Laser Eye Surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a procedure designed to correct common vision problems, known as refractive errors, which include myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), and Astigmatism, to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. This procedure utilises a specialised laser to precisely reshape the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye, to enhance vision and focus.
Laser eye surgery is typically suitable for adults aged 18 and over with stable vision prescriptions for at least a year. Patients should have healthy eyes free from conditions like severe dry eye, keratoconus, or uncontrolled diabetes. A comprehensive evaluation with an ophthalmologist will determine if laser eye surgery is best for you.
Alternative Vision Correction Options
Alternative options, such as implantable contact lenses (ICLs) or intraocular lenses, may be considered for individuals who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. These procedures offer effective vision correction without altering the cornea.
At Moorfields Eye Hospitals, our Laser vision correction specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extensive sub-specialty training in diagnosing and treating refractive errors. Using the latest diagnostic technologies and advanced surgical techniques such as SMILE, LASIK and PRK, they provide personalised care to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, improve visual clarity, and enhance long-term quality of life.
Conditions that are treated with Laser Eye Surgery
Laser Eye Surgery is effective in treating several common refractive errors that affect vision:
- Myopia (shortsightedness): A common condition in which the eye sees close objects clearly but distant vision is blurred. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus before it reaches the retina.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): A common condition where both near and distant objects can appear blurry. The light focuses behind the retina, making it difficult to see clearly, especially at close distances. The condition is often due to a shorter eye length or flatter cornea, requiring the eye to work harder to focus on objects at all distances.
- Astigmatism: This condition error occurs when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round, causing light to focus on more than one spot on the retina. The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances. It can often occur along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition that typically begins to affect adults in their 40s. It occurs when the eye’s lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Unlike myopia or hypermetropia, presbyopia is not caused by the length of the eye or shape of the cornea but by the ageing of the eye’s lens and supporting structures.
Laser vision correction offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve both vision and quality of life:
- Enhanced visual clarity and sharpness: Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in visual clarity and sharpness, often noticing clearer vision within a day of the procedure.
- Reduced dependence on glasses and contact Lenses: Laser eye surgery can greatly reduce or, more often, eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, offering greater freedom in daily life.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
- High success rate: Laser eye surgery boasts an impressive 95% success rate. This outstanding success rate underscores the procedure’s effectiveness in delivering long-lasting visual improvement and freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
Before proceeding with laser eye treatment, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is essential to determine the patient’s suitability for surgery and the type of surgery.
- Slit Lamp Investigation: This examination checks the health of the cornea and identifies any conditions that might impact the success of the surgery.
- Refraction Test: This test measures the eye’s refractive error to customise the surgical approach to the patient’s specific needs.
- Corneal Topography: Provides a detailed map of the cornea’s surface, helping to identify any irregularities and to plan the surgery precisely.
- Dilated Retinal Exam: This is a comprehensive assessment of the retina to ensure that no underlying issues could complicate the surgery.
Selecting the appropriate type of laser eye surgery depends on the individual’s vision needs, determined by the specialised ophthalmologist. The available options for correcting vision are:
Popular types of Laser Eye Surgery
- LASIK Surgery: Involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted so that the laser can reshape the corneal tissue underneath.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): In this procedure, the cornea’s outer layer is removed to expose the area for direct reshaping, making it suitable for patients with thin corneas.
- LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy): Combines elements of LASIK and PRK using a thinner flap, typically resulting in quicker recovery time.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure where a small disc of corneal tissue is created and removed through a small incision, reducing risks and recovery time.
- TransPRK: A touch-free method where the laser treatment is applied directly to the corneal surface without needing a physical flap.
What to expect after Laser Eye Surgery?
Post-operative care is essential for achieving the best visual outcomes. Patients might experience mild discomfort and light sensitivity immediately after the procedure, but these typically subside within a few days. It is essential to follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions, which may include:
- Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes.
- Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
- Wearing sunglasses to protect from UV light.
- Avoid strenuous activities and dusty environments for a few weeks.
Laser Eye Surgery Specialists
Dr. Osama Giledi
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction SurgeryGCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Examiner
Associate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
Dr. Osama Giledi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
Dr. Osama is skilled in managing ocular surface problems, including severe dry eye and Stem cell deficiency. He performs small incision phacoemulsification for his cataract surgery and is experienced in using toric and multifocal premium intraocular lenses. Dr. Osama’s expertise in managing complex corneal conditions includes all types of modern corneal graft procedures, such as DALK and DSAEK. He has performed over 23,000 refractive surgeries, including Lasik, LASEK, Intralase LASIK and Trans PRK, and phakic IOLs. He delivers the latest treatment for keratoconus, including Intracorneal ring segments, corneal cross-linking and complex laser treatment.
