REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Dr Peter Kim specialises in laser vision correction. Utillising the latest technologies and techniques in laser eye surgery technology including blade-free LASIK and its alternatives to achieve clear vision with freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, “normal vision” for those over 45 usually includes reading glasses for close fine work.

LASIK

Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a proven technique for the correction of short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is performed by creating a flap and then reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser.

Blade-free LASIK or “iLASIK” is a bladeless technique whereby the flap is created with a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome blade. It allows for more accurate, predictable and safer creation of the LASIK flap, which is a critical step in the LASIK procedure. It is also a more comfortable way of flap creation.

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK and there are several options to achieve excellent visual outcomes.

PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY (PRK)

PRK is a surgical alternative to LASIK and involves reshaping the cornea on its topmost surface using the excimer laser without the creation of a flap. Comfort and vision take longer to settle than in LASIK. A bandage contact lens is worn for 3 to 5 days as the outer corneal surface (epithelium) has to regenerate.

REFRACTIVE LENSECTOMY

This techniques involves removal of the crystalline lens of the eye (prior to the development of a cataract) and inserting an artificial intraocular lens to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. This procedure may be an excellent alternative for those with thin corneas or very high refractive errors (myopia or hypermetropia).

PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENSES

A “phakic intraocular lens” (IOL) is a micro lens placed into the eye without removing the natural crystalline lens (unlike cataract surgery). This is a significant advantage as your natural lens is able to continue to adjust its focus for objects near and far.

Visian ICL may be inserted to correct refractive errors when conventional laser treatment (Surface PRK or LASIK) is not advisable. Eligible patients include those with higher refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism), thin corneas and severe dry eyes.

The Visian ICL is a one such micro sized lens that is invisible and removable and is effective in correcting a wide range of refractive errors.

Verisyse is a another phakic intraocular lens that provides very precise and predictable correction of high refractive errors. The lens is placed into the eye through a small incision