Refractive Surgery
Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser Refractive Surgery reshapes the front surface of the eye (cornea) using laser to correct for myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. There are a number of different laser refractive surgery techniques offered by Dr Chan.
What does refractive surgery cost?
The cost of laser surgery varies depending on individual patient needs and the type of refractive procedure. Laser refractive surgery with Dr Christopher Chan starts from $2000 per eye.
Types of Laser Refractive Surgery
SmartSight/Silk
SmartSight/Silk (Kerato-lenticule extraction (Klex)/Laser assisted lenticule extraction (Lalex)) uses a femtosecond laser to cut a lenticule of tissue within the substance of the cornea. Via a small laser-made incision, the tissue lenticule is removed. It is often described as a key hole version of LASIK.
Advantages of SmartSight/Silk include relatively quick recovery, little to no discomfort, quicker dry eye recovery compared to PRK and LASIK, absence of flap complications and maintenance of corneal strength. SmartSight/Silk can only treat myopia and astigmatism at present.
PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy)/Trans epithelial PRK
PRK uses a laser to reshape the front of the eye following removal of the outer layer of the eye (epithelium) either manually (PRK) or by laser (Trans epithelial PRK).
PRK/Trans epithelial PRK results in more discomfort and a longer recovery than LASIK but is more suitable for thinner corneas and does not require a corneal flap to be created.
Lasik (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to cut a flap of the cornea. The flap is then lifted and a second excimer laser is used to treat refractive error. The flap is then replaced. The advantage of LASIK over PRK is that it has little to no discomfort and a quick recovery time. The disadvantage is greater potential complications and a weakened cornea due to the creation of the corneal flap.
Other Refractive Surgery
Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange involves replacement of the eye’s natural lens. It is similar to cataract surgery, but performed on a clear lens without a cataract in order to change the power of the eye.
Refractive lens exchange is designed to reduce your dependence on glasses/contact lens when other surgical options such as laser or ICL are not suitable, such as in eyes with extremely high short sightedness (myopia) or long sightedness (hypermetropia).
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
Implantable Collamer Lenses are also used when patients are not suitable for laser refractive suregey but would like to be less dependent on their glasses or contact lenses.
The advantage of ICL over refractive lens exchange is that it is a less invasive procedure with a lower level of risk.
ICL involes the implantation of a special lens behind the iris but in front of the lens. The procedure is able to correct refractive error including myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.
How to Book
To book an appointment for a laser refractive surgery assessment with Dr Chan please phone North West Eye Specialists on 93 350 500.
Contact us to find out more
SmartSight
LASIK
PRK
Refractive Lens Exchange
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)