If you are Near Sighted, Far Sighted or have Astigmatism, no doubt you have often wished there was a way to eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Today people have the opportunity of achieving this wish by undergoing Laser Vision Correction using the Excimer Laser.
The information on this site is intended to give you a broad overview and a better understanding of Laser Vision Correction. We may not anticipate or answer all your questions - only a professional consultation can do that.
This site can help you decide whether or not to arrange a consultation.
Our Laser Department was established in 1995. The team of Consultant Surgeons attached to the clinic are highly respected well established Ophthalmologists, registered on the specialist register of the Irish Medical Council. All of the practising Eye Surgeons are trained to treat all ophthalmic conditions.
The consultants are affiliated with the Eye and Ear Hospital, St. Vincent's University Hospital, The Royal College of Surgeons and Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. Thye have collectively performed over 10,000 Laser procedures and many thousands of Cataract, Glaucoma and other Corneal Surgical procedures.
Our highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons work closely with our dedicated Excimer Laser team to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of care to our patients. All eye laser procedures are fully audited and the hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission International.
The cornea and lens of the eye focus light, like a camera to form an image on the retina at the back of the eye. Light enters into the eye firstly through the cornea at the front of the eye, providing about two thirds of the eye's focussing power.
Refractive Errors
When the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect, the image on the retina is blurred or distorted. These imperfections are called refractive errors.
Short Sight or MyopiaThis is due to the cornea being too steeply curved or the eye is longer than usual. Therefore light rays fall in front of the retina resulting in blurred distance vision.
Longsight or HyperopiaLongsight occurs if the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short, therfore light rays focus on a point behind the retina causing near vision to become blurred.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being shaped rather like a rugby ball, instead of being spherical. This produces two different focal points, which can blur images at all distances.
What is Refractive Surgery ?
The idea behind refractive surgery is to produce small changes in the surface layers of the cornea, which will in turn produce significant changes in the way the eye focuses light.
The Technology
International experience since 1983 has resulted in the widespread acceptance and use of the Excimer Laser in the treatment of short sight, long sight and astigmatism.
The Excimer Laser is in use in over 45 countries and since 1989 it is estimated that over 8 million laser procedures have been performed world-wide.
Here at Blackrock Clinic we use the latest generation of Excimer Laser with Wavescan mapping technology. The laser incorporates variable beam technology with an active eye tracking system using iris recognition software.
Using this highly advanced technology, the surface of the cornea is reshaped with extreme precision in a matter of only seconds. This allows light to focus clearly on the retina.
How Does the Excimer Laser Work ?
To correct shortsight (myopia) the cornea needs to be made flatter. This can be achieved by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the centre of the cornea.
To correct long sight (hyperopia), the centre of the cornea needs to be made steeper. This can be achieved by removing tissue from a circular area surrounding, but not including the centre of the cornea.
To correct astigmatism the shape of the cornea needs to be altered to a more spherical form. With the use of the laser the laser beam can be programmed to alter the pattern of the beam to remove more tissue in certain areas.
Here at Blackrock Clinic Excimer Laser Department a complete range of laser procedures are performed including LASIK, PRK/LASEK, Wavefront guided customized treatments and Wavefront guided Intralase treatments.
PRKIn PRK the centre of the surface of the cornea is re-shaped using the Excimer Laser by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. PRK is an excellent procedure for people with low glasses precsription.
As with any medical procedure there can be side effects associated with PRK. These include over and under corrections that may require additional treatment, although this is very rare among those who seek correction for low to moderate prescriptions. Other potential side effects include minor light sensitivity for several weeks after the operation.
LASEK
LASEK is a further refinement of PRK. In this procedure the surface cells are not removed as in PRK, but instead are gently moved to the edge of the cornea. After the laser has re-shaped the exposed corneal surface, the cells are laid back in place. LASEK and PRK may be good vision correction solutions for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.
LASIK
LASIK is the treatment of choice for most patients. It can be performed on patients with low, moderate and higher prescriptions. Now using the intralase method (see below for more information), a thin layer of the cornea is lifted to create a flap. The flap is lifted back and the underlying surface is reshaped with the laser. The corneal flap is then repositioned into place. As LASIK results in less surface disturbance, there is less discomfort than with PRK/LASEK, as well as a more rapid recovery. Most patients experience a marked improvement in vision within 24 hours.
Risks and potential complications following this procedure include those outlined above for PRK/LASEK, as well as complications associated with creating the corneal flap.
