Changing how the eye sees with Laser Eye Surgery

The human brain is the control centre for eyesight and relies upon incoming light being processed and transmitted accurately by the eyes to the visual cortex at the back of the brain, near the base of the skull.

How well a person sees is determined by a number of complex biological and chemical processes being executed correctly, but these processes can be affected by physiological defects, such as an irregularly shaped cornea or an eyeball that is too short or too long.

In instances when these defects occur, a person is diagnosed with a refractive error and prescribed glasses and/or contact lenses in order to sharpen distorted vision.

Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are all refractive errors which can be eliminated with refractive surgery or Laser Eye Surgery as it is better known, at any Optilase clinic across Northern Ireland.

Translating light into images

Light rays enter the eye and pass through the cornea, which is a transparent connective tissue that should be spherical in shape.

The cornea bends light rays through a process known as refraction so that they are pinpointed onto the retina at the back of the eye, which contains rods and cones that are responsible for interpreting the intensity and frequency of refracted light.

Nerve impulses are then sent from these rods and cones to the brain via the optic nerve behind the eye to the visual cortex of the brain where these impulses are assimilated to allow for objects to be seen.

When there is a refractive error present in the eye, light rays are focus either in front of or behind the retina which causes objects to appear blurred.

Laser Eye Surgery can correct refractive errors

Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase Northern Ireland changes how well the eye works by altering the shape of the cornea so that light is focused directly onto the retina.

Using a computer-controlled Excimer Laser, a cool beam of ultraviolet light removes a predetermined amount of tissue from the cornea to eliminate the natural refractive error.

After years of poor eyesight, patients can leave Optilase after undergoing the 30 minute procedure with clear, undistorted vision without needing to wear glasses or contact lenses.

To find out more, book your free Laser Eye Surgery consultation at any Optilase clinic (Belfast, Newry, Derry/Londonderry). Phone 08000 121 565.