The importance of consulting with an expert ophthalmologist on more than one occasion prior to laser refractive surgery cannot be overemphasized.
Since laser surgery is for sight and a life changing treatment which usually only needs to be done once.
There are multiple components to this examination prior to laser eye surgery, which encompass both history taking and comprehensive physical examination of the eye and the person.
Each individual has a particular set of visual requirements many of these are similar to other individuals and some are unique. The various work, social and sporting activities make differing demands both upon the visual status of the person and also upon the ocular surface.
A wide array of laser treatments are now available which have differing levels of advantages or disadvantages depending upon the exact personal requirements of each individual patient.
Cathedral Eye Clinic can now offer in addition to first and second generation laser techniques, the ability to provide the unique advantages of micro incisional third generation laser SMILE treatments.
The VisuMax SMILE laser
With the increase in knowledge regarding the ocular surface there must also be an understanding that LASER eye surgery is still surgery and therefore like all surgical procedures there are potential risks to it.
The importance of seeing the surgeon prior to surgery on more than one occasion is of paramount importance. This will allow the expert to adequately examine and check for any potential issue that may detract from the final quality of visual result post surgery.
This might entail doing more detailed dry eye tests and where necessary actively managing the ocular surface to improve stability postoperatively or utilizing the SMILE treatment to minimize any effect upon the ocular surface
If required, molecular biological tests should also be employed to look for potential underlying corneal conditions.
A comprehensive examination and testing of patients ensures that potential problems are avoided and visual results are maximized. This type of individualized treatment cannot occur without significant investment of time, energy, expertise and deliberation of the operating surgeon to assess, reassess, discuss and counsel patients prior to actually performing any operation as important as one which will change one’s vision for life.
References
Dry eye in LASIK patients. Azuma M, Yabuta C, Fraunfelder FW, Shearer TR. BMC Res Notes. 2014 Jul 3;7:420
Chronic dry eye and regression after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia.Albietz JM, Lenton LM, McLennan SG. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2004 Mar;30(3):675-84