LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the eye). The cornea can then focus light better on to the retina (the layer at the back of the eye that contains nerve cells that sense light), resulting in clearer vision and reduced need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves cutting a flap in the cornea, removing tiny bits of corneal tissue with a laser and then replacing the flap. LASIK Surgery at Bowen Eye Clinic LASIK can correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The Bowen Eye Clinic uses FDA approved femtosecond and excimer lasers to give you blade-free all laser LASIK. LASIK can offer freedom from glasses and contact lenses. The laser treatment only takes seconds and recovery time is very quick with only mild discomfort during the recovery period of up to 4 hours. Most people will have 20-20 vision or better the next day. Bowen Eye Clinic offers free, no obligation assessments to check your suitability to have laser refractive surgery. Most people reliant on glasses or contact lenses can be treated with LASIK. Your free assessment will involve education about the procedure and your expected results. We will then do some visual testing (similar to an optometrist’s tests) and modern diagnostic scans to advise you on your suitability for LASIK. If you are not suitable for LASIK other treatment options are available. This can include other laser treatments such as PRK or LASEK. Lens surgery such as Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be an option. Book your free assessment by phoning 0800-MY-20-20 (0800-69-20-20)

Laser Blended Vision (no reading glasses) Presbyopia is a condition where reading without glasses becomes difficult especially in poor light. Unfortunately it happens to everyone before age 50. Laser Blended Vision is designed to give you back your reading without glasses. Laser Blended Vision is an advanced treatment developed by Zeiss using LASIK and offers more visual function than standard monovision. Unlike other treatments for presbyopia Laser Blended Vision does not compromise contrast. Results may vary from person to person. Book your free assessment by phoning 0800-MY-20-20 (0800-69-20-20)

These conditions cause distance blur. In myopia, the eye has a resting focus at a near distance so that people will be able to see objects clearly at some point close to them, whilst the distance is blurry. Hyperopia also causes distance blur but often does not become noticeable until the eye loses its ability to change focus, frequently in middle age. The loss of focus for near distance (presbyopia or “aged sight”) is also related to a decreased ability to change focus but only affects reading. Astigmatism causes an image to be blurry at all distances, but does not affect clarity of images unless it is severe. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can test for these conditions. Treatment is usually glasses or contact lenses which are only obtainable through an optometrist or dispensing optician. Laser surgery and other corrective surgical techniques can also be used to change the focus of the eye to give clarity of sight in suitable patients.

Cataracts are the most common age-related occurrence in eyes. The lens becomes thicker and stiffer and appears yellow and cloudy. Eventually it may turn white, changing the colour of the pupil. A cataract may cause your vision to become fuzzy in a progressive fashion and may also be the cause of disabling glare. Once a cataract affects vision too much, a cataract removal operation is generally advised. This decision is usually made in consultation with an eye specialist. The operation is almost always done under local anaesthetic. Once the cataract has been removed an artificial lens is put in to replace it. It is relatively short in duration and an overnight stay in hospital is not required. Post-operative care consists of eye drops and a check at 1-2 days then after 2-4 weeks. Cataract Surgery at Bowen Eye Clinic Cataracts grow as a result of too many birthdays and UV light causing the vision to go cloudy. Normally this occurs slowly over years and initially glasses may help. Occasionally a cataract can grow more quickly. Cataract surgery is highly successful in treating cataracts and restoring vision. Dr Reece Hall uses the latest modern micro-incisional techniques. There are a choice of different lens available to suit your needs, including lenses to treat astigmatism (Toric Intraocular lenses) and lenses to give distance and reading vision. Some patients may choose to combine cataract surgery with laser surgery to maximise independence from glasses. Cataract surgery with Dr Reece Hall is available at: Bowen Hospital (Wellington) Southern Cross Hospital (Wellington) Crest Hospital (Palmerston North) Kapiti Day Hospital (Paraparaumu) Book your cataract assessment by phoning 0800-MY-20-20 (0800-69-20-20)

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and may result in vision loss and blindness. Multiple factors are often important in causing glaucoma, but it is most commonly related to in an increase in pressure in the eye. Symptoms are generally absent until the condition has progressed to an advanced stage. Very occasionally, a rarer form of glaucoma can develop suddenly and symptoms may then include: headaches and aches around the affected eye, seeing halos around lights, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. You may be more likely to develop glaucoma if you: have someone else in your family with glaucoma already have high pressure in your eye have experienced injury to your eye have or have had certain other eye problems have migraine or circulation problems. Glaucoma is more common in people over 50 years of age and more common in women than men. Diagnosis usually comes after consultation with an eye doctor. Signs of glaucoma may also be picked up at an optometrist’s eye examination. The following tests are used to diagnose and monitor glaucoma: Tonometry – measures eye pressure. It is often the first screening test for glaucoma. The eyes are numbed with eye drops and then examined. Dilated eye exam - this is done with an ophthalmoscope (which is a medical instrument that allows the doctor to look through the pupil to the back of the eye).The retina and optic nerve are then examined for any sign of damage. Visual acuity test – test to check distance vision using an eye chart. Visual field test – test to measure side (peripheral) vision. Pachymetry – test to measure the thickness of the cornea. Many other new techniques are emerging to help identify the likelihood of glaucoma and help determine its rate of worsening. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early treatment can prevent further worsening of the condition and vision loss. Regular eye examinations will need to be continued life-long. Eye drops to decrease eye pressure are the most common early treatment. Surgery may be required, especially if medications are not taking adequate effect. Laser trabeculoplasty, in which a surgeon uses a laser to help the fluid drain from the eye, may be considered in some cases, but has limited effectiveness. More commonly, a trabeculectomy may be performed when other methods have failed to adequately control pressure. This is a medium length operation that makes a new opening for fluid to drain from the eye.

