Treatment of Poor Vision
ASA, Lasik, PRK and Cataract surgery

The simplest and most widely used way of treating refractive errors is spectacles or contact lenses. Laser vision correction using either Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) or Lasik is another option. There are limits to the amount of refractive error that can be treated, and this varies from patient to patient, depending on the degree of refractive error and the corneal thickness.

Qualified help for you

Dr Delaney provides a free assessment service for any patients interested in laser vision correction.

Laser Vision Correction

One of the more advanced tools for performing this type of surgery is the excimer laser. An excimer laser is a cold laser which does not burn or cut. What it does do is vaporise tissue by breaking bonds between molecules, this means it is an extremely precise way of removing corneal material without causing damage. We have a more detailed description of the excimer laser if you wish to learn more.

Two current techniques of surgery have proved to provide reliable and measurable improvements, they are LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) - which is now refered to as ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation).

If you are interested, we have a more detailed page describing the Excimer Laser equipment.

LASIK Laser Surgery Treatment

The next evolutionary step was to combine traditional techniques with the modern in a two step procedure called LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis). Firstly the advanced precision of the IntraLase™ is used to create a thin, but still attached, flap of tissue which is then held back out of the way. Next the excimer laser works on the newly exposed surface to create the correction, just like it does in ASA. Once the laser is finished, the flap of cornea is put back in place and the extraordinary natural ability of the cornea to heal itself means the eye rapidly returns to normal - with better focus than before.

If you are interested, we have a more detailed page describing the LASIK Laser Surgery procedure.

ASA (PRK) Laser Surgery Treatment

PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy) is the original term for the technique now known as ASA - Advanced Surface Ablation. In this technique the excimer laser is used to reshape the outer curve of the cornea so as to correct for poor vision by applying the laser directly to the cornea without the need to create a flap. The excimer laser passes over the cornea and shaves off layers four-one-thousandths of a millimetre (i.e. 4 microns) with each pass of the laser to produce a corneal shape which reduces or removes the visual impairment.

If you are interested, we have a more detailed page describing the ASA PRK Laser Surgery procedure.

Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful forms of eye surgery and it is the most common operation in Australia. Modern microsurgical techniques with the use of folding lens implants allow surgery to be carried out through wounds less than 3mm that are self sealing and do not require sutures. Cataract microsurgery is done under topical anaesthetic using drops with or without a single local anaesthetic injection. These techniques allow the patient to return home within a few hours of arriving at the day surgery centre.

Cataract microsurgery provides very rapid visual rehabilitation and normal day to day activities such as driving can often be resumed within a few days. Dr Delaney's cataract surgery is performed in the St Vincent's Clinic Day Surgery Unit.

You can learn more in the detailed section on Cataract Surgery.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is usually treated with eyedrops and modern medications have greatly reduced the need for surgery in patients with glaucoma. Laser treatment can be used to supplement the drops if the control is inadequate. Most patients maintain good control of their intraocular pressure, retaining the vision they had when the glaucoma was diagnosed. Treatment of glaucoma will not reverse the condition but it stops further visual loss.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular degeneration cannot be reversed but the progression of the dry form can be slowed and its severity reduced by taking dietary supplements of multi-vitamins and anti-oxidants in particular vitamin C and zinc. It is essential to stop smoking and a diet rich in fresh fruit and dark green leafy vegetables assists with this treatment.

Wet macular degeneration often causes severe and rapid visual loss which in the past could not be treated. New forms of treatment combined with laser treatment are now available to stop progression of the visual loss. In some cases this treatment is able to reverse to some degree the effects of the wet macular degeneration. Cessation of smoking is essential. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure and raised cholesterol both of which must be treated.

Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment

Diabetes can damage the retina which is the lining of the eye which enables us to see. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to new blood vessels and scar tissue growing into the retina, damaging the vision. Ideal control of the blood sugar levels helps prevent diabetic eye disease (retinopathy). Diabetic patients who are non-insulin dependant need to be seen by an ophthalmologist approximately every 2 years, or more frequently if their control is poor. Insulin dependant diabetics should be seen by an ophthalmologist every 12-18 months depending on their level of control. With modern techniques to visualise the retinal circulation laser treatment can treat most forms of diabetic eye disease.

Pterygium Treatment

Most pterygia are best treated in a conservative manner as there is a significant recurrence rate after surgery to remove them. If a pterygium is increasing in size then surgery is required but otherwise the use of UV block sunglasses and a cap or a hat outdoors will prevent the growth of most pterygia. If a pterygium is repeatedly inflamed causing a red sore eye, but not growing, it can still be removed.

Refractive Surgery

Another treatment option is to directly modify the shape of the cornea. Just as a good optical technician can polish a lens to change its curve and produce the desired effect so can a good surgeon, with the right equipment, change the way the cornea refracts light and correct the poor retinal focus. Any surgery which changes the way the eye refracts light is referred to as refractive surgery.

Dr Delaney provides a free assessment service for any patients interested in laser vision correction.