Dr. Osama graduated from Libya and completed his ophthalmic training in the UK, attaining a Fellowship in Ophthalmology from The Royal College of Edinburgh in 1996. He completed two years of higher subspecialty training fellowship on the anterior segment, Cornea and refractive surgery in 2003 at the prestigious Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Centre for Sight London and the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital. Dr Osama has 22 years of experience in the UK, providing services for anterior segment, Cornea, Refractive and cataract surgery.
In addition to his clinical commitments, Dr. Osama has extensive experience in teaching and training; he is a noted presenter at national and international meetings and has extensive research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is a member of the Royal College Surgeons of Edinburgh, the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
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Dr. Miguel Morcillo
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery
Dr. Miguel Morcillo is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive (Vision Correction – LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK) Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
Dr. Miguel holds a Spanish Degree in Medicine from the Universitat de Valencia. He completed his Residency in Ophthalmology under the MIR (Medico Interno Residente) system of the Spanish Ministry of Health. He has more than 25 years of experience, most of which was attained in Spain. He also worked in Italy and finally moved to the UAE in 2017 and has been practising in the UAE since that time. Dr. Miguel started his career working with Clinica Baviera, the largest private ophthalmology group in Europe, in Madrid and Valencia. He helped develop many of the refractive treatments offered today, such as LASIK, LASEK, ICLs and multifocal IOLs, in addition to collaborations with other hospitals to provide high-quality cataract and refractive surgery to patients. Dr. Miguel trained in cornea surgery at NIIOS Eye Institute (Rotterdam) and, since then became an experienced educator for other surgeons in the fields of the anterior segment and refractive surgery.
He has been a member of “Surgical Eye Expeditions International” since 1999, an American non-government organisation that arranges eye camps worldwide. Dr. Miguel has assisted several eye charity camps in numerous countries of Africa, in addition to Peru, Panama and India, providing free eye care and performing surgeries to those who could not afford it in less developed areas.
His research efforts include surgical topics and outcomes such as Ultrathin LASIK, Keratoconus screening, ICLs, and multifocal IOLs, among others. He has presented various papers in national and international congresses and journals and organised educational courses on refractive surgery for peers and opticians.
He is a member of Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia (SEO), the Panamerican Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and the European Vitreoretinal Society (EVRS).
He is also the recipient of the Dr. P C Mahendra Memorial ACOIN International Award in India in recognition of his charitable work with people in need.
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Dr. Imad Hakim
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery
Dr. Imad Hakim is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialised in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
He holds a graduate degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria, obtained in 2002. Dr. Hakim also holds a certificate in Ophthalmology from Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, Germany. He undertook his sub specialty training in Cataract and Refractive surgery at Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany.
His areas of expertise are in Femto laser assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), Refractive vision correction surgery (LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK, PTK, Implantable Contact Lenses ICLs, Multifocal Intraocular Lenses IOLs and Add-On IOL ), Keratoconus, Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) Laser Eye Surgery and General Ophthalmology.
He has more than 15 years of regional and international experience in countries including Germany and UAE.
In his career, he has practiced in leading medical institutions such as Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany as well as American Hospital in Dubai, U.A.E.
He has published research papers on Cataracts and Retina in leading journals.
He is a member of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), The German Committee for Refractive Surgery (KRC), Commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA).
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Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi
Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist in Corneal transplant, Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Dr. Esmaeil Mohammad Arbabi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with excellent surgical experience including all types of corneal transplants (DMEK, DSAEK, PDEK, DALK, PKP), ocular surface reconstruction, complex cataract and laser refractive surgery.
Prior to joining Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, he was Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Cornea, Cataract & Laser Refractive Surgery) and the Lead for Refractive Services at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Dr. Esmaeil holds several prestigious degrees and certifications in the field of cataract and refractive surgery including MSc in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) from Royal College of Ophthalmologist and Fellow of European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (FEBOS-CR).
He is a member of Royal College of Ophthalmologists, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, European Board of Ophthalmology, UK Cross-Linking Consortium, EYE -LAW CHAMBERS - Medicolegal Expert and Expert, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
He is instrumental in high quality papers in various peer reviewed journals and numerous scientific and ophthalmology publications. He is also an examiner for the University of Leeds and the University of Liverpool and for the European Board of Ophthalmologist (FEBO exam).
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