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Laser Vision Correction
In general, laser vision correction may be considered for people who do not wish to use glasses or contact lenses for personal, occupational or medical reasons. These are: LASIK, ReLEx SMILE and Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK). Laser vision correction can treat Myopia, Hyperopia and Presbyopia or ‘Lao Hua’ when performed with monovision.
The requirements for laser vision correction are:
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Stable myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
- Absence of pre-existing eye conditions such as severe dry eyes, advanced glaucoma and keratoconus.
- Absence of certain systemic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes.
- Regular corneal shape and thickness.
- Not Pregnant
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser eye surgery procedure commonly used to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The LASIK surgery procedure reshapes the cornea and focuses light into the retina, for better vision. LASIK surgery is painless and takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes. After the procedure, patients are usually able to see without glasses or contact lenses within a few hours. As vision stabilises over the next few days, vision continues to improve.
How is LASIK Performed?
LASIK surgery in Singapore is performed by creating a very thin, superficial flap in the cornea with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. Once the hinged flap is folded back, the surgeon can access the underlying cornea and remove some corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The excimer laser directs an ultraviolet light beam, reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses more accurately on the retina for improved vision. The flap is then laid back in place after the cornea has been reshaped with laser ablation. After LASIK surgery, the flap is sealed to the cornea beneath.
Benefits of Lasik Surgery
With the abundance of benefits LASIK surgery brings, it continues to rise in popularity, with more people undergoing the procedure. Firstly, LASIK surgery eliminates the need for contacts or glasses. For contact wearers, this offers a better cost-efficient solution in the long run. The cost of contacts can average to about $375 to $450 a year, rendering LASIK surgery cost in Singapore to be more worth the investment. For glasses wearers, LASIK surgery provides greater convenience, especially when it comes to sports related activities. Moreover, being able to wear shades and sunglasses are no longer a hassle.
Secondly, LASIK surgery has long-lasting results. Once the eye has stabilised for about three months, LASIK results are expected to be permanent. The recovery process of LASIK surgery is also quick and effortless. Majority of ophthalmologists estimate that patients can return to their normal schedule within a day or two of surgery, unless they work in particularly dirty or dusty conditions. Last but not least, LASIK surgery improves vision. In fact, 90% of patients performing LASIK get 20/20 vision or better!
LASIK or ReLEx SMILE?
ReLEx SMILE (Refractive Lenticule Extraction – Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless lenticule extraction procedure that is FDA-approved and ideal for those with active lifestyles. ReLEx SMILE in Singapore enables some of the benefits of LASIK to be achieved with less invasive surgery. By creating and removing a tiny piece of corneal tissue within the eye, ReLEx SMILE can reshape the cornea. In contrast to LASIK surgery, where a 22mm cut is made, the lenticule is extracted through a 2mm micro-incision, resulting in a faster and more comfortable healing process. No flap is created, which eradicates the risk of flap complications (dislodgement, wrinkles, inflammations) or dry eyes.
Ultimately, conditions vary from patient to patient. Should you plan to undergo eye surgery, it is highly recommended to consult your eye specialist. Your eye specialist will assess your eye condition and determine the most suitable treatment option, whether it be LASIK surgery or reLEx SMILE for you!
Laser vision correction is able to treat a wide variety of refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Presbyopia or ‘lao hua’ may be helped with monovision techniques.
This was first approved by the FDA in 1998 and many millions of patients have had it performed. In general, satisfaction rates are well over 90% and sight threatening complications such as corneal ectasia and infection are very rare.
Lasik is a two-step process where a corneal flap is first created with a femto-second laser and then laser ablation performed under the flap with a second excimer laser. The flap is then carefully repositioned and vision typically recovers very quickly but is not immediate. There may be some irritation after surgery but patients are usually back to normal daily activities the next day. Sometimes, a protective bandage contact lens is used which is removed by the surgeon after 1-3 days. The whole treatment is performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and takes about 12-15 minutes. Mostly, patients need 2 days off work. Medicated eye drops are prescribed for 1 week. Lubricating or medicated eye drops may sometimes be needed for dry eyes for a longer period on a case by case basis. Lasik is a safe and effective treatment for the correction of refractive errors and has been approved by both the SAF and US military.