Your surgeon will advise which treatment is most suitable for you after your assessment.
Wavefront Guided Custom Treatment
Using the revolutionary VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser system, in combination with Wavescan mapping technology, it is possible to identify and treat higher order imperfections other than short sight, long sight and astigmatism. This has the potential to further improve quality of vision in some patients. Your consultant will inform you if you are likely to benefit from this treatment.
Intralase
The Intralase method as mentioned above is a blade free technique to create your corneal flap, this is the thin layer of tissue that the surgeon creates in order to perform the LASIK procedure. The Intralase method can only be performed using the Intralase Femto Second Laser.
In the past surgeons have used an instrument know as a microkeratome to create the corneal flap. The microkeratome is a hand held blade that moves across the eye cutting the corneal flap. The Intralase method by contrast allows the surgeon to create the corneal flap without the use of a blade.
How Does Intralase work ?
Intralase works as tiny pulses of laser light (a quadrillionth) of a second each pass through the outer part of the eye known as the cornea to form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just directly below the surface of the eye.
The exact dimensions of the layer of bubbles is determined by the surgeon based on what is best for your eye and is computer controlled for ultimate precsion. This process takes aprroximately 15 - 30 seconds in total. When it is time for your LASIK treatment to be carried out, your surgeon simply separates the layer where theses bubbles occur and gently folds it back, thus creating your corneal flap. When the LASIK procedure is complete the flap is replaced back into its position where it has the ability to lock back into place. Your eye can then begin the process of quickly healing.
What else should I know about Intralase ?
- In a clincal survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using a blade in one eye and the Intralase metod on the other, the vision in the Intralase method was preferred 3- to - 1, (among those who stated a preference).
- Over a million procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the intralase method.
- The blade free intralase method give patients more confidence and reduces anxiety levels going for LASIK treatments.
The Consultation Your first step is to be assessed by the consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. Your Surgeon will perform a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment that will include taking a computerised map of the cornea, measurements of your refractive error, pupil size and corneal thickness.
The surgeon will discuss the following with you:
- The risks, benefits and alternatives to the surgery
- What you should expect before during and after surgery
- Statistics, risks and complications
- Any questions you may have
Am I a Candidate ? You may be a candidate for surgery if the following criteria are met:
- You are over 21 years and have had a stable prescription for at least one year
- Both eyes are healthy
- You have realistic expectations
- You are within treatment parameters (as determined by the consultant Ophthalmic surgeon at your assessment visit)
- You are in good general health
To make an appointment
If you wish to have an initial assessment with regard to your suitability for laser sight correction, please telephone,
01-2064337
01-2064338
or
Freephone 1800 66 2020
Alternatively you can e-mail us from this page, just click on the contact us button.
Your decision to have laser vision correction has implications that will last a lifetime. Our goal is to provide you with the facts and resources to make a fully informed decision with realistic expectations.
Costs
The cost of eye laser treatment is €2200 per eye.
You may be entitled to income tax relief against the cost of the treatment. To apply for this you complete a med one form from the tax office.
Easy payment schemes are being offered by Friends First, for more information on this log on to their website
www.friendsfirst.ie or contact them on 01-6763366.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will I be able to dispense with the use of my glasses or contact lenses ?
A. One year after treatment over 95% of people, with low to moderate prescriptions, are able to pass a driver's licence vision test without corrective lenses.
Q. Is laser vision correction permanent ?
A. Yes. Follow-up studies conducted over ten years indicate that, after the healing process is complete your eyesight remains stable. However, laser vision correction cannot prevent the natural changes that occur with ageing and as with all normal-sighted people, you may require reading glasses at some time.
Q. Will my eye look different ?
A. No, only your eye doctor will be able to tell, and then, only by looking at your eye through a high power microscope.
Q. When can I resume normal activities ?
A. Most normal activities may be resumed after a few days. Your Consultant will discuss this with you the day after your treatment.
Code of Practice All Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons attached to Blackrock Clinic are fully surgically accredited with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and have vast experience in laser refractive surgery and corneal surgery.
Patients who elect to have refractive surgery will have their procedure performed by the surgeon who carried out the assessment and he/she will be responsible for their care throughout .
