Other

At your free suitability assessment we advise you of your best option to free yourself from glasses and contact lenses.

Problem

Patients who have extremely strong scripts or are not eligible for LASIK

Solution

An Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is for patients who want vision correction but fall outside the eligibility for laser vision correction. This could be due to high myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness), thin or irregularly shaped corneas, or very dry eyes.

The lens is permanently implanted in front of the patient’s natural lens and behind the iris, and cannot be seen or felt. It can also be removed or replaced if required. ICLs provide similar, and in some cases even better, results to LASIK. Patients with astigmatism can also be candidates for ICL.

Problem

Keratoconus

Solution

Corneal Cross-Linking

Keratoconus, which affects just 1 in 2000 people, is a progressive visual disorder where the cornea loses stability and goes out of shape. This causes blurry vision beyond the scope of glasses or contacts and goes hand in hand with a thinning of the cornea. Other symptons include cloudy vision, ghosting, doubling images, glare, and halos. If diagnosed early, further deterioration can be prevented and sight is stabilised via Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), a procedure that strengthens the cornea.

Found the right procedure for you? Contact us to book in for a free consultation to confirm which is the best procedure for you age, eyes, and problems.

Technology and Considerations

LASIK is by far the most common and popular vision correction method performed at the Laser Eye Centre. It is rated as extremely safe with very low complication incidence. Typically, recovery is rapid and there is little or no postoperative discomfort. Patients are generally able to return to work and drive within two days of surgery. Once refraction has stabilised, the re-shaped cornea will be permanently corrected in the majority of cases.

Limits To Correction

The maximum limit of correction obtainable with LASIK varies from one laser to another. More than 10 years ago Nasa approved Lasik for their astronauts (labelled iLasik).
With now more modern Lasers like the ZEISS MEL90 available the treatable correction, precision and longevity has been greatly improved.

Our state-of-the-art ZEISS MEL 90 Laser can treat a wider range than other Lasers in New Zealand. If you have been told that you are not suitable by another clinic, we might be able to help. Even if you are longsighted or have high astigmatism.

Consideration

In the experienced hands of a qualified surgeon LASIK is safe and effective. As with any surgery, there are risks, which can be discussed with the ophthalmologist. Perhaps the most impressive testimonial comes from the many ophthalmologists, who have chosen to have LASIK for their own treatment.

Retreatment Options

The Laser Eye Centre’s motto is vision for life. We are unique by offering a 10 year warranty on long vision, and a five year warranty on near vision. If safe and suitable given that the regular check-up programme is adhered to, a patient will receive free retreatment to the same targets in the unlikely case this would be needed.

Problem

Over 40s losing reading sharpness

Solution

LASIK PLUS or Corneal inlay

When we reach our 40s near vision naturally begins to lose some of its sharpness. This is called Presbyopia. LASIK PLUS rejuvenates and restore this everyday vision using a precise and gentle reshaping procedure for adjusting the focusing power of your eyes. The unique technique improves depth of focus, providing comfortable distance, intermediate and near vision.

Another exciting option to become independent from reading glasses are corneal inlays like the KAMRA inlay or the PRESBIA microlens. This offers a solution offers a solution for people who are looking for a way to read common items such as newspapers, restaurant menus, text messages and supermarket labels without glasses. The benefits of an implanted lens outweigh glasses, which can easily be lost, misplaced, broken or scratched. And in a culture of youthfulness and healthy lifestyles, people do not like to be burdened with reading glasses.

Corneal inlays restores near sight for reading, little affecting distance vision. Most patients however, resume normal activities within 24 hours.

A corneal inlay is gently implanted within the eye’s outer layer, the cornea, during a procedure that takes less than 20 minutes. Eye drops and a follow-up appointment are the only requirements for proper healing.

At your free suitability assessment we can explain which of our state of the art procedures best suits your lifestyle and requirements.

Problem

Same as LASIK, for patients with thin corneas

Solution

Advanced Surface Laser, also known as Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK), was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and is the predecessor to the popular LASIK. PRK is a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.

PRK is best suited for those patients who would normally choose AAA LASIK, but whose corneal measures are deemed too thin for LASIK. PRK gives excellent results though with marginally more discomfort for a few days and a slower recovery timeframe than LASIK.