This was first approved by the FDA in 1998 and many millions of patients have had it performed. In general, satisfaction rates are well over 90% and sight threatening complications such as corneal ectasia and infection are very rare.
Lasik is a two-step process where a corneal flap is first created with a femto-second laser and then laser ablation performed under the flap with a second excimer laser. The flap is then carefully repositioned and vision typically recovers very quickly but is not immediate. There may be some irritation after surgery but patients are usually back to normal daily activities the next day. Sometimes, a protective bandage contact lens is used which is removed by the surgeon after 1-3 days. The whole treatment is performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and takes about 12-15 minutes. Mostly, patients need 2 days off work. Medicated eye drops are prescribed for 1 week. Lubricating or medicated eye drops may sometimes be needed for dry eyes for a longer period on a case by case basis. Lasik is a safe and effective treatment for the correction of refractive errors and has been approved by both the SAF and US military.
ASA or Advanced surface ablation comprises the techniques of PRK, LASEK and epi LASIK. Generally, these 3 procedures are the same and differ only in the method by which the corneal epithelium is removed. They differ from LASIK mainly in that they do not need the creation of a corneal flap and leave the eye stronger bio-mechanically and is the technique of choice for those in the RSAF. The procedure takes about 12-15 minutes and is performed with topical anaesthesia (eye drops). Firstly, the corneal epithelium is removed with dilute alcohol and then the excimer laser ablation applied to reshape the front corneal surface. An anti-scarring medicine is then used for 1 minute in order to reduce the risk of scarring or haze. Finally, a bandage contact lens is applied to allow healing to take place. In general, the eye will be uncomfortable for 3 to 5 days and patients generally need a medical certificate for this period. Medicated eye drops need to be used for 3 months. Lubricating or medicated eye drops may sometimes be needed for dry eyes for a longer period on a case by case basis Vision tends to be blurry during the healing phase and does not stabilize for about 3 to 6 months. However, patients are generally back to daily activities including driving after about a week.
Dr Eugene Tay has been performing LASEK surgery with mitomycin-C (anti-scarring medicine) for over 10 years with excellent results. LASEK is a good technique for patients who have physically demanding jobs such as military or police personnel as it is a ‘flapless’ technique and does not have the risk of LASIK flap related complications. It is better suited for those with low to moderate myopia or with thinner corneas.
Corneal cross-linking is an outpatient procedure performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) for the treatment of keratoconus. It takes about 30 mins to perform and the down time is about 1 week. The cross-linking procedure is a 2-step process. Firstly, the corneal epithelium (skin) is removed and then the underlying tissue is soaked with liquid riboflavin (vitamin B2). Following this, UV light is used to treat the eye in a controlled fashion. This procedure causes new bonds to form between the cornea fibres resulting in stabilization and strengthening. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to aid in healing and is usually removed after 1-2 weeks. Corneal cross-linking, in recent years, has also been combined with Laser Vision Correction techniques resulting in procedures such as SMILE Xxtra and Lasik Xtra. The aim of performing corneal cross-linking with laser vision correction is to reduce the risk of corneal ectasia and refractive regression.
FAQ
LASIK surgery in Singapore can be covered by Medisave under certain conditions. · There is anisometropia, which is defined as a difference of more than 3 dioptres (300 degrees) of “spherical equivalent” between the two eyes. · The procedure is used to correct the refractive error caused by previous eye surgery such as cataract surgery.
The LASIK surgery cost in Singapore varies from clinic to clinic with the average cost ranging from $2,980 to $4,500.
LASIK surgery in Singapore is a safe, effective and quick procedure, with a success rate of 96% globally.
