CLEARVISION EYE CLINIC

Witness the breakthrough in laser vision correction
With a startling estimated 50 per cent of the population suffering from myopia, it is scarcely surprising that Singaporeans are increasingly embracing lasik surgery as a permanent form of vision correction. But as it turns out, the godsend procedure that did away with the dependence on glasses or contact lenses is also a double-edged sword, at least for some. In a conventional lasik procedure, a cornea flap is created using a microkeratome blade. The flap is then lifted for application of laser treatment that reshapes the eye in order to correct the aberration. Replacing the flap then promotes healing.

This cutting-edge technology, while revolutionary and spectacular in restoring clear vision in daylight, has in some patients given rise to night vision complaints; typical of which include difficulty with diminished visual contrast under dim conditions, seeing halos or glare around point sources of lights such as car headlights and street lamps.

Enter the new Zyoptix Aspheric Lasik. The difference between conventional Lasik and this new kid on the block? Shape! The technology is a significant breakthrough refinement of the traditional Lasik procedure, Zyoptix Aspheric Lasik, whilst retaining the same method of flap creation, differs from the conventional Lasik in its reshaping of the cornea surface. To correct aberrations, conventional Lasik adjusts the curve of the cornea, typically flattening it and destroying its natural curve. Understand, at this point, that nature has endowed us with a cornea shape that is akin to those of birds of prey such as owls and eagles. This “prolate” shape is essentially more curved centrally and less curved peripherally. Contrast this with the opposite “oblate” cornea shapes of creatures that fall prey!

Because standard Lasik uniformly flattens the cornea, our natural prolate shape becomes the less desired oblate shape. The consequence? Increase complaints of glare, halos, and impaired night vision. What is unique about Zyoptix Aspheric Lasik is that whilst it sculpts the cornea to correct vision, it is able to better preserve the cornea natural shape with no corresponding compromise to the amount of correction attainable. The result? A decreased likelihood of experiencing the night vision problems typically associated with standard lasik.

With Zyoptix Aspheric Lasik, eagle vision is finally achievable, literally!

Who is eligible to undergo Zyoptix Aspheric treatment?
Patients must first meet the age criterion of 18 or over, and should have had stable vision for at least the past two years prior to surgery. Those at high risk of developing problems with night vision following Lasik owing to factors such as high myopia and/or those with naturally large pupils would be best suited for the Zyoptix Aspheric procedure.

Zyoptix Aspheric treatment is currently available at Clearvision Eye Clinic, the first eye center in private practice to offer the procedure. Dr. Tony Ho, founder and director of Clearvision is a firm advocate of the new treatment. He cites clinical studies comparing the effects on patients who have undergone conventional lasik as opposed to Zyoptix Aspheric Lasik. Results indicate that a significant number of patients who underwent Zyoptix Aspheric treatment expressed greater satisfaction with night vision, as compared to patients who underwent standard Lasik but who were otherwise satisfied with the daytime vision. What available evidence there is therefore supports the view that Zyoptix Aspheric treatment does not impact negatively on quality of night vision, because it preserves the natural shape of the cornea. For those of us who wish to dispense with the inconveniences derived from spectacles or contact lens wear and who desire clear vision without the associated night vision problems linked with conventional Lasik, it looks like we can finally have our cake and eat it!