This is a complication of diabetes and is caused by small blood vessel damage within the retina of the eye. It commonly affects both eyes and may cause permanent loss of vision. Macular oedema is sometimes also present with diabetic retinopathy. Macular oedema is when fluid leaks into the retina and causes swelling and blurred vision. This may occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, but is more common as the disease progresses. There are often no symptoms in the early stages but as the condition progresses vision may begin to become impaired. Often visual loss may be sudden and without warning. This is why it is imperative that at-risk diabetics have frequent eye checks. Poorly controlled diabetes and pregnancy in diabetes are risk factors for developing this condition. Often, first-stage diabetic retinopathy requires no active treatment on the eye but requires stabilisation of diabetes and regular eye examinations. With progressive retinopathy, a laser treatment called the PRP laser can be used. This works by shrinking enlarged blood vessels to prevent further bleeding into the retina. Severe bleeding may require a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy, where blood is surgically removed from the eye. Treatment of macular oedema, if present, is by focal laser treatment. Vision is stabilised by reducing the degree of fluid leakage into the retina. Often more than one treatment is required.

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea that affects young people, causing blindness. The cornea is the very front clear part of the eye, which is curved, a bit like the front glass on a watch. The cornea function is to bend and focus light onto the retina at the back of your eye. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes very thin, irregular, and cone shaped and can no longer focus the light, causing blurred vision. Treatment When the keratoconus is mild, glasses will usually correct the defocus of light. When the keratoconus is moderate, only a rigid contact lens can correct the defocus. These contact lenses can be uncomfortable and are not always tolerated. When the keratoconus is severe, a corneal transplant may be the only option to restore your vision (DALK/PK). Corneal Cross-Linking is a treatment to stop progression of the keratoconus and may reduce the need for rigid contact lenses or a corneal transplant. Results A corneal transplant is indicated when your contact lens is no longer tolerant or no longer produces satisfactory vision. Corneal transplants for keratoconus offer the best results, however, patients need life-long follow-up care and can sometimes reject their transplant. The corneal graft register shows an 85% graft survival at 10 years. For diagnosis and treatment of your Keratoconus call 0800-69-20-20

Kerarings also called 'corneal implants' or 'intra-corneal ring segments' are a surgical treatment for keratoconus. The small, clear semi-circular rings are inserted at the edge of the cornea. They flatten the distorted cone shape of the cornea returning it to a more normal curve, improving vision so glasses and/or contact lenses are easier to tolerate. Surgery Keraring surgery is done as an outpatient day surgery, taking around 30 minutes and you will be awake during the procedure. Dr Reece Hall will use the femtosecond laser to make a tiny, precise circular channel within your cornea. Your corneal implants (kerarings) will then be carefully inserted into the channel and the incision will close and heal naturally, without the need for stitches. Results Kerarings are a very safe procedure as no corneal tissue is removed. Most people can return to day to day activities in 2-3 days. You will most likely notice an immediate improvement in your vision after keraring surgery, but we advise you to let your vision settle for around three months before being fitted for new glasses or contacts.

Procedure Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) is a breakthrough in medical ophthalmic science and gives hope to keratoconus patients. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea becomes thin, irregular, and cone shaped. CXL halts the progress of keratoconus by increasing the rigidity of the cornea with a single, quick treatment. Treatment CXL is a day procedure done with local anaesthetic. At the Bowen Eye Clinic we use a high fluence corneal cross-linker with accelerated cross-linking to slow the progression of your keratoconus. The cornea is first treated with riboflavin, then, ultra-violet light treatment completes a chemical reaction for collagen cross-linking in the cornea. The procedure treats one eye at a time. Recovery time normally takes 2-5 days. Results Cross-linking has been shown in randomised controlled studies to stop the progression of keratoconus. This will stop your vision worsening and may keep you in glasses or contact lenses and prevent the need for corneal transplantation. Normally only one treatment per eye is required. For diagnosis and treatment for Corneal Cross-Linking call 0800-69-20-20

Astigmatism can be treated at the time of cataract surgery with a Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). These special IOLs are custom ordered to match the astigmatism of each eye. The option of a Toric IOL will discussed with you during your cataract assessment.

