Having access to the latest technology at a laser eye surgical centre is critical, and the technology in this field is constantly evolving. The most recent evolution in laser corrective eye surgery is that of the Schwind Amaris. This revolutionary model features unsurpassed accuracy for modern surgical centres ready to improve their procedures.
What Makes the Schwind Amaris So Unique?
Anyone who is considering laser eye treatment should research the technology behind it. The Schwind Amaris helps achieve optimum results safely and quickly, but that is not the only benefit to this new technology. Some of the best features include:
1. Two Energy Levels – With this laser, you get highly precise ablation of the corneal tissue and maximum precision using two different energy levels.
2. Superior Speed and Precision – Speed of a laser does not matter if it is not precise. The Amaris has unique characteristics that offer a balance between ablation speed and precision including up to 1050 laser pulses per second and automatic fluence level adjustment.
3. Comfort – Unlike some lasers, the Schwind Amaris offers more comfort to the patient, which means the surgeon can now put more of his or her focus on the eyes during surgery.
4. Exceptional Safety – Laser eye surgery is safe, but Schwind Amaris makes it even safer. With features like thermal control, online pachymetrie, eye tracking and turbo fast eye tracking systems, each move with the laser is absolutely precise.
Optilase is proud to have the latest Schwind Amaris technology in our laser eye surgery centre. If you want to correct your vision using the most advanced and safe technology, our surgeons can help. Not only do we have the best equipment, but our surgeons are highly trained and experienced to get you the results these new technologies are designed to deliver.
Not sure if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery? Meet with at Optilase for a free consultation. Even if you are not a suitable candidate, we may have other surgical alternatives to help improve your vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
The success of LASIK often comes down to the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure. While there are plenty of qualified professionals out there, you want to have peace of mind in knowing you selected the right one for you.
You only have one set of eyes, so before you go with just any LASIK centre, learn how to tell a quality eye surgeon apart from the rest.
Take Your Time Choosing a Laser Eye Surgeon
Selecting your laser eye surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. You will want to find a vision centre with a reputation for success and high patient satisfaction rates. You may even want to ask family, friends or co-workers where they received their own laser treatments. Once you have a few top surgeons in mind, you can work to narrow it down to just one.
Consider the Criteria for Selection Carefully
To narrow down your list of potential LASIK providers, you will want to make a criteria checklist.
Some things you must consider include:
1. Type of Laser Eye Surgery Facility
A good laser eye surgical centre will be tidy, clean and makes hygiene their top priority.
2. Laser Technology
While LASIK is the most popular, it is not the only type of laser eye surgery technology out there. You want to find a provider that offers more than just one treatment, such as LASEK, WaveFront, IntraLase, etc.
3. Comfort Level
Schedule a free consultation and meet with the surgeon. You must have a comfortable relationship with that surgeon and you want to ensure they put your best interests first.
4. Staff
You can tell a lot about a laser eye surgery centre just by observing the staff. After all, these individuals will make your appointment, help with aftercare and may even be present during the procedure, so it is not just the surgeon you need to feel comfortable about.
5. Professional Memberships
Memberships and training speak volumes. You want a provider with multiple professional affiliations, such as the British Medical Association, Royal Society of Medicine, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Do not entrust your vision correction to just anyone. Instead, take the time to ensure you hire the right provider for your laser eye surgery.
If you are thinking about laser eye surgery, meet with the skilled, friendly surgeons at Optilase today. We offer free consultations and can assess if you are a candidate for LASIK or other laser procedures. Contact us today to learn more about laser eye surgery or to schedule your consultation.
A few decades ago, if you had issues reading or seeing up close, there was not much that eye care professionals could do for you. Today, technological advancements in laser technology have made it easier for vision correction experts to help people with farsightedness see clearly up close once again.
The Development of Monovision LASIK®
By producing monovision, professionals are able to help patients who cannot see up close. Because most people have a dominant eye and that eye is favoured by the brain for sight, surgeons can take advantage by correcting the dominant eye to create monovision.
Corneal Inlays
Another option for patients with farsightedness are corneal inlays. An inlay is a tiny lens that is inserted directly into the cornea to help reshape the front surface of the eye and improve vision. These devices are smaller and thinner than traditional contact lenses, but offer a similar effect.
Corneal inlays are primarily used to correct reading vision problems. They can reduce the need for reading glasses, especially for older adults who suffer from presbyopia.
The Kamra® Inlay for Older Adults
Older adults are likely to experience vision changes – it is just nature’s way and you can’t change it. While in the past these individuals were left wearing reading glasses, there is now the Kamra® inlay, which is approved for patients 45 to 60. Kamra® inlays are placed on the non-dominant eye and the entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes but helps patients see more clearly up close.
