patients: LASIK, Epi-LASEK and Wavefront laser eye surgery, implantable contact lenses (ICL) as well as Cataract surgery. Here is the answer to a few questions that potential patients ask:

• Can severe eyesight problems be treated?

• Is there a limit to laser eye correction?

• Are there any risks of laser Eye Treatment?

• Does laser eye treatment hurt?

• Are Implantable Contact Lenses an option?

• Should I choose LASIK or Epi-LASEK?

• What will my eyes look like after laser eye treatment?

• When can I resume normal activities?

• When can I drive?

• What can I expect the results to be?

• Are the results of laser eye treatment permanent?

• Will I need glasses in the future?

• What is the difference between Epi-LASEK and LASIK?

Can severe eyesight problems be treated?

Yes. Implantable Contact Lenses are used for severe levels of short sight, long sight and astigmatism. The treatment is painless and rapid; it brings about very good results as well.

Is there a limit to Laser Eye Correction?

Yes. LASIK is limited to about 10d to avoid risks. Implantable Contact Lenses are for people with thin cornea and can be given for any correction level up to -23d. Epi-LASEK is for less than 8d of short sight. Long sight is limited to +4d.

Are there any risks of Laser Eye Treatment?

Serious complications are rare but they do happen in many parts of the world. This will be discussed and explained both during the consultation and in the Consent form you will have to sign before procedure.

Does Laser Eye Treatment hurt?

No. The anaesthetic eye drops will make the procedure painless.

Are Implantable Contact Lenses an option?

Yes, they can be used for patients with prescriptions between -23d and +12d with +/- 7d of astigmatism, as well as for those who are unsuitable for laser surgery.

Should I choose LASIK or Epi-LASEK?

LASIK is a superior procedure but it may imply additional complications. Epi-LASEK is safer but discomfort after the procedure can be felt for longer.

What will my eyes look like after treatment?

After Epi-LASEK, the treated eye may be puffy and weepy but that should go in 24 hours. After LASIK, some red spotting may be noticed on the eye; this will disappear in two weeks.

When can I resume normal activities?

You can do that as soon as your vision allows it but you will have to avoid strong light, dirty and dusty environments after surgery to avoid irritation and infection.

When can I drive?

You are not advised to drive for 12-48 hours if you have received LASIK treatment. Epi-LASEK and ICL patients must wait 7-14 days.

Are the results permanent?

Laser treatment is permanent but it cannot prevent the natural changes that occur. This is why your eyesight must be stable before treatment.

Will I need glasses in the future?

Most of the patients do not need glasses for distance vision. All patients will need reading glasses from about the age of 45. Later in life, a drift to long sight will appear and you may need reading glasses.

What is the difference between LASIK and Epi-LASEK?

LASIK involves cutting a thin flap of corneal skin and lasering underneath it, so it does not cause any wounds to the surface of the eye.
Epi-LASEK is done on the surface. The wound will take some time to heal and may cause small discomfort if medication is not administered.