Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine which deals with the diseases and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye, such as the lachrymal system and eyelids. The word ophthalmology comes from the Greek roots ophthalmos meaning eye and logos meaning word, thought or discourse; ophthalmology literally means "The science of eyes." Ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, hence they are generally categorized as physicians and surgeons.

LASIK is the acronym for Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

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• Comprehensive computerised eye check
• Spectacle/contact lenses Prescription

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• Anterior & Posterior Eye Surgery

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• Diabetic retinopathy treatment centre
• Diode laser photocoagulation
• Retinal Detachment Surgery
• Vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage
• Digital fundus fluroscreen angiography

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• Routine Glaucoma Screening
• Laser Glaucoma Surgery
• Triple (combined glaucoma and phacoemulsification)
• Trabeculectomy

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• No stitch cataract surgery by phacoemulsification technology with foldable lens implant
• Paediatric cataract surgery
• Complicated Cataract Surgery

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Featuring all advantages of the renown ALLEGRETTO WAVE, the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q is a further step towards optimizing the process of laser vision correction. With customized ablation in mind, all ophthalmic WaveLight products have been designed as a fully integrated concept in order to provide physician and patient the highest level of safety and reliability in refractive surgery.

The ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q is the first device ever tha gives the option of choosing the optimal treatment for the patient from all currently known methods of refractive surgery.

Q-Value Adjustment

The adjustment of the Corneal asphericity may have influence in affecting the visual acuity under Mesopic and Scotopic conditions. The Q-Value is different with every patient, but probably not optimal for the patient's visual acuity, as external factors such as WaveFront aberrations of the crystalline lens have a considerable effect on it. In addition to WaveFront-optimized, A-CAT (WaveFront-guided) and T-CAT (topography-guided) treatments, Q-Value Adjustment now adds a 4th dimension to the treatment of vision disorders by customizing the asphericity of the Cornea. This allows customization and offers a treatment ideally adjusted to the individual needs of the patient

Advanced Fine Tuning Capabilities

With the implemented advanced fine tuning options, the physician has the possibility to plan an extended treatment. The Surgeon can adjust the optical zone as well as the transitional zone by 0.1mm steps. The refraction input can be leveled in 0.01D. This allows the user to ideally plan the treatment according to the individual needs of the patient.

Advanced Fine Tuning Capabilities

With the implemented advanced fine tuning options, the physician has the possibility to plan an extended treatment. The Surgeon can adjust the optical zone as well as the transitional zone by 0.1mm steps. The refraction input can be leveled in 0.01D. This allows the user to ideally plan the treatment according to the individual needs of the patient.

Cross Lines
A cross line projector is integrated into the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q. This device will help physicians to accurately align the patient's eye for all types of treatments, which allows a more precise correction of astigmatism and higher order aberrations.

Speed

Efficient treatment with fast pulse repetition minimizes the dehydration effect of the Cornea as well as external influences during operation. In order to further optimize the refractive treatment itself, the repetition rate in the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q was enhanced to 400 Hz. This makes the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q the fastest excimer laser currently available on the market. It allows physicians to perform a 6-diopter myopia correction on a fully- corrected optical zone of 6.5 mm within 15 seconds.

The ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer lasers were the first lasers that use WaveFront-optimized ablation profiles, thus integrating an important WaveFront -guided treatment feature in standard laser vision correction. Laser surgery without a WaveFront - optimized ablation profile may cause alterations of the corneal asphericity in the peripheral correction area. These so-called induced spherical aberrations in the WaveFront image may cause an alteration of the patient's night or Mesopic vision. A WaveFront - optimized ablation profile is designed to prevent such spherical aberrations of the patient's Cornea, whereas the risk of surgery-related vision problems is minimized.

Small Beam Diameter

Due to the small laser spot with a diameter of 0.95mm (0.68mm FWHM, Full Width Half Maximum), ALLEGRETTO WAVE laser systems operate with a very high resolution for even finest corrections of the Cornea - as it is required for customized laser vision correction.

