Undoubtedly successful for many but certainly not for everyone! Accepted by all as serious irreversible invasive surgery!
Where do I go for unbiased advice about my suitability? A Laser Clinic ?
An optician who only sells specs or Contact Lenses? |
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Geoff Wilson was initially trained by the Corneal Laser Centre, the pioneers of Laser Surgery in the UK and has attended several courses including one at St Thomas's Hospital in London an NHS centre for Laser Surgery.
At post operative checks we have seen very many excellent results, mediocre results but, some very poor ones, so we're not looking through 'rose coloured specs'!
We are specialist Contact Lens Practitioners and we supply Glasses. In 1993 we were one of the first Optometrists to assess and refer patients for Laser Surgery.
Geoff Wilson was initially trained by the Corneal Laser Centre, the pioneers of Laser Surgery in the UK. Subsequently he attended a BUPA Sponsored course led by Professor John Marshall at St Thomas's Hospital in London.
Since then we have carried out Pre operative screening on behalf of 5 different clinics and carried out the Post operative check ups for hundreds of patients.
We have seen excellent results, mediocre results and some very poor ones, so believe us, we are not looking through 'rose coloured specs'!
WE OFFER A LASER COUNSELLING SERVICE in conjunction with a locally based and ethical clinic to whom we refer all suitable patients. (Full details further on).
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The 2 most important pieces of advice we offer are:
1. Only have one eye done at a time - if a problem is going to occur it will usually affect both eyes.
2. Expect to see at least one line of letters less than with glasses or contacts - at least then if the result is better you'll be happy!
If you are currently unsuitable for surgery, or simply elect not to take that route, then we can supply you with either Glasses or Contacts! If you have surgery then we'll carry out your post operative checks and be available to supply top up Contact Lenses or Glasses and reading specs when you get to that age!
Of course, after Laser Surgery a 2 yearly sight test is still essential. Sight can change and the internal eye examination to check for eye disease and general health problems is vital.
We hope you'll still remain our patient for a long time to come. We think all this makes us pretty unbiased!
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO BE AWARE OF.
"Laser Surgery is a new and as yet, in the long term, a relatively unproven technique which in a few short years has turned into a commercial industry! It does not have any universally accepted Code of Practice so is not regulated. Treatment is carried out after the signing of a legal disclaimer of all responsibility. The standard of equipment varies from clinic to clinic and technology is fast moving and new equipment is becoming available all the time. Equipment alone however doesn't guarantee the result - the individual healing process of the cornea is the final decider on how good the corrected vision is!
You will find dozens of Clinics advertising their services; often using testimonials from well known personalities. Because the level of care and price can vary greatly some now advertise that they are superior to others - when considering such serious invasive surgery what reassurance does that give about the others? Obviously all the adverts prove is that Clinics have "spare capacity" and commercial budgets to reach otherwise there'd be no need for the deluge of adverts you see in every daily paper"
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SOME FACTS ABOUT LASER SURGERY NOT USUALLY FOUND IN THE SALES BROCHURES. |
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The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists advise that " as the wearing of Contact Lenses does not involve invasive surgery, the choice of contact lenses should be the first option to consider BEFORE cosmetic Laser Surgery. |
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Contact Lenses have been fitted for more than 120 years and are a safer option than Cosmetic Eye Surgery. |
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The Royal College also recommend that only one eye should be treated at a time although most Clinics offer discounts when they do both together! |
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At Present, surgeons cannot control the individual healing process precisely. This varies from patient to patient.
Therefore, a perfect result, that is perfect vision without glasses or contact lenses, can never be guaranteed. | |
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Reports suggest around 1 in 10 procedures have to be redone to improve accuracy. |
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Scientific Studies from Germany have shown that over 70% of patients suffer impaired night vision after surgery and so may need spectacles for driving at night or to wear in other low light situations. |
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All Laser Clinics acknowledge that dry eyes can be a problem post operatively so anyone normally prone to having dry eyes should avoid Laser Surgery. |
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Many patients who opt for Cosmetic Laser Surgery still need "top up" specs or contact lenses for driving, teletext and or reading and computer work. |
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Correction of astigmatism is more difficult than regular errors of vision and anyone suffering with astigmatism should, to avoid disappointment, expect to still have to wear glasses for driving, teletext, computers work etc. |
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Cosmetic Laser Surgery does not stop the eye from changing shape. This happens naturally from time to time and if the sight changes after Cosmetic Laser Surgery, it may still be necessary to revert back to specs or contact lenses. |
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Scientific papers have already appeared suggesting that after a period of a few years some eye are showing signs or returning to their original shape so the visual error returns. |
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The cornea is only half a millimetre thick - less than the thickness of a rose petal. A significant amount of valuable corneal tissue has to be removed to correct the vision. The higher the error of vision, the more corneal substance is taken off, so potentially weakening the cornea. |
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There is also the possibility of poor daytime vision because of permanent post operative scarring or haze, i.e. cloudiness of the cornea. |
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FINALLY........ a sombre note to dwell upon; few Eye Surgeons or Opticians, have had Laser treatment themselves! |
Microkeratone in place. Flap being lifted prior to Laser Cutting of the underlying corneal surface. |
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| Thin Flap of Tissue is lifted for Lasik |
| Laser removes selected tissue then flap is repositioned | |
OUR LASER CONSULTATION
At a Laser Consultation we examine your cornea using our conventional Microscopes and our unique Specular Microscope which allows us to measure the corneal thickness (a critical measurement - if too thin surgery can't be safely considered) and observe the condition of the endothelial cells on the back of the cornea - very relevant to the healing process.
We'll discuss your previous health history both ocular and general since many factors can contra-indicate Laser Treatment. If you have not had a recent eye examination and Sight Test this may be required.
If you've previously worn Contact Lenses we'll discuss any problems you may have experienced whilst wearing them. To assist us you can fill in our Contact Lens Wearing Problems Questionnaire and email it back to
us prior to your visit. Click here to access this.
We make a nominal charge for this consultation but this is refunded in full.
If you proceed to have laser surgery at the Clinic of our recommendation and return to us for follow up check ups.
Or, if you subsequently purchase Contacts or Glasses (except budget range or those already subject to a special price) the consultation fee will be deducted from the purchase price. | |
