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You and Your Money Magazine
Monday, January 4, 2010
Life after Lenses
Every morning, it’s the same routine. You wake up and, bleary-eyed, fumble for your specs or put in your contacts – but that could all come to an end with one simple procedure, writes Brenda Collins.
It’s all the rage with a lot of big names. It seems like laser surgery and an array of other surgical treatments may soon make spectacles and pricey branded frames a thing of the past. The most common eyesight problems are related to the shape of the eye and how it affects the way light is refracted or focused on the retina. For people who are short-sighted (myopia), the eye is slightly longer than normal. The result is that light is focused just in front of the retina, making distant objects appear indistinct. The opposite is the case for long-sightedness (hypermetropia), which arises when the eye is slightly shorter than usual. In this case, the light becomes focused just behind the retina, which makes closer images blurry. There are a number of other reasonably common conditions of the eye which surgery can fix, including astigmatism (where the eye is more oval than round, causing distorted vision, headache and eye strain).
Laser eye surgery is a 15-minute procedure, which can treat these deficiencies by altering the cornea, a transparent layered structure on the front of the eye. The cornea works with the lens to help focus images and light rays and is thus crucial to giving us a sharp, crisp image. There are two main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis), and LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis). In LASIK surgery, a thin layer of the cornea is lifted back and laser is used to reshape the internal parts of it. The external layer is then put back in its original position where it heals rapidly on its own, without the use of stitches. In LASEK, the treatment is carried out on the surface of the cornea, as opposed to just beneath it. Which type of treatment you get depends on a number if factors including, among others, the thickness of your corneas, whether or nor you’re eyes are dry (this is typically more common in women than men), or if your eye is too small.
Can anyone get it?
As with any elective procedure, you need to visit your optometrist or an ophthalmic surgeon for a consultation to assess what treatment would work best. There are a number of clinics in Ireland offering laser eye surgeries but when it comes to your eye, you really want to pick the best practice available, somewhere with an established reputation, excellent facilities and dedicated staff. The Wellington Eye Clinic in Dublin has been performing refractive surgery for almost 30 years. Situated near the Beacon Hospital, the Wellington Eye Clinic is Ireland’s only independent consultant-led clinic and has performed more than 27,000 surgeries since its inception in 1980. Wellington has an exceptional record and offers unbeatable peace of mind to any anxious laser candidate. For example, procedures are carried out by an expert team using the most advanced technologies available in the world, including the fastest laser equipment in Ireland, which guarantees a very high-quality result. Wellington provides 24/7 cover for any problems a patient might have, which increases the probability of a good outcome. In fact, since 2004, patients receive a lifetime warranty, so if your sight regresses any further after the procedure, Wellington will provide any necessary surgeries to rectify the situation at no extra cost.
Money Matters
Many people think that laser eye surgery is the most expensive way to correct vision, however this is not true. In the long run, surgery is the cheapest option and pays itself back within five years. Whether you use glasses or contact lenses, the one-off expense of laser surgery still works out cheaper over time. Costs at the Wellington range from €2,050 to €2,200 per eye but a 20% tax rebate is available. Insurance will cover another 15-20% of the cost. There are no hidden casts and it included post –operative care, any necessary enhancements and 12-month worth of follow-up visits, plus any enhancements or fine-tuning that may be needed over the years
Safety and Freedom
Laser eye surgery is the safest option. In terms of sight-threatening complication, the treatment is eight times safer than using disposable contact lenses. As with al surgical procedures, there are some risks associated with it, but many of the myths surrounding laser eye surgery are completely unfounded and LASIK is considered to be extremely safe. Initial consultations at the clinic involve a comprehensive two-hour assessment by Wellington’s expert team to evaluate your appropriateness for treatments and surgery will not be carried out if a candidate is considered to be unsuitable. It is also worth noting that infection has never occurred in the Wellington Clinic. When thinking about laser eye surgery, candidates should take into consideration the freedom that the procedure offers. Many activities that are hindered by the use of contact lenses or glasses are made completely accessible by surgery. Several of the world’s best golfers have had highly successful surgery, including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickleston and Ireland’s own Padriag Harrington and Paul McGinley, both of whom had their procedures carried out in Wellington.
“Many people think that laser eye surgery is the most expensive way to correct vision, however this is not true. In the long run, surgery is the cheapest option and pays itself back within five years.”
