Law student Noel Oehlers paid S$3,500 for lasik surgery using a femtosecond laser two weeks ago, and is pleased that his eyesight is now close to perfect.

"I'll be working soon and will probably have to use the computer for long stretches of time. Wearing contact lenses may strain my eyes."

Lasik surgery corrects vision problems such as myopia, long-sightedness and astigmatism by using a laser to reshape the cornea.

In conventional lasik surgery, a metal blade is used to create a corneal flap which is lifted back to allow a laser to work on the cornea.

With the new technology, the flap is cut with a laser beam instead of a blade.

Compared to the conventional method, the femtosecond laser boasts greater accuracy, producing a flap that meets the exact requirements in terms of size and location. Those created by a blade in conventional lasik surgery tend not to be as uniform, appearing thinner or thicker in parts.

"The accuracy and safety of the laser is spot on," said Dr Jon Goh, senior ophthalmic consultant surgeon at The Lasik Surgery Clinic. "However, flap complications from the use of a metal blade are low."

Using a laser to produce a flap also helps eliminate surgical complications like the creation of a partial flap. A botched attempt usually means that patients have to rest their eye for three months before returning for the surgery.

The new technology also reduces the risk of post-surgery infection and the patient's sensitivity to light.

Dr Goh explained: "The patient experiences less glare and halos (rings of light) at night, and research has shown that for the first month after the surgery, recovery from an Intralase surgery is faster compared to conventional lasik, although results even out after three months." - TODAY/ym