Patients should not proceed with any refractive surgery unless thay are fully aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Standards for Laser Refractive Surgery
Surgeons carrying out refractive procedures
- Surgeons must be registered with the IMC
- Surgeons should preferably be on the Specialist Register e.g. hold a certificate of Higher Specialist Training or an equivalent qualification. Registering on the Specialist register is presently a voluntary act in Ireland and therefore any ophthalmologist who would be eligible for a Consultant's post in Ireland would also meet the criteria
- Surgeons need to have undergone appropriate training for refractive surgery after completing their specialist ophthalmology training. This may take the form of a fellowship with a recognised refractive surgeon or completing training courses in refractive surgery
- Surgeons performing refractive procedures must keep their knowledge and skills up to date and should regularly take part in educational activities. Surgeons where possible should belong to a relevant professional organisation which provides Continuing Professional Development and adheres to the principles of good medical practice, for example -The Royal College of Ophthalmologists or one of the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom or Ireland
Facilities
- There must be strict adherence to protocols provided by manufacturers of equipment for their maintenance and calibration
- There must be dated and documented procedures within the facility for the use of all clinical equipment. These must be reviewed annually
Information for Patients
- Information for patients should be written in concise, plain non-technical language
- Information for patients should include details about the operating surgeon's qualfications
- Information for patients should include a price list of procedures and should be explicit about what is and what is not included in the quoted fees. It should also give details about payments of deposits, their refund and any penalty which may be incurred by cancellation
- Written post-operative instructions should be given to patients to take home after the procedure/operation. They should include a contact number for the hospital/clinic and a 24 hour emergency number
The Consent Process
- The consent process should follow GMC and Department of Health Guidelines (good medical practice, May 2001) or the irish equivalent
- The information document must be given to the patient at least 24 hours before the procedure is undertaken. It is essential that time is allowed for the patient to take in the information and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure before it is undertaken
- All patients should have an appointment with the surgeon who will be carrying out the procedure. This consultation should exclude unsuitable patients at an early stage
- No patient should have the procedure carried out sooner than 24 hours after the initial consultation with the surgeon
- The consent form must be signed in the presence of the surgeon, or other suitably qualified and trained professional
- The consent from must reference the information given to the patient and state
- The elective nature of the procedure
- That glasses or contact lenses may still be required after surgery
- That pain or discomfort may occur
- Any specific increased risks pertaining to the individual patient in question
Clinical Governance
- Surgeons must be personally responsible for patient care
- Surgeons must maintain an outpatient service, either at the clinic/hospital where refractive surgery is undertaken or elsewhere such that the practitioner can assess the patients appropriateness for refractive surgery and provide appropriate follow up care
- Surgeons must ensure their availability for emergencies or pre-arrange appropriate cover if on leave
- Incentives should not be offered to optometrists, dispensing opticians or other professionals in return for the referral of patients for refractive surgery
- Surgeons quality indicators from all types of refractive procedures undertaken must be reviewed at regular intervals as part of the hospital's/clinic's audit programme. Adverse variances should be reported to the Medical Advisory Committee or Irish equivalent
Advertising and Marketing
- All advertising must afhere to ASA standards the BMA guidelines for advertising and the GMC guidance on advertising. It must be legal, factual and not misleading
- Marketing materials must be drafted and designed to safeguard patients from unrealistic expectations of refractive surgery procedures
- Advertisements should not offer discounts linked to a deadline date for booking appointments or surgery or other date-linked incentives
- Promotional events such as open evenings should not include financial incentives for potential patients to book a consultation appointment at the event
Post-operative Evaluation
- The surgeon should either undertake or be available to evaluate the patient for the first post operative visit
- It is the responsibility of the surgeon to ensure that the post operative management is carried out appropriately
- Surgeons are expected to be fully trained and well versed in the management of the complications of refractive surgery
Mr Michael Browne, Consultant Ophthalmologist, F.R.C.S. F.C. Ophth
Prof Louis Collum, Consultant Ophthalmologist , F.R.C.S. F.R.C.S.I. F.R.C Ophth E.B.O.D.
Mr Weng Lee, Consultant Ophthalmologist, M.B. B.Ch. B.A.O.(N.U.I) L.R.C.P.&S.I. F.R.C.S.Ed (Ophth)
Dr Kathyrn McCreery, Consultant Ophthalmologist, M.B. B.A.O. B.Ch F.R.C.S.I. F.R.C. Ophth, M.R.C.P.I. B Cert.AM B.D. Ophth
Mr Billy Power, Consultant Ophthalmologist, M.C.h M.R.C.P.I. F.R.C.S. (Glasg) F.R.C. Ophth
The following is a list of the Consultants who perform Laser Surgery at Blackrock Clinic. If you click on the list below it will outline their contact details.