Choosing the Right Surgical Centre Matters
Whether you need laser corrective surgery or you are thinking about a surgically-placed inlay, the laser surgery centre you choose is very important. Optilase is the #1 provider in Europe for reading vision correction. We offer the latest technologies, including inlays, to help our patients go through life without requiring reading glasses.
If you want to free yourself of reading glasses, contact Optilase for a free consultation. We can see if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery or new inlays. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your consultation.
Vision technology is constantly evolving and inlays are becoming one of the safer options for individuals who need to restore their vision. The KAMRA® inlay is a proven, safe and long-lasting solution for those who suffer from everyday vision issues. It is smaller than a contact lens and features a small opening in the centre.
From reading your daily newspaper to being able to finally read a menu at your favourite restaurant, the KAMRA® inlay could be the right option for you.
What is the KAMRA® Inlay?
This inlay is a microscopic disc that features a diameter of 3.8mm. There is an opening in the centre of the disc that allows light to focus into the eye, so a patient can see more clearly. It is much smaller and lighter than typical contacts and it is created from biocompatible materials to ensure a healthy cornea.
The Facts About KAMRA®
If you are curious about inlays, you must meet with a professional to ensure you are a suitable candidate. The KAMRA® inlay features a variety of benefits and offers a more natural range of vision. It lets patients see near, far and everything in between with ease.
Just a few things you should know about the inlay include:
1. It is ideal for those who are over the age of 40 and need to restore everyday vision.
2. It offers freedom without the need for glasses.
3. It can restore clarity even for computer work.
4. It is a lasting solution for those who suffer from presbyopia, as long as their eyes do not change.
5. Patients can receive the KAMRA® inlay at the same time they receive LASIK® surgery.
Not everyone is a candidate for the new inlays. It is best to schedule a consultation with a laser eye surgeon to see if you qualify for the KAMRA® inlay. Even if you do not, you may qualify for another type of inlay or a suitable laser corrective eye surgery.
If you want to get rid of eyeglasses once and for all, contact Optilase for a free consultation. We can see if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery or inlays. Contact us today to learn more about the KAMRA® inlay or to schedule your consultation.
There is a widely held belief that wearing contact lenses is safer than laser eye surgery. Some wearers of contacts even think that by doing so, they are saving themselves money. However, when you compare the risks and costs associated with both, you may be surprised at which option comes out on top.
Lower Risk with Laser Eye Surgery
Contacts and laser eye surgery are not inherently dangerous, but when you compare the two, laser eye surgery has a lower risk. If you are wondering how a complex procedure that requires a skilled eye surgeon can be less risky than putting in contacts every day, here are a few key things to point out:
1. Long Term Results – Contacts only correct your vision while they are in your eyes. The moment you remove them, your vision is back to what it was. Laser eye surgery, on the other hand, instantly corrects and can permanently reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
2. Risk of Infection – Contacts are foreign objects that you place into your eyes. If you do not properly sanitize a lens or wash your fingers before putting one in, you greatly increase the likelihood of an infection. With laser eye surgery, there is very little risk for post-op infection.
3. Prescription Needs Will Change – Over time, you may notice that your contact prescription needs to be changed. With laser eye surgery, changes may occur as you age, but instead of paying for a new surgery, the surgical centre will often correct those changes for free.
4. You Spend More on Contacts in the Long Run – If you compare the costs over a lifetime, you will spend significantly more renewing your contact prescription than making a one-time investment in laser eye surgery.
Where you get your laser eye surgery done is of great significance too. It is important you pick a skilled surgical centre with the latest technologies and the highest patient satisfaction rates. The surgeons at Optilase can help you reduce your monthly contacts costs and improve your vision.
If you have been debating whether or not to try laser eye surgery, meet with the surgeons at Optilase today for a free consultation. Contact us today to learn more about laser eye surgeries or to schedule your consultation.
Some people see just fine during the day, but at night, their vision turns poor. Poor night vision could be a sign of progressive cataracts or other serious conditions. Other times, it may be nothing more than a vitamin deficiency. If you have poor night-time vision, it is important to see a professional right away for treatment and correction.
The Causes of Night-Time Vision Issues
Difficulty seeing at night can be due to many reasons, including:
1. Cataracts - Painless, yet progressive, cataracts slowly cloud your lens. One of the first symptoms of cataracts is night-time vision problems. You may see halos around lights or even blurry vision where you cannot focus properly.