True Optical Zones: The small diameter of the spot allows a high-precision contouring of the correction profile, while minimizing the total overall ablation depth. A WaveFront - optimized beam profile together with small laser spots allow operations in a large optical zones and ensuring optimal transitional zones.
The ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q: is the ultimate laser for refractive surgery. It has a ceramic laser head with a repetition rate of 400Hz and a solid-state power supply for long lifetime and energy stability. It also features a fast video-based "closed loop" eye tracker and a nitrogen purged beam path.
The user-friendly energy calibration and "closed loop" energy control integrated in the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q significantly increases the working comfort for the physician and the safety for the patient.

Laser vision correction is now in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. As testimony to its life changing benefits, thousands of ophthalmologists and optometrists around the world have become so impressed with the results of laser vision correction that over one million procedures are now performed each year. At New World iCare our patients continuously tell us they appreciate our commitment to being on the cutting edge of this exciting technology. One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), which uses a laser to change the curvature of the Cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery. LASIK removes tissue within the Cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusi, a Refractive Surgery procedure performed by Ophthalmologists intended for correcting the vision in order to reduce a person's dependency on corrective devices such as Glasses or Contact Lenses. The procedure is usually a preferred alternative to PRK, or Photo Refractive Keratectomy, as it requires less time for full recovery, and the patient experiences less pain overall.
The first step in the procedure consists of mapping the corneal surface with a computer controlled scanning device to determine the exact shape. Then the appropriate amount of tissue which needs to be removed is calculated, such that upon replacing the flap there is no need (or less need) for corrective devices like Spectacles and Lenses.
LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the Cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A blade, called a Microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the Cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the Cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. When the Cornea is properly reshaped, it will then better focus light onto the Retina. This results in improved vision. Both Nearsighted and Farsighted people can benefit from LASIK. Sufferers of Astigmatism can also benefit.

Suitability for process
Generally to be a good candidate for LASIK, you should:

• Be above 17-18 years of age
• Have stable refraction (Glass number) for 6 months.

Consultation Process:

Before the actual process of conducting the LASIK surgery, the Doctor will have a consultation and examination of your eyes to determine your suitability for the process. This process begins with a discussion regarding what your expectations are and what you wish to achieve by being less dependent or eliminating eyeglasses or contact lenses. Then the Doctor takes a careful review of your health and eye history. Next, in order to determine the exact prescription that will need to be treated; refraction will be performed to measure the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness and astigmatism. This will require the use of eye drops to get the best possible measurements. It is necessary to map the surface of the eye, called the Cornea, with a corneal topographer that gives the Doctor a blueprint of the shape of your eye. An important step is to measure the corneal thickness, called pachymetry, in order to help determine whether the anatomy of your Cornea is appropriate for LASIK or perhaps another laser eye surgery procedure. Once all of these steps have been completed, the Doctor will examine the health of the Retina and inner structure of your eyes as a final check. The consultation process is an excellent opportunity for you to have a one on one discussion with the Doctor on whatever you may want to know about the process, benefits and risks. The consultation establishes whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the LASIK procedure.

On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the New World iCare Centre about an hour prior to your procedure

A technician will clean the area around your eyes with a hygienic but gentle cleansing pad. The technician will place a series of drops into your eyes in order to get them ready for your treatment. Some of these drops, Antibiotic drops, will prevent germs from entering your eye and therefore help to prevent any possibility of infection. Other drops will be placed in your eyes to lightly numb the Cornea so that you are comfortable during your treatment, no injections or needles will be used.

Next; the LASIK Surgeon will use an instrument called a Microkeratome to create a very thin, circular layer, called a flap on the front of the Cornea. Since you have had numbing drops placed in your eyes, this will not be uncomfortable, but will feel like a slight pressure around your eyes. The Surgeon will instruct you to look at a small light during your procedure. Don't worry if you cannot stay perfectly steady-just do your best.

Our laser technology uses a tracking system which will actually follow your eye movements if you can hold pretty still during your procedure. To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, our Surgeon will use the Allegro Eye-Q Excimer laser.

