Laser eye surgery update – New technology explained
Hi, it’s Dr. Russell from VSON. When I tell people I’m a LASIK surgeon, some ask me: “What are the latest advancements in laser eye surgery?”
What can laser eye surgery bring you in 2024? With every year, advancements in technology continue to improve. So, why not find out how you can benefit from 20/20 vision without glasses in 2024?
I’ll explain the latest laser eye surgery updates and how these might impact the choice of surgery you have as well as the level of service you receive.
What’s the newest laser eye surgery technology?
LASIK is the most popular procedure, and when you can’t have LASIK, there’s TransPRK. These are known as ‘surface procedures’. But which procedure is the newest? LASIK and TransPRK are both fantastic, but the newest of the procedures is SmartSight. This is known as a lenticule extraction procedure.
What’s SmartSight and how is it different?
For athletes and people participating in contact sports, SmartSight is a great option.
We can correct short-sightedness and astigmatism with less invasive surgery than LASIK thanks to this latest generation of laser eye surgery.
Plus, there is no risk of accidentally tearing the corneal flap because we do not create one during the procedure.
Here’s a quick round-up of facts based on SmartSight (lenticule extraction):
- The FDA approved the earliest version of lenticule extraction (called SMILE) in 2016 and it’s been in use in Europe for over 10 years. SmartSight is based on very similar technology to SMILE.
- It’s as safe and effective as LASIK for those with short-sightedness and astigmatism
- SmartSight combines the benefits of PRK and LASIK
- It has the same short recovery time as LASIK, requires no corneal flap to be cut, and has the added benefit of requiring fewer postoperative restrictions.
Before SmartSight
The first generation of laser eye surgery (PRK)
Before LASIK, surgeons offered PRK. You can still have PRK today, and many surgeons still only offer PRK. TransPRK is an evolution of PRK, with specific advantages over PRK. Still, PRK or TransPRK is a surface procedure. Surface procedures tend to bring postoperative discomfort to patients.
Thus, scientists and engineers invented LASIK surgery, which avoided the wound created by surface procedures and instead enabled surgeons to access the treatment area with a corneal flap.
The second generation of laser eye surgery (LASIK)
With every year that passes, laser eye surgery technology continues to improve. Let’s take LASIK for example, this procedure has been around for over 20 years, and technology and methods have improved significantly in this time.
Ultimately, more improved tools mean better LASIK results. Originally, surgeons used an excimer laser, approved by the FDA in 1995, to perform the ever-so intricate procedure of cutting the corneal flap. An eye-tracking feature made this tool much more efficient and safe.
However, in 2001, the first femtosecond laser was approved in the U.S. This then became the preferred tool for LASIK because it avoided the use of a mechanical blade (i.e. a microkeratome).
The femtosecond procedure improved reliability and decreased the risk of blade-related complications (i.e. infection), compared to the blade-based procedure. A refractive error eye surgeon can also utilize a femtosecond laser to perform a cleaner and more precise procedure (which we call laser-assisted cataract surgery).
Two years later, Wavefront LASIK became available. The evaluation included more complex characteristics of a patient’s eye, and 3D mapping allowed doctors to customise procedures.
What Does the Future of Laser Eye Surgery Look Like?
Over the past two decades, laser eye surgery has improved immensely. Elective surgery accounted for the largest share of elective procedures in 2010. The results of laser eye surgery are satisfactory for about 95% of patients.
The appeal and reliability of laser eye surgery will continue to improve as tools and methods improve. For those who want better vision without wearing glasses or contacts, this is a great choice.
But first, we recommend you attend a free assessment to first determine your suitability. Schedule a free assessment at VSON here.
ARE YOU SUITABLE?
Check your laser eye surgery suitability online with our free LASIK self-test
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WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY…
“Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Russell is extremely informative and has a really positive presence. The doctor and all of the staff ensured all my questions were answered fully. I left the surgery feeling as if I’d been really well cared for.”
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Alana Jenkins“Dr. Russell and the entire team should be commended for their genuine care and personal attention. They made every possible effort to explain and clarify the treatment required and made sure I was comfortable through the consultation treatment.”
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Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russel, your laser and cataract surgery specialist
HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
