DR TC BOTHA 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

CATARACT. LASIK. REFRACTIVE. PRESBYOPIA.

What is LASIK?

Welcome to our page dedicated to corneal laser refractive (LASIK) surgery! Our eyes work like an amazing lens system that allows us to see the world around us. However, when the focus of light doesn't land on the retina, it can cause a refractive error, making objects appear blurry or out of focus.


There are different types of refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism. With myopia, distance objects appear blurry, while with hyperopia, both near and far objects may be out of focus. Presbyopia, which is common with aging, requires more plus correction to focus on near objects. Astigmatism is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea, making objects appear blurry at all distances.


When astigmatism is regular, a spectacle or contact lens can correct for the difference in light bend, but when it's irregular, a laser correction may be necessary to improve vision. If you're experiencing any of these refractive errors, corneal laser refractive surgery may be an option for you to restore clear vision.


Our skilled and experienced team is here to help you understand the process and determine if you're a candidate for this procedure (LASIK Surgery). Don't let refractive errors hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!


What are the various Corneal Laser Refractive Surgical Procedures/

Welcome to our guide on Corneal Laser Refractive Surgical Procedures. We offer a range of safe and effective treatments to help you achieve clear vision. Our team of skilled surgeons is dedicated to providing you with the best possible outcomes, using the latest techniques and technologies.


What is Lasik Eye Surgery?

Our most popular procedure is LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis), which involves cutting a thin corneal flap with a motorized blade or another laser (Femto-LASIK / FLASIK), lifting it, and then using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. LASIK offers minimal side effects, risk factors, and recovery time, and patients can expect excellent and consistent results. The procedure is largely painless, and any post-operative pain is minimal or negligible. However, in rare cases, some patients may experience flap complications, and there is a 0.05% risk of ectasia (thinning with change in corneal shape) after the procedure.


What is PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is similar to LASIK, but without the need for a flap. The epithelium is manually or alcohol-assisted removed, and then the laser surgery is done directly on the superficial tissue of the cornea. PRK has slightly fewer risks than LASIK, as the tissue is cut less deeply into the cornea, reducing the risk of ectasia. However, recovery time is longer than LASIK, and there may be more discomfort post-operatively.


What is Trans-PRK

Trans-PRK is a variation of PRK in which the laser removes the epithelium, and then the laser is applied to the superficial layers of the cornea as in a PRK. The Schwind Amaris laser used in Trans-PRK has SmartSurfACE technology that allows for quicker recovery time, making it the most versatile procedure available.


What is SMILE?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is another refractive procedure that removes deeper corneal tissue to correct refractive errors. The procedure is similar to LASIK, but instead of making a flap, the tissue is lasered with a different type of laser and removed through a small incision. SMILE is a safe procedure with quick recovery time, but it is more expensive than other refractive procedures and is limited to treating myopia with regular astigmatism.


What are the main types of lasers used in refractive surgery?

There are two main types of lasers used in refractive surgery: the Excimer Laser, which is used for LASIK and PRK/Trans-PRK, and the Femtosecond Laser, which is used exclusively for SMILE procedures.


For patients with presbyopia, our surgeons use a range of techniques to provide near and distance correction, including monovision, which uses the dominant eye for distance and the non-dominant eye for near. The visual quality per eye is excellent/normal, but the drawback is that the two eyes do not focus together. A contact lens trial can be used to determine if this technique is right for you.


Is Lasik eye surgery painful?

Most patients report feeling little to no pain during LASIK eye surgery. Before the procedure, numbing eye drops are applied to the eye to prevent any discomfort during the surgery. During the surgery, patients may feel a slight pressure or discomfort, but it is usually not painful. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and typically resolves within a few days. It is important to discuss any concerns about pain or discomfort with your doctor prior to undergoing LASIK surgery.


Will Lasik eye surgery fix astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK eye surgery can correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error that can cause blurred vision. During LASIK surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, to correct the refractive error and improve vision. The laser can be programmed to address both the nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as other vision issues such as presbyopia. However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, so it's important to consult with an eye doctor to determine if it's the right option for you.

At our clinic, we strive to provide you with the best possible vision outcomes. Contact us today to learn more about our procedures and schedule a consultation with one of our skilled surgeons.



041 880 1402

241 MAIN ROAD, WALMER

RECEPTION@DRTCBOTHA.COM