The Excimer laser is programmed based on calculations made from the measurements taken during your consultation. The laser then delivers the exact correction needed and send tiny spots of light beams to certain predetermined positions on your Cornea in order to change the shape to what is required for you to see well. The eye Surgeon has full control of the laser and monitors the position of the laser on the Cornea as well as the tracking system monitoring the position of your eye in order to make sure the beam is in the correct place.

Our laser technology uses a tracking system which will actually follow your eye movements if you can hold pretty still during your procedure. To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, our Surgeon will use the Allegro Eye-Q Excimer laser.

The Excimer laser is programmed based on calculations made from the measurements taken during your consultation. The laser then delivers the exact correction needed and send tiny spots of light beams to certain predetermined positions on your Cornea in order to change the shape to what is required for you to see well. The eye Surgeon has full control of the laser and monitors the position of the laser on the Cornea as well as the tracking system monitoring the position of your eye in order to make sure the beam is in the correct place.

The creation of the flap and the application of the laser usually takes 5-7 minutes per eye depending on the complexity of the correction that you need. Finally, the flap is replaced in its original position and because it has extraordinary bonding properties, it acts like Velcro to just stick right back down in place without the need for sutures. The technician will often place additional eye drops in your eyes as the procedure is finished just to give you some added comfort and protection and to help your eyes heal quickly.

The WaveLight Allegretto System is the newest and fastest excimer laser system to win FDA approval in the past 5 years. The Allegretto Wave held a 26% market-share of all newly installed excimer laser systems worldwide. Including both WaveFront optimization and Customized Technology, the Allegretto Wave is arguably the safest and most effective laser system on the market today.

The WaveLight Allegro Analyzer

The Allegro Analyzer takes a detailed WaveFront scan of your eye utilizing only visible light. The process is fully automated so no off-line calculations or refactoring need take place. Utilizing the Tscherning principle, the Allegro Analyzer projects an image of its measurements back onto your eye so the surgeon can constantly verify that the measurements are correct. Decentered measurements are automatically excluded from data output before it is sent to proprietary WaveLight data processing software.

Measurements from the Allegro Analyzer are used to calculate a specific course of surgery. As opposed to other excimer laser platforms, the Allegretto Wave aims to preserve the natural shape of the cornea- eye tissue is removed while the eye's naturally aspherical shape is maintained. This results in fewer negative side effects post surgery. According to WaveLight, in the FDA clinical trials 'patient's reports of night driving glare all improved after treatment on the Allegretto Wave.

Features:

• WaveFront Optimization: Customized treatment based on the unique characteristics of your eye.
• Larger Treatable Area: The treatment affects a larger area of the eye than most lasers to reduce common side effects such as halos.
• Perfect Pulse Technology: Small laser pulses are applied in rapid succession to reshape the cornea while maintaining natural (or close to natural) curvature and a smooth surface to the cornea (thus avoiding spherical distortions). A Closed Loop Energy Control system regulates the intensity of the laser beam throughout the surgery and ensures depth errors of less than 1.5 microns. Pulses are offset so overlaps occur one in every five times, markedly decreasing thermal effects on your eye.
• Active Eye Tracker (Customized LASIK): Synchronously tracks the Allegretto Wave in real time during the procedure to ensure the highest possible accuracy. An automatic centering feature facilitates centered ablations and a the Closed Loop Tracking mode double checks the location of the eye before each pulse of the laser. In cases of abberrant eye movement, the active eye tracker responds in less than 8ms.

The ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q was approved to correct Myopia (Nearsightedness) of upto -12D of with up to -6D Astigmatism and Hyperopia (Farsightedness) of upto +6D with up to 5D of Astigmatism.
With a 400 hertz (Hz) repetition rate, the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q delivers one Diopter of correction in just 2 seconds with a 6.5 mm optical zone. The reduction in treatment time provides a shorter and more comfortable procedure for the patient. It is particularly beneficial for treating high Myopia, high Astigmatism or other time-intensive procedures. For high volume practices, the increased speed of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q proves to be a valuable time saver.