Femto LASIK

In traditional LASIK, a surgeon uses a microkeratome blade—a small specially designed ophthalmic device—to cut a flap into the cornea. The flap is then lifted to allow laser to reshape cornea, correcting the patient’s vision. Femto LASIK or Bladeless LASIK also called “all-laser LASIK,” uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a microkeratome blade. During LASIK at LVCND, the ZEISS VisuMax®femtosecond laser creates a flap that is folded back. After the ZEISS MEL® 90 excimer laser has done the corneal shaping, the flap is then repositioned on the eye.

What is LASIK

In this technique the laser vision correction treatments are applied beneath a protective superficial layer of cornea – the corneal ‘flap’. The corneal flap, which is hinged superiorly, is lifted and the excimer laser is then used to change the shape / profile of the exposed central cornea. The flap is then replaced accurately and remains firmly attached. At LVCND we use the state of art VisuMax and a MEL® excimer laser platform from Carl Zeiss. We only perform Femto LASIK to treat our patients.

Benefits of VisuMax Femto-LASIK

• 1. The VisuMax Femto provides the most comfortable patient experience. This is mainly because the docking interface to the eye is so soft—meaning the cornea is not applanated nearly as much and patients barely feel it.
• 2. Mel 90 Excimer – incorporates proven safety as well as individually configurable options. Unique product qualities like the FLEXIQUENCE® switch function (250 Hz / 500 Hz), the ablation profile Triple-A and the outstanding intra-operative ablation speed of up to 1.3 seconds per dioptre create entirely new treatment prospects.
• 3. Greater predictability and stability of refractive outcome in moderate to high amounts of myopia (from around –1.00D up to –10.00D)2
• 4. A similar increase in predictability for hypermetropia (+1.00D to +5.00D approx)
• 5. No corneal scarring
• 6. Rapid visual recovery (within hours in some cases)
• 7. Return to work/driving usually within 48 hours
• 8. Increased comfort – LASIK is virtually pain-free and no eye pads are needed.
• 9. Bilateral treatments (both eyes on the same day) are possible and are now the norm.

Am I suitable for Femto-LASIK eye surgery?

We analyse your eyes in exquisite detail, and customise treatments for each individual eye.

Every individual is different, and the surgeon will be able to give you a final decision on whether laser eye surgery is right for you. For example, if you have dry eyes, the severity of your condition will determine whether you can have laser eye surgery.

For women who are breastfeeding, you will generally be allowed to have treatment three months after weaning. Most people with diabetes or glaucoma will not be suitable for treatment, due to there being a higher likelihood of complications. However, do not hesitate to get in touch for a consultation to discuss your specific case in further detail.

Treatment procedure

After application of topical anaesthesia, flaps are cut using the VisuMax femtosecond laser. During the docking process, you will be asked to observe the green blinking fixation light under dim surrounding illumination. After flaps are cut, the patient will be rotated on the same bed under the MEL 90 excimer laser. The flap will then be lifted and the laser ablation performed. Antibiotic and steroid drops are applied before completion.

Your Journey

We have designed our eye surgery pathway to give you adequate space to consider your options without any pressure to sign up for any treatment.

There is no obligation and we will be very pleased to give you information about all vision correction options, answer your questions and organise your suitability assessment.

Suitability Assessment

Assessment is with our expert optometrist. This normally takes an hour. Our optometrist will perform various eligibity tests and measurements and may be able to advise you on what is likely to be the best treatment option for you. At this visit our team will take you through our process, and give you our range of fees and affordable payment and finance options.

You will be given written information guides for the relevant procedures. Our optometrists can also organise an appointment for you to see our surgeon Mr Anandan for your comprehensive vision surgery consultation.

Consultation with Mr Anandan

The consultation with Mr Anandan is the defining stage of the process. The consultation includes a full and comprehensive assessment of your eyes and general health. Mr Anandan will then make his recommendation as to what in his professional opinion is the best vision correction surgery option for you, and explain the reasons behind that recommendation. You will be encouraged to ask questions and your queries will be answered fully. You will leave the consultation with an excellent understanding of all the issues relevant to your treatment to make an informed choice.