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- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: December 27, 2024
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street in London, we understand that patients undergoing laser eye surgery have high expectations for their visual outcomes. While modern laser eye surgery techniques have significantly improved the accuracy of results, there are instances where patients may benefit from additional fine-tuning to achieve optimal vision. This process is known as enhancement following laser eye surgery.
Understanding Enhancement After Laser Eye Surgery
Enhancement refers to any additional procedure performed after the initial laser eye surgery to further improve visual outcomes. Despite advances in surgical techniques and technology, a small percentage of patients may experience residual refractive errors following their primary procedure.
Why Might Enhancement Be Necessary?
Several factors can contribute to the need for enhancement after laser eye surgery:
- Residual refractive error: Even with precise preoperative measurements and calculations, some patients may have a small amount of remaining near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
- Unexpected healing responses: Each eye heals differently, which can affect the final visual outcome.
- Complex eye anatomy: Patients with unusual eye structures or previous eye surgeries may be more likely to require enhancement.
- Higher initial prescriptions: Those with higher degrees of refractive error may have a slightly increased likelihood of needing enhancement.
Types of Enhancement Procedures
At our London eye clinic, we offer several enhancement options tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
LASIK Enhancement
For patients who initially underwent LASIK, a LASIK enhancement involves lifting the original flap and applying additional laser treatment to refine the corneal shape.
Surface Ablation
Surface ablation techniques, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy), can be used for enhancement. These methods are particularly useful when the original LASIK flap is not suitable for re-lifting or for patients who initially had surface ablation procedures.
SMILE Enhancement
For patients who underwent SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), enhancement options may include surface ablation, or a technique called CIRCLE, which converts the SMILE cap into a flap for further treatment.
How is Enhancement Performed?
The enhancement procedure varies depending on the chosen method:
LASIK Enhancement
- Preoperative assessment: Our expert ophthalmologists will conduct a thorough eye examination to determine the exact refractive error.
- Flap re-lifting: The original LASIK flap is carefully lifted.
- Laser treatment: Using advanced laser technology, additional corneal reshaping is performed to correct the residual error.
- Flap repositioning: The flap is carefully replaced and allowed to heal.
Surface Ablation Enhancement
- Epithelium removal: The surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed.
- Laser treatment: The exposed cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser.
- Protective lens placement: A bandage contact lens is placed to aid healing.
SMILE Enhancement
- CIRCLE procedure: If needed, the original SMILE cap is converted into a flap.
- Laser treatment: Additional corneal tissue is removed to refine the refractive outcome.
- Flap repositioning: The created flap is replaced, like LASIK.
When is Enhancement Performed?
Timing is crucial for enhancement procedures:
- We typically wait at least 3-6 months after the initial laser eye surgery to allow for complete healing and stabilisation of vision.
- Before proceeding with enhancement, we ensure that:
- The eye has fully healed from the primary surgery.
- Any other ocular conditions, such as dry eye or inflammation, have been addressed.
- The postoperative refraction is stable.
Benefits of Enhancement After Laser Eye Surgery
Enhancement procedures offer several advantages:
- Improved visual acuity: Patients often experience a significant improvement in uncorrected vision.
- Reduced dependence on glasses: Many patients find they need glasses less frequently or not at all after enhancement.
- Customised results: Enhancement allows for fine-tuning of vision based on individual needs and lifestyle.
- High satisfaction rates: Most patients report increased satisfaction with their vision following enhancement procedures.
How Common is the Need for Enhancement?
It’s important to note that most laser eye surgery patients achieve their desired visual outcomes without needing enhancement. However, approximately 10% to 20% of patients may benefit from an enhancement procedure. The likelihood can vary based on factors such as:
- Initial prescription
- Age
- Individual healing characteristics
- Type of primary laser eye surgery performed
Considerations and Potential Risks
While enhancement procedures are generally safe and effective, it’s important to consider:
- Additional healing time: Enhancement requires another recovery period, albeit usually shorter than the initial laser eye surgery.
- Potential complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, though they are typically low with experienced surgeons.
- Cost implications: Some enhancement procedures may incur additional costs, which should be discussed during consultation.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic for Enhancement?
At Blue Fin Vision® on Harley Street in London, we offer:
- Expert surgeons: Our team has extensive experience in both primary laser eye surgery and enhancement procedures.
- Advanced technology: We utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment to ensure precise outcomes.
- Personalised care: Each enhancement plan is tailored to the individual patient’s needs and visual goals.
- Comprehensive approach: We consider all factors, including lifestyle and occupational demands, when recommending enhancement options.
Conclusion
Enhancement following laser eye surgery is a valuable tool in achieving optimal visual outcomes for our patients. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care throughout your laser eye surgery journey, including any necessary enhancements.
If you’ve undergone laser eye surgery and feel your vision could be further improved, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Harley Street eye clinic. Our expert team will assess your eyes and discuss the best enhancement options to help you achieve the clear, crisp vision you desire.
Remember, your journey to optimal vision doesn’t end with your initial laser eye surgery. At Blue Fin Vision®, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the finest eye care London has to offer. Whether you’re considering laser eye surgery for the first time or exploring enhancement options, trust our expertise to guide you towards your best possible vision.