2. Low Vitamin A - Vitamin A keeps your retina healthy. If you are deficient, you may notice you suffer from poor night time vision. Some diseases that naturally deplete the body’s supply of vitamin A, such as Crohn’s disease, can also cause this.
3. Sunlight Exposure - This is temporary, but is a warning sign for better eye protection. Being in bright sunlight for too long without protection can impair your night vision for several days.
Getting Diagnosed is Key
If you notice blurred vision or you have difficulty seeing at night, you need to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional. An eye exam could help diagnose why you cannot see clearly at night.
Can It Be Corrected?
Poor night vision may be correctable, depending on the cause. Custom LASIK procedures may improve night vision in those who have had previous issues seeing in the dark. As your eyes heal post-surgery, you will gradually notice an improvement in your night vision. The degree of improvement can vary depending on the severity of your night-vision problems initially. The good thing is that most patients report a definite improvement.
It is important you have laser eye surgery performed by a skilled treatment centre. You will also need an initial LASIK consultation to see if your night vision issue makes you a candidate for laser eye surgery, or if there is a laser alternative available.
Do you have difficulty seeing at night? Optilase has a team of professionals that can help diagnose the problem and provide the best solution. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your consultation for LASIK laser eye surgery.
As with any procedure, there are usually a few myths that need to be dispelled. When it comes to LASIK, there are a lot of misunderstandings out there that prevent potential candidates from seeking out this surgical procedure.
If you have been avoiding a laser eye surgery consultation, it may be time to review the facts and get rid of those myths once and for all.
The Truth About Laser Eye Surgery
Over the past 20 years, multiple myths have surfaced about laser eye surgery. Now it is time to separate those myths from the facts. These include:
1. Everyone Can Receive Lasik
Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for laser eye surgery. There are certain factors that can make a patient ineligible for this procedure, such as health problems or genetic disorders.
2. Laser Eye Surgery is Very Painful
LASIK is painless. Drops are used to numb your eyes during the procedure and afterwards, you may only have a slight level of discomfort, but definitely nothing that is described as pain.
3. Lasik Could Cause Blindness if Done Wrong
There have been no reports or no studies to prove such a statement. While complications can occur, these are extremely rare.
4. Poor outcomes from Laser Eye Surgery cannot be corrected
Most patients are satisfied with the results of their laser eye surgery. If they are not, there are a variety of treatment options. An established laser eye surgery centre will also offer a lifetime guarantee, which means if you are not satisfied, they will fix it.
5. You Cannot Correct Farsightedness or Astigmatisms with Lasik
The fact is that individuals with these vision problems are actually great candidates for laser eye surgery. Any type of refractive error, including nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness makes you eligible for laser eye surgery.
6. You Never Need Glasses Again
While some patients may never require corrective eyewear, normal aging still occurs. So, a person may need reading glasses or eyewear on a part-time basis as they age.
7. Where You Get Lasik Does Not Matter
This is far from the truth. One of the most essential elements in how successful your procedure will be is based on the surgeon that does it. You need to spend time researching surgeons and opt for a surgical centre that specializes in LASIK and other advanced laser procedures.
Do not let the myths regarding LASIK keep you away from getting better vision. If you have questions, it is best to visit your local laser eye surgical centre to meet with a professional and discuss those concerns in person.
Are myths keeping you away from laser eye surgery? The professionals at Optilase want to put those concerns to rest over a free consultation. Contact us today to learn more about laser eye surgery or to schedule your consultation.
Selecting a laser eye clinic is just as important as selecting a laser eye surgeon. However, most patients put their search efforts into the surgeon without much thought about where their procedure will take place. Inadequately equipped laser eye clinics may leave patients with adverse symptoms - such as chronic dry eyes, poor night vision or fluctuating levels of vision. In other cases, you could just walk away unsatisfied with how you were treated because the clinic’s staff were unfriendly or just unwilling to work with you in a respectful manner.
So, if you are thinking about laser eye surgery in Belfast, make sure you research the clinic where you will have your procedure done.
What to Look for in a Laser Eye Clinic
Cleanliness - When you walk into the Belfast laser eye clinic, do you find that it is clean? A reputable laser eye centre will be hygienic, sterile and always tidy. This includes procedure areas, lobbies, examination rooms and even bathrooms.
Equipment and Technology - You want a clinic that utilises the latest laser eye surgery technology. Also, you may want to find out if you have a choice about which technology will be used for your procedure. Make sure the clinic you choose uses 100 percent all bladeless, with Intralase.