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is an alternative to Laser Eye Surgery. An implantable contact lens is placed in the front part of the eye removing your need for glasses. ICL is suitable for people aged 21-45 years old and can treat people with their glasses strength from +10.0 to -18.0D and with people who have astigmatism. ICL is a perfect treatment for those with high strength glasses (refractive error) and excellent for people who have thin corneas. Surgery ICL surgery is performed as a day procedure at Bowen Hospital with a local anaesthetic. The recovery is quick, normally just a few days, and is considered a permanent correction of your vision. Results Excellent vision results can be achieved with Staar Visian ICL. For diagnosis and treatment with an ICL call 0800-69-20-20

A Pterygium (Surfer's Eye) is a wing-shaped growth on the surface of the eye causing redness, irritation and sometimes decreased vision. This is normally due to excess UV light exposure from spending a lot of time outside on the water or snow. A pterygium usually grows on the nose side of the eye but occasionally can grow in from both sides of the eye. A pinguecula is a smaller version of a pterygium that has not yet grown onto the cornea. Surgery Pterygium surgery removes the growth and a small graft from under your eyelid is used to help heal and minimise the chance of a re-growth. To minimise the discomfort, Fibrin glue is used to attach the graft. This also reduces the surgical time. Surgery is done under local anaesthetic at the Bowen Eye Clinic, Bowen Hospital or Southern Cross Hospital in Wellington or Crest Hospital in Palmerston North. There is some mild to moderate discomfort in the recovery period. Results The cosmetic results from pterygium surgery are excellent. There is a low recurrence rate of 1%, which usually occurs after surgery in the first 3 months. We recommend the use of sunglasses to reduce UV light exposure to protect your eyes from sun, wind and dust. For diagnosis and treatment of your Pterygium call 0800-69-20-20

Corneal transplant surgery techniques have advanced in the last 10 years. Current new techniques include partial thickness grafts (DSAEK, DALK) and traditional full thickness grafts such as penetrating keratoplasty. These techniques can treat the common corneal diseases of keratoconus, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and corneal scarring. For diagnosis and treatment for a Corneal Transplant call 0800-69-20-20

Cataract surgery is highly successful in restoring your sight from cataracts. The new intraocular lens used in cataract surgery is very durable and essentially lasts forever. But in a small percentage of cases (<5%) a fog can grow over the vision in the first year after successful cataract surgery or even after 10 years. This is caused by small cells multiplying on the bag that the intraocular lens sits in. It can be easily treated with a YAG Laser posterior capsulotomy. This is minor laser eye surgery performed in the clinic with the YAG Laser during a short visit and has a very fast recovery. Your vision would normally improve by the next day. Call 0800 MY 20 20 to book your consultation with Dr Reece Hall.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure used to treat glaucoma by reducing the pressure in the eye. It can be used as an initial treatment, instead of eye drop medications, or as additional treatment when medications do not adequately reduce your eye pressure. SLT uses short pulses of low energy laser light to target melanin containing cells in a network of tiny channels, called the trabecular meshwork. The aim of the laser surgery is to help fluid drain out of your eye, reducing the intra-ocular pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. SLT procedure is not a cure for glaucoma but it can slow or stop the risk of your glaucoma progressing. Surgery The Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty procedure is done at Bowen Eye Clinic in the purpose built laser surgery facility. The procedure itself only takes 10-15 minutes but allow yourself to be at the clinic for 45 minutes. On the day of the surgery, eye drops will be placed in your eye both before the laser surgery (SLT) and after to decrease the amount of fluid in your eye. This will prevent any increased pressure in your eye after laser treatment. The laser will selectively target melanin containing cells resulting in increased fluid outflow. Results SLT has been used since 1985 and has a proven track record for efficacy. On average, SLT can lower eye pressure by 20-30%. About 80% of people respond to treatment and the effect will last anywhere from 1-5 years. If the treatment is successful, you may be able to reduce the number of eye drops you currently use to manage your glaucoma. The laser is not permanent and the rate of the efficacy loss depends on the individual.

SMILE® Pro - SMall Incision Lenticle Extraction uses the latest advancement in laser vision correction technology to correct high levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism. The keyhole laser eye surgery is minimally invasive, quick and painless with a fast surgery recovery time. This means you can return to work and normal life activities within a couple of days. Surgery SMILE® Pro uses the latest laser vision correction technology - Zeiss VisuMax 800 femotsecond laser - to reshape the cornea. Treatment The laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (called the lenticule) inside the cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small incision (keyhole). This reshapes the cornea to optimise focus and sharpen vision long term. The procedure is done as a day procedure at our purpose built laser eye surgery theatre and only requires eye drops as local anaesthetic. The short surgery time frame allows you to relax and be less nervous as the laser is completed in under 10 seconds. Results SMILE® Pro has a fast visual recovery time. You will need someone to drive you home after the treatment but you should be able to return to work and drive within one day following the procedure. You can return to most exercise and sports within a few days.