Laser Vision Correction

Zyoptix is a more advanced form of LASIK – it adapts the treatment for each individual eye.  With this technique, the surgeon uses ‘wavefront’ technology to measure the individual scattered light errors in a person’s eye.  The surgeon uses the wavefront device to send waves through the eye to provide a detailed map of the imperfections affecting the person’s vision.  This procedure offers increased accuracy since the surgeon has been able to take an individual reading of each eye, creating a fingerprint of the eye and its refractive errors. 

The surgeon then programmes the laser to deliver a much more targeted treatment to each eye.  More than 500,000 people worldwide have had refractive laser eye surgery with the Zyoptix 217z100 System. 

Before the surgery the surgeon will conduct a series of tests on the patient to fine tune the procedure.  The initial consultation will include tests to ensure that the surgery is appropriate for the patient.  After that has been confirmed, a series of diagnostic tests will take place to ensure the procedure is targeted specifically for the patient. 

The treatment itself comprises three main parts:

• The first step is to create the flap in the cornea which will allow the surgeon to reach the main part of the cornea with a laser to reshape the cornea and improve its focusing power
• The laser treatmentitself is the main part of the procedure.  The surgeon lifts the flap and lines up the laser which has technology to lock on to the eye’s pupil.  The laser then corrects the patient’s vision.
• The final step is to replace the flap. Once this has happened the cornea is left to heal naturally, there is no need for stitches.

The surgery usually takes only a few minutes.  Within one to three days patients will be back to their normal routines.  In the majority of cases, patients will have improved sight immediately after the procedure.  Aftercare includes a series of consultations to monitor vision improvements.

NICE Guidance

In March 2006, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidance on laser eye surgery for treating refractive errors and concluded “laser eye surgery is safe enough and works well enough for use in appropriately selected patients.”

NICE provides national guidance on all areas involved in health promotion and the prevention and treatment of ill health.  The guidance confirms the safety of the procedure.  The guidance updates and replaces LASIK guidance from December 2004 and covers the most common procedures used; LASIK, PRK and LASEK.