Staff - Assess the staff, including those at the front desk as well as those assisting the surgeon. Their demeanour says a lot about the clinic and surgeons as a whole. They should be concerned about your comfort, schedule and finances.
Patient Satisfaction Rates - Ask the clinic about their success and satisfaction rates. Check their website for patient testimonials and look online to see what others are saying about them.
Results and Guarantee - A good clinic offers a lifetime guarantee on the results of your laser eye surgery. That means if your vision changes later on, the clinic will usually make adjustments at no extra cost to you.
While laser eye surgery is an investment, it offers you freedom from eyeglasses and contacts. The success of your procedure depends largely on how efficient the clinic is. Put a good amount of effort into evaluating the clinic as well as the eye the surgeon and you can rest assured that you will get excellent results.
Are you thinking about getting laser eye surgery in Belfast? Optilase offers professional staff, clean clinics and the best technology. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation for your laser eye surgery.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a popular surgical procedure for those who want to correct their vision problems. It can fix astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
The procedure reshapes the cornea so that light travels through it properly and allows you to focus like your eyes were meant to. There are no blades involved and the recovery is fairly quick - with long-term results.
If you are thinking about LASIK or another laser eye surgical procedure in Belfast, it is best to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure so you can make an informed decision.
Advantages of LASIK
There is a reason LASIK is one of the most popular laser eye surgeries. The benefits include:
- A high success rate. This surgery is proven to correct vision and post-surgical enhancements can further improve vision (if needed).
- There is very little pain involved with the procedure. The surgeon will use numbing drops to alleviate any discomfort too.
- Your vision is corrected almost immediately or by the day after.
- You do not have to wear awkward bandages and there are no stitches.
- Adjustments can be made to correct any vision changes due to aging and often, at no cost to you.
- You may be able to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts completely or reduce your vision correction prescription dramatically.
Disadvantages of LASIK
While LASIK has some significant advantages; there are also a few disadvantages to the procedure:
- Any changes made to your cornea are permanent; therefore, errors cannot be reversed. This is why it is important to use a skilled laser eye surgeon.
- In very rare cases, a patient may have a permanent loss of their “best” vision, which means they could still require eyeglasses post-surgery.
- Not everyone qualifies for this procedure.
The only way to fully understand the procedure and see if you are a candidate is by scheduling a free consultation with a skilled LASIK surgeon. The surgeon will do a free, in-depth assessment to see if your eyes will benefit from laser eye surgery. Depending on your current vision, the surgeon will also discuss any risks specific to your case.
Get the facts about LASIK or see if you are a candidate by scheduling a no obligation consultation with an Optilase surgeon. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your consultation with us.
Laser eye surgery is a big decision. The changes are permanent; therefore, you are likely to have a lot of questions regarding the preparation, recovery and side effects.
It is important to realise that there is no “wrong” or “silly” question and a good surgeon is there to answer every concern you may have. To help familiarise yourself with the LASIK procedure, here are some common questions and answers which will hopefully put some of those pressing questions on your mind to rest.
How Do You Prepare for LASIK?
Preparing for your surgery is simple. You will first have a consultation with a skilled LASIK surgeon to make sure you are a suitable candidate. If you are, you will be given a list of preparation tasks to complete, which may include:
- Not wearing contacts for at least three days or up to three weeks prior to your appointment, especially if they are gas permeable.
- Eating a light meal before surgery.
- Taking all prescribed medications (unless specified otherwise).
- Not applying any eye drops unless told to do so on the day of your procedure.
- Not wearing eye makeup or hair accessories on the day of your surgery.
Most importantly, if you have a fever or are not feeling well, call to reschedule your surgery. Your surgeon will determine if you need to postpone based on your symptoms.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Side effects with LASIK are very rare. Most patients suffer from general discomfort, but this resolves in 24 to 48 hours. Some other side effects you may experience include:
- Glares
- Halos around objects
- Night vision issues
- Fluctuating vision
- Chronic dry eyes
If you experience any side effects, contact your surgeon right away for an assessment.
What is the Recovery Like?
Recovery is fairly simple. Your surgeon will give you detailed after care instructions to make sure your eyes recover correctly. The healing process is rapid with LASIK, but you may have blurred vision the first day. Once that dissipates, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision.
To prevent infection or inflammation, it is imperative your eyes remain moist. You will be given special eye drops by your surgeon to do just that. You must use these as directed and do not use any unapproved eye drops.
Learn more about LASIK or meet with an Optilase surgeon to see if you are a candidate for laser eye surgery in Belfast. Call us on 0800 511 8005 or schedule your consultation online.
