There are several kinds of laser eye surgery, and the names can be confusing. This guide explains the main options in plain English. Your surgeon makes the final recommendation after examining your eyes.
SMILE Pro
SMILE is a flap-free technique performed through a tiny incision. St James Eye Clinic uses the ZEISS VisuMax 800 and describes the laser stage as taking about 8 seconds per eye, with a quick recovery.
LASIK and Contoura Vision
LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea before the laser reshapes it. Contoura Vision is a topography-guided treatment that personalises the correction to the surface of your eye. It is the clinic’s most popular procedure.
PRK and Touch Free PRK
PRK works on the surface of the cornea without a flap. Touch Free PRK uses the laser to remove the surface cells, so the eye is not touched. Recovery is typically a few days, and these options can suit patients for whom other techniques are less appropriate.
How to choose
Your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, lifestyle and dry eye status all play a part. A suitability assessment is the only reliable way to know which option fits. DM2Medical books it for you and handles travel and follow-up around it.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Suitability and treatment recommendations are made by the treating specialists.
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